Join other families in immersive programs that nurture connection, curiosity, and a love of nature through hands-on outdoor experiences, seasonal adventures, and community-building activities.
We believe children thrive when they have access to outdoor, curiosity-driven learning experiences that nurture their independence, creativity, and connection to the natural world. Whether in forests, schoolyards, or classrooms, we help educators rethink their environments to make space for natural elements, exploration, and discovery - ensuring that children in any setting, including those where outdoor access is limited, can still benefit from nature-inspired learning.
Through training, consulting, and advocacy, our goal is to help families, schools, and communities create learning environments and experiences that nurture curiosity, student autonomy, and a deep connection to the natural world - encouraging all of us to be 'just a little more wild.'
the Painted Oak Approach™
Painted Oak Nature School was founded over a decade ago as a refuge for children and families seeking freedom from the rigors and structure of traditional schooling. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and Forest Schools—blended with the progressive philosophies of Alfie Kohn and the late Sir Ken Robinson—Nicole Langdo built PONS on the unwavering belief that children belong in the wild and learn best when given voice and agency.
The Painted Oak Project is the culmination of Nicole’s passion for outdoor education, her conviction that childhood is disappearing, and the growing body of research urging us all to REWILD.
the recent blog posts.
