Our Program
"Our mission is for children to develop a respect for the importance of farming in the rural community, while experiencing self growth in knowledge, friendship and spirit."
Our educational program introduces children to learning in a unique farm environment. Our students spend every day outside exploring nature, caring for animals, tending gardens and so much more. We pride ourselves on building learning communities with children of mixed ages. Our children learn through hands-on activities and are immersed in valuable experiences in nature enabling them to learn things that can be applied to real-life experiences.
At Ballentine Farm Education Center, we nurture the natural curiosity in every child to foster a love of learning to last a lifetime. Our students experience meaningful learning in a variety of classrooms, including gardens, barns, ponds, orchards, berry patches, animal pens, and of course our education centers. Together, our students develop a community of diverse thinkers, who use a variety of learning strategies to navigate their world. Our program is centered around the belief that every child is an important contributing member to our learning community.
Attending school in a farm environment grants our students the ability to learn directly from nature. In the spring, we visit our pond to learn about the life cycle of frogs. The students search for frog eggs, catch tadpoles, and later seek out frogs. In the Fall, we visit our turkeys and pumpkin patches. When the weather does not permit us to be outside, we often take on STEM challenges indoors.
Curriculm
Our curriculum is based on the Virginia State Standards, which provides the basis for our innovative academic program. Our hands-on model of learning empowers students to become self-directed learners and confident leaders. Many STEM, STEAM, project based learning, collaborative learning, and humanities programs provide opportunities for our children to apply their knowledge and problem solving skills to creative learning experiences.
Our holistic curriculum consists of reading, writing, math, science, social studies, art, music, mindfulness, and physical education. Assessment of each child's individual learning modality allows instruction to be directed to specific learning styles. Through small class sizes (5:1 student-teacher ratio) and a faculty passionate about teaching, we ensure the classroom is a place where students develop their ability to think critically and creatively, building a strong accademic foundation. Our emphasis on social and emotional development starts early and cultivates students with a deep understanding of the difference one person can make, when charcter and values are developed.
General Information
Our elementary educational program instructs students Kindergarten through Fifth grade. We are open to all types of learners. Our low teacher to student ratio allows us to meet our students where they are developmentally and educationally. Our programs allow us the flexibility to place students according to their development needs rather then solely based on chronological age.
Classes run from 8:45am - 2:45pm.
Please contact us for tuition fees.
Mindfulness
Our students practice mindfulness in the classroom to increase focus, memory, compassion, and calmness. Learning to be in-tune with the present moment allows students to make sound decisions rather then be overwhelmed by their emotions. Mindfulness plays a key role in emotional regulation and prosocial behavior for children, and as such it is a part of our daily routine here at the farm.
Mindfulness is practiced in a variety of ways. Students are taught deep breathing and listening techniques to calm the mind and body. Strategies for combating stress and anxiety are essential for learning self-regulation. Students are presented with a multitude of strategies and given the opportunity to find what works best for them. Yoga is also incorporated into mindfulness to enhance the mind-body connection.
Our goal is to teach our students how to live in the present moment without judgement.
For questions or to schedule a tour, please contact Debbie Ballentine at debbie@ballentinefarm.com.
Students practice mindfulness both in the classroom and outside.