Element Learning Collaborative was formed in 2018 by co-founders, Cristy O’Brien & Rachel Medeiros. Both with a background in education and little ones at home, wanted an alternative to traditional schooling for their children and a desire for the community that school can provide.

After familiarizing themselves with the interspersed classes, programs and co-ops for homeschooling families, they felt like something was missing. They were inspired by center-based homeschooling programs such as North Star, Sudbury Valley, and The Macomber Center in Framingham, but wanted something closer to home, with a focus on nature.

Having already fallen in love with forest schools and nature-based programs, and the nurturing and self-directed learning styles of Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio Emelia, they knew they wanted to incorporate these aspects into their own children’s learning experiences. The connection and community that full-day, long term programs offered, combined with the philosophies of forest schools and the aforementioned education models, came together to create Elements Nature Program (ENP). Summer Elements Nature Camp was designed as a fun way to share the Elements experience in week long sessions, with our many friends in traditional schools.

Our Philosophy

Elements Nature Program offers a healthy alternative learning option for Southcoast families with the ideal that “play is the work of children….” (J. Piaget).

We believe that in order for learning to be impactful, it should be applicable, intrinsically motivating, and therefore fun.  Our method is a hands-on learning approach providing the right conditions for each child to grow academically, socially, physically and emotionally.  This natural, yet innovative and progressive pedagogy allows children to explore and connect with their world in a positive way.  Making positive and nurturing connections at the beginning and throughout one's education is important to how one interprets, relates, and reacts to new information.  Elements Nature Program offers children the opportunity to make healthy connections to the natural world and our community.  

Our Vision

Elements Learning Collaborative, Inc. will utilize nature and our community as the wellspring of resources to create an open-ended emergent curriculum that allows children to  play and grow into lifelong learners and teachers. Based on the seasons, the curriculum will allow for students’ interests and multiple intelligences to lead the flow through a holistic learning experience.  We believe that a healthy connection to one's community is crucial for children to become positive contributors to society. Learning at Elements Nature Program includes, but is not limited to:

• Exploring & Engaging with Nature

• Gardening & Foraging

• Hand crafts & Life Skills

• Literacy & Mathematics

• Geography & Social Studies

• Science & Engineering

• Social/Emotional Skills

• Art & Music

• Movement, Yoga & Meditation