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Learning Community
for Kids at the Farm

Mondays

9:30am-12:30pm

Mommy & Me

Imagined for Preschool & Toddlers Ages 2-4

Wednesdays

9:30am-12:30pm

Mommy & Me

Imagined for Preschool & Toddlers Ages 2-4

Wednesdays

12:30pm-3:30pm

Big Kids

Built for 1st - 3rd grade

ages 7-10

Mondays

12:30pm-3:30pm

Little Kids

Blended for Kindergarteners ages 5-6

Spring/Summer: April 7th - August 14th on select dates.

Hurds Farm School

Join our family for unique learning and fun at the farm. Each session will be themed with lessons aligned with NY state standards, engaging STEM activities, and plenty of opportunities to make friends and play together. 

 

Our lead educator is a versatile and experienced educator with 15+ years of experience in teaching. She has worked as an elementary 5th grade teacher in charter schools in Pennsylvania and New York and with children of various ages 2-10, backgrounds, and abilities. She also possesses a strong background in special education and family mental health. She enjoys creating engaging lessons in Science, Math, Literacy, and Spanish utilizing various teaching methods, and fostering a supportive learning environment. She is an enthusiast of utilizing multicultural art, literature, music, yoga, and movement to reinforce learning and nurture a child's passions and interests. Currently, she is self-employed as a teacher/tutor in Spanish, family yoga pop-up events, and hosts gratis family literacy workshops at Gardiner Library titled "For the Love of Literacy." She is a wife, mother of 2 young boys and her hobbies include learning to play the ukulele, singing, and graphic/web design. 

All levels include approximately 2 hours of structured activities with one of our farm instructors. During the last hour of each class students will be able to go play on the giant slide and kids corral playground area with their parent and other students from their class. 

Mommy & Me Classes

Each toddler/preschool session will include some combination of music, dancing, games, storytime, crafts, and team-building fun. Caregivers are expected to help keep their little ones focused and be another set of eyes, ears, and hands in our community classroom. The whole family will be ready for lunch and a nap by the end.

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Little Kids

Five and six year old's are a special bunch! Still into all the little kid stuff, but big enough to do some of the big kid stuff. We are blending our preschool activities with out big kid activities to meet the needs of these kindergarteners. Caregivers will be expected to be activate helpers for part of the class, but also give students some space to learn and play with just their teacher and friends.

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Big Kid Classes

1st, 2nd, & 3rd grade sessions will be themed and include ELA, Math, and a STEM-based activity. Every day will include team building and opportunities to make new friends. Some days will include hands-on farm learning out in the field. Caregivers are welcome to wait nearby in a parent lounge as this is not yet a drop-off program.

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Will the classes be every week?

No. They will be twice a month on the following dates:

  • MONDAY CLASSES: April 7th, April 21st, May 12th, May 26th, June 9th, June 23rd, July 14th, July 28th, August 11th.

  • WEDNESDAY CLASSES: April 9th, April 23rd, May 14th, May 28th, June 11th, June 25th, July 16th, July 30th, August 13th.

What types of topics will you be teaching?

Each week we will have a different theme for our lessons.  Some will be inspired by what is happening at the farm, others may be about types of farming that happens in other parts of the country. Every day will be unique, with activities based on our chosen topic. We do plan to have classroom routines that our students will become used to. We will be working around the farm and mother natures schedule, so a list of topics by date will not be provided ahead of time.

What is the cost for the classes?

Each class is $36 per student and $28 per sibling.  Toddlers under 1 are free with a paying sibling. The sibling discount applies to siblings in different classes, but each child can only participate in their class. Sign up for all 9 weeks before March 1st and SAVE $72!

Can I sign up for individual classes?

Students who sign up for spring and summer will be given priority to register for classes. We plan to keep groups small with around 12 students per class. If there is space in any class on April 1st we will do the following: Create a summer only option for students to sign up for the 3 summer classes. Create a spring pack for the remainder of spring classes. Create a sign up for individual spring classes by date. Our goal is to create classroom of learners who build relationships over a course of time.

Are there make up classes or refunds if a student misses a class?

There are no refunds if you have to miss a class, nor is there a time that you could make up the missed class.

Will the farm be open to the public?

At this time, we will not be regularly open to the public this Spring and Summer. There is a Grow Your Own Apple Tree Workshop on April 12th & 13th. We are also open for field trips and site rentals.

Will the classes be canceled if it rains?

Classes are rain or shine. We have plenty of space to modify our lessons to be indoors more than out, but the farm is sometimes even more fun in the rain! If you need to cancel for any reason, there are no refunds, but you could let a family you know take your spot.

Is there a registration fee or sign up deadline?

Since guardians are staying on property there is no registration fee. We look forward to getting to know your family and building our kid-learning community. Students must be paid for at least 1 week before the class date, but we recommend signing up earlier as there are only limited spots available.

What do we need to bring with us?

Please bring drinks and snacks. Dress for the weather: hat, sunscreen, jacket, rain boots. Some basic school supplies would be helpful but not necessary. We will be supplying all materials for the activities.

What if my children are not the ages recommended?

Older siblings are welcome in younger classes for the same price. We would like to keep our big kid class minimum age of 7. Little Kids is for 5 & 6 year olds, but older siblings are welcome. Please contact us if you have more questions specifically about your family.

Can my child attend even if they are not homeschooled, but on summer vacation?

Yes! We are a learning community and all are welcome, but we recommend you sign up early to reserve your spot.

Select Dates Farm School

2024 Kid Farm School Highlights

Learning Together on the Farm with Friends

Apple Picking

Monday, September 8th

Pumpkin Picking

Monday, October 27th

Preschool Ages 2-4

9am-10:45am

Fall: Preschool and Homeschool Field Trips

Want to bring your school or class on an apple picking or pumpkin picking field trip?

INFO FOR 2025 COMING SOON

Small groups are welcome on Fridays & Mondays.

Large groups on Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday

Check out our Plan Your Visit page to learn more.

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