Naturalist
Learning, Playing, and Exploring Together
Open Connections empowers young people and adults to create the life they want, full of purpose and fulfillment.
Depending on the group’s interest, we may also delve into the world of Citizen Science. Projects may include Cornell’s FeederWatch Program, Phenology through the National Phenology Network (NPN), or creek studies through Stroud Water Research Center.
Basic guidelines for Naturalist Group. By September, participants:
- Are able to smoothly transition from one activity to another.
- Are willing to engage in writing activities and read passages for meaning and information.
- Have an understanding of basic mathematical operations and a developing understanding of fractions and decimals in real life situations.
- Have a growing self awareness of the impact of their actions and words on peers and facilitators.
- Are willing to be outdoors in all different weather – heat, sun, rain, snow, etc.
To truly THRIVE in Naturalist Group, participants would:
- Be eager to try a wide variety of projects and activities.
- Be willing to stretch themselves and develop new skills.
- Bring a positive and proactive mindset to the program.
- Be willing to balance the needs/wishes of the individual with the needs/wishes of the group.
Open Program
(ages 4 – 10)
Group Programs
(ages 7 – 18)
Explorations Programs
(ages 9 – 18)
Program OVERVIEW for 2026-27
Program | Ages | Days | Time | Tuition |
4 – 10 | M, T, W and/or Th (attend 1-4 days) | 9:00am – 2:30pm | $4,860/day, annually (range is $1,000-$4,860*) | |
Open Group (two day program) | 7 – 9 | T and Th | 9:00am – 2:30pm | $9,720/annually (range is $2,000 – $9,720*) |
Group 1 (two day program) | 9 – 11 | T and Th | 9:00am – 2:30pm | $9,720/annually (range is $2,000 – $9,720*) |
10 – 14 | M | 9:00am – 2:30pm | $4,860 annually (range is $1,000-$4,860*) | |
Group 2 (two day program) | 11 – 13 | T and Th | 9:00am – 2:30pm | $9,720/annually (range is $2,000 – $9,720*) |
Group 3 (two day program) | 13 – 15 | T and Th | 9:00am – 2:30pm | $9,720/annually (range is $2,000 – $9,720*) |
Shaping Your Life (two day program) | 15 – 18 | T and Th | 9:00am – 3:30pm | $10,300/annually (range is $2,000 – $10,300*) |
9 – 12 | W | 9:00am – 2:30 pm | $4,860/annually (range is $1,000-$4,860*) | |
12 – 18 | W | 9:00am – 2:30 pm | $4,860/annually (range is $1,000-$4,860*) |
* Typical tuition range based on demonstrated financial need and available funding.
WHAT OUR COMMUNITY HAS TO SAY:
“I am grateful beyond measure, and without words to adequately express how deeply I have appreciated all that each and every one of you have brought to our lives, in your countless and unique ways.”
– Kelly, OC Alum Parent and OC Facilitator
“I feel like I learn things faster because of how I am naturally curious. OC’s encouragement to pursue your natural curiosity is a big part of learning.”
– Garrett, OC Alum
“I find that the skills I have learned throughout my time at Open Connections and as a homeschooler are valuable and I will continue to use them for years to come. I appreciate that I have the freedom to choose what I want to focus on learning, and I feel like I have a lot of control over how I want my life to go because of that level of freedom.”
– Eva, OC Alum
“The model of Partnership Education suits our family’s needs beautifully. We appreciate the people, resources, and meaningful experiences that are available to our young people. OC continues to make our vision for a purposeful education a reality, and that’s a dream come true us. We can’t imagine anything better.”
– Lizzie, OC Parent
“Open Connections has introduced us to such a wide variety of ideas, experiences and people that we would have missed out on otherwise. We feel grateful for each opportunity OC has provided for our family!”
– Heather, OC Parent
“I love OC, and I like Choice the most! I love drawing and reading and making graphic novels. Homeschooling is fun.”
– Søren, OC Youth
“What do I love most? Being free! I love being outside so much. And I get to learn about snakes! Homeschooling is covering everything and it is making it fun, and we are learning more this way. I love OC, especially Thursdays and Tuesdays.”
– Silas, OC Youth
“We are constantly exploring new things. I like that there is structure to our learning but that can change depending on what the young people want.”
– Ollie, OC Youth
“OC is such a special place and differs from other learning environments in so many ways! One aspect of OC that I have always appreciated is how much OC values mutual respect. Facilitators do not look down on the young people, no matter what age they are, but instead treat them as equals.”
– Hannah, OC Alum
“Because it is such a small community, we become so connected to each other. There is always someone to interact with; another kid to play with or an adult to have a conversation. OC is small and that makes it a tight knit community. Learning together in a Group…, we become friends quickly, we connect and everyone is accepted. We are all in this together.”
– Lily, OC Youth
“OC provided a built-in support system as we started our homeschooling journey.”
– Ros, OC Parent
“Being able to explore what I was truly interested in at OC was important as I discovered both myself and—down the road—what I wanted to do as a career.”
– Teaghan, Alumna