What we’re about…
In 2021, we saw a need for an outdoor, hands-on learning environment and started Muddy Puddles Preschool. There have been close to 50 students who have gone through Muddy Puddles, and it continues to be a fun, loving, and engaging program.
When our children aged out of Muddy Puddles, we saw an additional need to provide a similar experience for school-aged children. Wild Roots has been a dream years in the making, and we are thrilled to start our adventure!
Our Story
We believe children learn best when they are engaged, supported, and free to explore the world around them. Our educational philosophy is rooted in the power of outdoor-based free play, where curiosity and creativity flourish naturally.
In our mixed-age classrooms, children learn alongside one another, fostering empathy, leadership, and collaboration.
We offer standards-based, individualized instruction that honors each child’s unique learning path, allowing them to progress at their own pace and build confidence along the way.
Most importantly, we believe that learning should be joyful—full of wonder, movement, and FUN—because when children love learning, growth comes easy!
Our Philosophy
Outside Everyday
Starting and ending the day outside helps children develop resilience, adaptability, and a strong connection to the natural world. Outdoor play encourages movement, creativity, and problem solving, all essential for healthy cognitive and social development. Experiencing all kinds of weather fosters a sense of wonder and builds comfort with the unpredictability of nature. Most importantly, it grounds children in rhythm and routine, creating a calm and joyful transition into and out of the school day. We also jam out to awesome music and have a ton of fun!
Small Class Sizes
With limited enrollment, our low student-to-teacher ratio allows for more personalized attention, deeper relationships, and individualized support that helps each child thrive.
Curriculum + Assessment
Full-Time Program
Our full-time students will be utilizing a homeschooling curriculum called “Bookshark”. Each student will be assessed and provided their own individualized curriculum catered to their learning levels across all core subject areas including math, language arts, handwriting, science, and social studies. See our Curriculum page for further details.
Home School Supplemental Program
Families interested in the part-time program (T/Th.) will use “The Good and the Beautiful” and will be supported to complete weekly homeschooling tasks. More information on this curriculum can be found on their website: The Good and the Beautiful. Parents will partner with Mrs. McDonough by homeschooling and working through the lessons on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Mrs. McDonough will instruct from the curriculum at Wild Roots on Tu/Th. This program option is ideal for families that want to homeschool, but would enjoy the support of another educator working with their family.
Schedule Flexibility
We provide multiple scheduling/program options to fit the needs of your family.
- 5 Days - M - F (full time + “Enrichment Friday”)
- 4 Days - M - Th. (full-time academic instruction)
- 2 Days - T / Th. (part-time, supplemental academic w/ Mrs. McDonough)
- Daily aftercare option available until 3:00pm.
Program Overview
Hours: 8:45 am-2:00 pm (2:00-3:00 after care available)
Our curriculum is designed to be taught 4 days a week (M-Th.). Fridays will be focused on extending learning or student-led learning projects.
Our daily schedule provides a balance between outdoor, unstructured free play and rigorous academic instruction across all core subject areas.
8:45-9:45 - Outdoor free play (rain or shine!)
9:45-10:00 - Transition inside, snack
10:00-12:00 - Academic instruction
12:00-1:00 - Lunch and indoor, collaborative free play / exploration
1:00-2:00 - Outdoor free play + Pick-up
2:00-3:00 - Optional aftercare (additional $5/day)
A Day at Wild Roots…
For the 2025/2026 school year, Wild Roots will be leasing an amazing space from The Anchor Church* in Stevensville, MI. Sitting on almost an acre of open and wooded outdoor space, we will have the freedom to explore. The indoor space has access to a main classroom, small group classrooms, kitchen, and boys & girls bathrooms.
*Wild Roots is a secular educational program and operates independently of The Anchor Church.