Radical Regenerative Farming & Education
Discover and Embark on an extraordinary journey at Hamilton Pool Nature Academy and Farm School
Nature Academy
Full-time or Part-time Private School
Embark on an extraordinary journey, where learners grades K-5 discover the profound connection between education and nature.
Taking place on a organic, regenerative farm, we provide a nurturing environment where we use a holistic approach to foster lifelong learners who cherish nature's wonders, embrace creativity, independence, and critical thinking through a student-led curriculum and engaging hands-on STEM exploration. Full-time or part-time available!
School hours are Monday through Thursday (8:30am - 3:30pm) and Friday Farm School day (9am - 2pm).
Calendar year begins August 13, 2024, and concludes May 23, 2025
Farm School
Friday Program
For ages 3-16. Our Friday Farm School program immerses students in outdoor learning opportunities on our sustainable organic biodynamic farm and surrounding natural preserve. Our land is a living classroom for kids to explore, experience, and connect with the fascinating natural diversity found in nature & on a working farm. We offer a dynamic, 100% outdoor Waldorf inspired curriculum provided by our team of experienced gardening and outdoor educators. Our program is offered year-round with camps offered during spring, winter & summer breaks.
Herbalism & Homestead Adventures
For ages 8-13. Immerse your child in the enriching world of homesteading and herbalism with our Herbalism & Homestead Adventures Program. This unique, hands-on learning experience combines the essentials of sustainable living with the profound knowledge of medicinal herbs. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant homestead, our classes offer a journey into the heart of nature and self-sufficiency.
Program Highlights:
Homesteading Skills:
Cooking from Scratch: Students will learn how to prepare meals using fresh, organic ingredients from the Homestead & Hamilton Pool Farms.
Fermenting: Hands-on experience in making fermented foods.
Gardening: Understanding the basics of planting, growing, and harvesting vegetables and herbs.
Raising Farm Animals: Practical skills in caring for chickens,ducks, geese, and other farm animals.
Practical Life Skills: Activities like sewing, making sourdough starter and bread, creating butter, yogurt and cheese.
Herbalism:
Medicinal Herbs: Dive deep into the world of medicinal herbs, learning about their uses in basic first aid, nutrition, and how they support various body systems.
Growing and Harvesting: Students will grow their own herbs in the garden, learning about planting, nurturing, and harvesting.
Making Herbal Medicines: Turning harvested herbs into medicinal products such as tinctures, salves, and teas, which students can take home.
Sustainable Living: Follows the rhythms of the seasons!
Fire Building: Learn the basics of building a safe and effective fire. Cooking over fire and how our ancients used fire for so many things in their daily life & culture.
Creating with Natural Fibers: Hands-on projects using natural fibers that come from the land.
The Homestead and Herbalism Adventures Program is designed to not only teach these invaluable skills and connection to our food source and nature, but to connect with the seasons, further deepening our connection and overall health. This program runs by seasonal semesters, 10 weeks at a time, on Tuesdays, in the Fall, Winter, & Spring. Camps will be available in the summer.
Fall Semester: Wednesdays, Sept 11 - Nov. 13 (9am - 2pm)
Cost: $575 for 10-week semester
Includes all materials & take home items.
Please note: This program is located at our Spicewood Homestead location (NOT at Hamilton Pool Farms)
CSA & FARM STORE
Our 65-acre property includes an established 10-acre vineyard and a 1.5-acre regenerative farm. We offer:
Fresh produce & herbs grown using organic and biodynamic methods
Organic, pastured soy & corn-free eggs
Raw A-2 Whole milk
Grass-fed, grass-finished beef
Organic free range, soy & corn free chicken
Organic pickles & ferments
Farm Camp
For ages 4-10. Time to get outside and play! Even during the Texas summer. Farm Camp at Hamilton Pool Farms provides endless opportunities for kids to connect with the natural world while experiencing the rhythms of a working farm. Each camp day is designed to inspire a connection with and love of nature and the outdoors.
Activities include working with chickens (feeding, giving water, collecting eggs, learning all about them), planting in the green house & garden, harvesting vegetables, cooking delicious organic snacks, crafts, group games, songs, stories, and so much more. We cool off at the end of each day with water play and games under our shady oaks.
We are doing all the above on the farm in the morning, then at lunchtime, we head indoors to eat. After lunch, half the class is outside enjoying water play while the other half is indoors doing crafts and activities. Then the classes switch. We stay very mindful of hydrating all day.
EVENTS & WORKSHOPS
Check out our events calendar for the latest adult workshops, farm visit days and farm-to-table experiences.
CSA PROGRAM
Join our CSA to receive a box of locally-grown, freshly-harvested produce on a weekly basis while enjoying our amazing produce at the peak of the growing season. We have 3 different sizes to choose from and you can pick up from the farm, your local farmers market or get it delivered direct to you!
VOLUNTEER
Learn all about sustainable agriculture, literally from the ground, while helping our farm thrive! We have plenty of volunteer and internship opportunities available for all experience levels, including planting, harvesting, weeding, chicken care, building, painting and more.
Follow our journey.
