REVIEW OF Saplings Nature School BY parent, Katrina Lazzarotto

(5) Student Experience

My kids absolutely love Saplings—it was the change we all needed after coming from a public elementary school in VSB, where outdoor time wasn’t prioritized. They thrive in the freedom and less restrictive nature of the school, where children can arrive at a time that suits their families and are met with respect and joy the moment they connect with their classmates. One of the biggest factors contributing to my boys' positive start to the day is the 30-minute buffer of outdoor playtime before instruction begins. This break helps them transition from the morning rush, allowing them to settle into their bodies, no matter how they woke up. The kindness and respect they receive from teachers and TAs make them feel safe, encouraging them to share their ideas, games, and personalities with their peers. Additionally, the supportive friendships and positive group dynamics have given my boys the confidence to unmask and be themselves, helping them form deeper connections with other kids.

(5) School Leadership

10/10. Early into our time at the school, we experienced an incident with my son—something he had encountered many times before at his previous school. But this time the response was completely different. Instead of jumping to conclusions or quick solutions, the teachers and administration took the time to truly understand the problem. They reached out with a detailed email outlining the steps they took to connect with my child before making any assumptions. Their integrity and care in handling the situation were instrumental in building trust, not only for my son but for us as parents as well. Knowing he could fully trust his teachers and school leadership made all the difference. It was a really special moment, and we are forever grateful for our kids’ teachers—shoutout to Kyra and Trevor!

(5) Teaching

The teachers, helpers, and administration at the school are absolutely amazing—keep it up! It would be great to know how we, as parents, can better support them so they can continue their incredible work. One of the things we truly appreciate is how approachable and available the teachers are, always making time to chat before or after school. The more rest and rewards we can offer to help them thrive, the better. It would be wonderful to explore ways the PAC or parents could contribute—perhaps by providing perks like lunches, services, or anything else that might make their days easier. Overall, we are so happy with everyone we’ve met, and our kids absolutely love them!

(4) Academics

I love how much outdoor time the kids get! For my energetic boys, in particular, the combination of outdoor play and tactile activities like weaving, art, and building has been invaluable—it helps them regulate before absorbing the teaching. I would love to see even more outdoor survival skills incorporated, such as compass reading, fire building, cedar weaving, and plant identification, especially with more Indigenous-led teachings. We are absolutely grateful for the in-depth learning they did about the salmon lifecycle (Pinecones). The supplement of Kayden’s reading program has been transformational for our family—we are so grateful for him; he’s incredible. It would also be wonderful to see a language option integrated into school hours, whether French or Spanish, to provide an immersive second-language learning experience. Additionally, I’d love to see even more emphasis on art and creative expression, allowing kids to fully immerse themselves in artistic exploration.

(3) Extracurriculars

I would love to get my program running during school hours to offer an in-school soccer program for the kids in a non-competitive setting—one that teaches them how to participate in sports with a focus on teamwork, care, and community. It would be amazing for kids to have a wider access to music, sports, and language learning during school hours, allowing their after-school and weekend time to be spent resting, connecting with friends, family, and their community.

(4.5) Students

I love the small class sizes and the student-teacher ratio—it has made a significant difference in the kids’ ability to connect and receive the attention they need from their instructors. However, some questions have come up regarding how the school supports kids who need more assistance, particularly in moments of dysregulation or big emotional outbursts. How are these situations handled, and what impact do they have on the rest of the class, especially for students who require more focused time, deeper learning, or advanced instruction? Additionally, I would love to see yoga or meditation incorporated into the regular school day—not just as a reactive tool when problems arise but as a daily practice to help kids develop emotional regulation skills and cultivate respect for mindfulness as an ongoing habit.

(5) School Life

My kids asked to come home a month early from Mexico because they missed their school and friends so much—that speaks volumes about the incredible work you’re doing. We are so grateful for everything you provide for our kids. They love their grinds, and the way the school creates a safe space for them to be themselves while also guiding them to be kind and thoughtful within their learning groups is huge. It helps them grow into better members of society. I would love to support the atmosphere and friendships in any way I can, and I truly believe my programs could supplement what’s already working so well, aligning with the school’s values and environment. Additionally, I’d love to see a long-term project that students work on throughout the term—perhaps something like construction, sewing, or weaving that builds on what has already been started. Individual projects that come together into a larger group creation, like a mini building construction (concept, design, and build) or a quilt where each student sews their own patch to contribute to the whole, would be a fantastic way to foster collaboration and creativity.

(3.5) Community

I absolutely love the sense of community at the school. However, I would love to see more initiative for community building from the dads as well. The moms and PAC are incredibly involved, loving, and proactive in organizing events, but too often, the responsibility falls on a handful of passionate moms who simply can’t do it all. I’m joining in to help lighten the load, but it would be amazing to see more dads step up and get involved—how do we get the school to help us fight the patriarchy? Haha! On another note, it would be wonderful to have more community members engaged with the school, using the space to foster deeper connections. For example, retired folks could lead sewing, weaving, or beading workshops as volunteers, allowing parents to be involved without always having to take on the organizing role. Since so much of parenting is already about constant organizing, reducing that burden would make it easier for more people to participate.

(5) School Location

I love it—I love the trees and the natural surroundings. However, the road is a bit scary, and I’d love to see more structures in place to warn drivers to slow down for the safety of the kids. Perhaps having crossing guards from 8:30 to 9:30 would help create a safer environment. I also really appreciate all the different areas you travel to with the kids during the day. It offers them variety while also allowing them to become familiar with the neighbourhood, which is so important for their sense of place and community.

(5) Admissions

I'd recommend the tour, along with the one-on-one time with the leadership and children to explore the space and connect with the school without anyone else there. The separate parent and kids tours made the experience even better, allowing each group to take in the environment in their own way. We truly loved how comfortable it felt—the space is set up with open arms and a welcoming energy. The balance between covered/gated outdoor areas and the indoor nooks provides a wonderful variety of learning locations, allowing students to engage in different ways based on their needs.