Question 1

What does a day at Field School look like?

Accepted Answer

Field School is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The general rhythm of the day follows this outline:

9:00-9:30 am			Drop Off
9:30					Hike to Base Camp
9:40					Welcome Circle and Snack
9:50					Main Lesson + Exploration 
11:00					Talk as group about exploration findings
11:30					Lunch 
12:00					Nature Journaling
12:15					Games
12:45					Closing Circle - Gratitude
1:00					Pick up

Question 2

What ages can attend Field School?

Accepted Answer

Children between the ages of 5-10.

Question 3

What is the tuition?

Accepted Answer

For 2023-2024, tuition is $120 per month for 1 day per week and $200 per month for 2 days per week. There is a 30% sibling discount as well. Enrollees can choose between one day or both days. Tuition is paid monthly, although if preferred, it can be paid in full. If paid monthly, tuition is due by check on the first class meeting of the month. For information on scholarships, please contact us.

Question 4

What role do parents/guardians play?

Accepted Answer

Helena Field School is a drop-off school. However, to keep our tuition affordable, we rely heavily on parental involvement. Parents will be required to volunteer as assistants each month. The number of times per month will depend on the number of students. Their role will be to help take the site down, assist the facilitator as necessary in activities, and be another available adult to the learners when needed.

Question 5

Do you really spend all of your day outside???

Accepted Answer

For the most part, yes! In order to do that, appropriate gear is necessary! Once you enroll, we will send you a gear checklist to make sure your student stays comfortable each day. In the event of severe, unsafe weather in the forecast, we will cancel class. You will be notified at least 24 hours in advance. HOWEVER, we also value other resources in our community, from organizations to personal businesses, so we will occasionally be inside for part of a day during a field trip.

Question 6

What curriculum do you follow?

Accepted Answer

We use our own unique place-based curriculum. Topics include physical and cultural geography, ecology, hydrology, biology, geology, history, and art. As we explore place-based topics and use a cross-curricular approach, our projects overlap core academic subjects, such as science, language arts, mathematics, social studies, physical education, and art. To see a sampling of projects we have done, visit our Projects page.

Question 7

Where is class held?

Accepted Answer

Classes take place in various public and private nature destinations throughout the Helena Valley and surrounding mountains and hills. Environments include wetlands, streams, forests, grasslands, and mountains. Locations are chosen based on the seasons, weather, naturally occurring events in nature, and group interests. Therefore, our schedule and locations are subject to change. Enrolled families will be emailed on Sunday before 6:00 pm for the week’s location.

Question 8

Can I enroll anytime throughout the year?

Accepted Answer

Yes! (As long as there are spaces available.) There are no contracts, so you can enroll or leave anytime.

Question 9

Where do I find an enrollment form?

Accepted Answer

You can download an enrollment form on our Field School Page. If you have trouble downloading it, just email us, and we will send one to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a day at Field School look like?

What ages can attend Field School?

What is the tuition?

What role do parents/guardians play?

Do you really spend all of your day outside???

What curriculum do you follow?

Where is class held?

Can I enroll anytime throughout the year?

Where do I find an enrollment form?

Email us with
any questions:

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a day at Field School look like?

What ages can attend Field School?

What is the tuition?

What role do parents/guardians play?

Do you really spend all of your day outside???

What curriculum do you follow?

Where is class held?

Can I enroll anytime throughout the year?

Where do I find an enrollment form?

Email us with any questions:

Email us with
any questions: