Welcome to Sunbeam
Earth-Based Learning for the New Generation
West Petaluma, CA
Every child deserves ample time outdoors to play, explore, and move. At Sunbeam Nature School, our mission is to enable children and their families to get outside and play, celebrating and connecting with the joy and beauty of nature around us and within us.
We are a working & learning farm where we practice regenerative agriculture to honor the earth and water.
We fight climate change through gardening, shepherding, and community events. We host a year-round, tuition free co-op school for children ages 2 to 6 six years old and classes and camps for school-age children 4 years old and up.
Enrollment Open for the 2024 Summer and Fall!
Our early childhood program for 2-6-year-olds is now a parent Co-op!
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The Co-op is comprised of 12 children max each day. The mixed-age groups enable older children to mentor younger children; our ratio of 1:4 enables us to differentiate the learning experiences and work in small groups.
We are accepting applications for summer and fall 2024. Families who enroll will pay a monthly membership to cover supplies, materials, and administrative costs, and each family will be required to work two or three half-day shifts per month with the children, 8:30am - 12:45pm, with an additional monthly or weekly volunteer work requirement. The co-op community collectively decides on the enrichment class budget for each semester.
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We offer an afternoon program that incorporates rest time. Please message us for details.
Nature Camps & Afternoon Classes for ages 4+
Outdoor play, gardening and farm animals, with co-authored, child-directed creative projects and nature studies, guided by experienced educators!
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Fall Break Camps: Four-day weeks Sep 23, Sep 30, Oct 7
Day Camps on Sep 27, Oct 4, Oct 11, Nov
8:30am - 2:30pm
How to Tour
The first step is to apply. You can choose a visit day in the drop-down menu of the registration form.
We offer visit days at least once a month, typically on Thursdays at 10:00am or at 1:30pm.
You may also RSVP for an upcoming event! ​
Our next event is Fall Equinox Planting and Rain Prep Party
David Sobel
"What's important is that children have an opportunity to bond with nature, to learn to love it, before being asked to heal its wounds."