Yes, we are deeply immersed in summer, and yet, it’s time to make plans for your children when school resumes in September. Due to parent requests, Sequoia’s Farm School in Olympia started offering an option for half-day school last year from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. along with their full-day option from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Farm School has 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day options for care and accepts children from 3.5 to 7 years of age.
There are also options for Before or After care for families who need extended care. Before Care is from 7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. and After Care is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Olympia School Uses Reggio Emilia Model of Education
The education program at Sequoia’s Farm School is student focused, maintaining importance on social collaboration by encouraging children to work in groups and develop knowledge through communication with others. It is based on principles of respect, responsibility and community through exploration, discovery and play. “Communication, choice, mutual respect, learning through play, creativity and lots of outside time in nature build the framework for Sequoia’s Farm School experiences,” explains Sequoia Hartman, founder and owner.
Sequoia’s Farm School: The Farm is the Classroom
Nature is a powerful, ever-evolving teacher. Days are spent outside on a property that extends over four acres. Every day is a new chance to experience the weather, farm animals, plant life and schoolmates. Children experience playing together and are encouraged to communicate their thoughts and feelings. Learning is geared to the whole student and developing a capable, thoughtful person. Creativity and exploration are two important areas of focus in Sequoia’s programs
Olympia Early Education: Tending to Farm Animals
Kids get to ride ponies at school! Sophie and Lady, the popular ponies, live at the farm. Chickens roam the farm with a peacock. Children feed and provide water for the animals, including 2 alpacas, 2 sheep, 4 pigs, 2 barn cats, 15 chickens, 1 peacock and 2 ponies. Youth are accompanied by an adult to enter the enclosed areas to fill hay troughs and pellet dishes and to gather eggs. The learning that goes along with tending to the needs of animals is much different than reading about it in a book.

Farm-to-Table Learning and Eating at Olympia Farm School
Farmers now need to learn about growing food under shifting conditions. Children get to experience this firsthand. The giant garden is an outdoor laboratory for planning, seeding and watering. It is necessary to pay attention to the effects of weather and insects. There’s planning for crops and figuring out what goes where. There are rows to count and seeds to distribute. Science and biology work hand-in-hand with understanding nutrients in the ground and in the plants and about amounts of watering required in relation to temperature and weather. Don’t forget the joy of watching things grow and doing some farm-to-table cooking to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Wet Science at Sequoia’s Farm School
A seasonal creek – mostly winter – runs along one side of the property with an area of trees for climbing called the Wonder Woods. It’s the perfect environment to explore wildlife, plants, bugs, frogs and other critters. It is another rich teaching experience. There is also a large Mud Kitchen where dirt cupcakes and mud pies are made and served. Making watery messes is perennially fun.
Several large fields are perfect sites for group activities and games. Young learners also have time during the day to be quiet and reflect. Children bring their own lunches while snacks are provided. Most of the day is outside, but there are sheltered areas to use as necessary to get dry and warm up, and for special projects.

We live in a high tech, often low touch world frequently disconnected from ourselves, each other, and our physical world. Sequoia’s Farm School in Olympia helps to foster resilience, make personal connections and interact with our planet. Time outdoors in a stimulating environment and a wonderful opportunity for your young children. Investigate your opportunities at The Farm School and schedule a tour.
Fall 2024 school year begins September 4th and follows the South Bay Elementary School year calendar. Check out the Sequoia Treehouse website for more information and registration. You can also arrange a tour. Parents may also have interest in Sequoia’s Treehouse Children’s Center. For more info call 360.878.9802 or email sequoiastreehouse@gmail.com
Sequoia’s Farm School
3529 Libby Road NE, Olympia
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