Unlocking Curiosity
Barnyard Academy proudly adheres to the highest standards in education. We provide a supportive environment where your child can thrive and grow while exploring all of the wonder the natural world has to offer.
A nature-based curriculum school offering part-time preschool classes for children age three to five.
BARNYARD ACADEMY MISSION
Unique and Valuable
We believe that children thrive in an environment which values their uniqueness, while providing freedom to grow emotionally, socially and cognitively. Building early reading, writing, math, science, problem solving and social skills in a farm setting markedly enhances early development. Barnyard Academy's location provides an extraordinary opportunity for children to participate in activities such as gardening, egg hatching, composting, animal study and more. These unique experiences ignite curiosity and enrich learning and creativity.
“The power of imagination makes us infinite.”
John Muir
OUR ROOTS
Nature-Based Learning
Think. Reason. Question. Experiment. These are just a few of the skills and qualities that children develop at Barnyard Academy. All activities are designed to adequately nurture the emotional and intellectual growth of our students. Through stimulating indoor and outdoor classroom settings, and hands-on learning opportunities, young children are encouraged to explore the natural world.
"The senses, being explorers of the world, open the way to knowledge.”
Maria Montessori
CURRICULUM
A FUSION OF TRADITIONAL LEARNING PRACTICES IN A NATURAL SETTING
Barnyard Academy's uniquely tailored program is anchored by the HighScope Preschool Curriculum, an approach to learning used in many Head Start Programs nationwide. HighScope focuses on integrating social-emotional learning content with academic subjects like early reading, writing, math and science concepts.
Our founder and director, Miss Sam, selected the HighScope Preschool Curriculum because it closely aligns with her personal educational philosophy. A belief that when children learn in a natural environment, with tactile and tangible learning experiences, conceptual comprehension and retainment is significantly enhanced.
Nature-based education is simply the combination of high-quality early childhood learning practices with high-quality environmental education practices. In a nutshell, nature is our focal theme interwoven through all areas of curriculum content. As such, instructional time is spent outdoors whenever possible.
Combining active participatory learning in an outdoor classroom setting, or bringing the outdoors in, increases preschool subject mastery. Joined with a play-based environment, well-structured routines and intentional teaching practices; children at Barnyard Academy gain knowledge, skill and learn to be critical, independent thinkers. Additionally, our curriculum aligns with Tennessee Early Learning Developmental Standards for three and four year olds.
Khalil Gibran
“Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.”
ABOUT OUR DIRECTOR
At Barnyard Academy, we hire passionate, dedicated and caring teachers who are committed to making a difference in children’s lives. Take a look below to learn more about our team, and reach out with any questions.
SAMANTHA WHITE
Director and Teacher
Miss Sam is the primary teacher at Barnyard Academy and holds a Master's Degree in Childhood Education from Sage Graduate School in Troy, NY. In addition, she is a mom and manages Double Donkey Farm - home to Barnyard Academy. With a nurturing personality, hands-on approach toward learning and an intense love for plant and animal science, Miss Sam is committed to helping children explore and learn in nature.
To learn more about our staff, get in touch.
OUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Sarge and Peg Leg
School Mascots
CONTACT US
Interested in learning more about Barnyard Academy? Please feel free to get in touch, and Miss Sam will get back to you as soon as possible.
6759 Greenbrier Cemetery Rd
Greenbrier, Robertson County 37073
USA
615-643-4379