The School of
Flora & Fauna
Empowering girls through nature-based learning.
About Us
The School of Flora & Fauna is a nature-focused homeschool enrichment program for girls aged 8–12. We provide supplemental education and community support for homeschooling families, whether you're new to homeschooling or seeking additional resources for your child's learning journey.
Our program combines structured lessons with hands-on nature exploration and aligns with seasonal themes. This approach helps girls learn effectively and develop their individual strengths. We offer a complete curriculum designed as weekly additions that families can easily incorporate into their schedule, making education engaging and practical.
We foster an environment where girls can develop curiosity, creativity, and strong connections with nature and each other. Our goal is to provide a supportive space for their growth.
Enrolling for Fall 2025 One-Day Program!
Our Comprehensive Day Program (Monday-Only)
8:45 AM – 2:45 PM
This Monday-only program runs from 8:45 AM to 2:45 PM, offering integrated learning tailored to the rhythm of the week. Mornings are dedicated to core academic learning combined with essential parent academic support from Stacy Wilhelmsen, fostering a strong foundation. Afternoons immerse students in creative exploration through our engaging Guest Artist Series, alongside continued nature exploration and creative arts. We blend direct instruction with inquiry stations to support academic and personal growth, connecting learning to seasonal themes.
Each student receives a custom, teacher-created workbook for home use. This workbook is designed for independent engagement and helps maintain continuity with family-led homeschooling.
Integrated Subjects & Activities
  • Reading & Writing
  • Math
  • Social Sciences
  • Art & History
  • Literacy & Learning Strategy Development
Teaching Methods & Arts Integration
  • Whole-group lessons
  • Small group skill sessions
  • One-on-one guidance
  • Self-directed learning at stations
  • Seasonal arts experiences led by visiting artist-in-residence
Building Community Between Sessions
Stacy creates ways to keep the community connected and learning active between our weekly sessions. Through engaging projects and book prompts, students stay connected to their learning and each other. This approach extends the learning experience beyond our single day together, fostering a continuous community until students meet again the following week.
Seasonal Arts & Crafts Workshops
Pottery, Painting, Jewelry Making, and Floral Design
Natural Dyes & Eco Printing, Plant-Based Salves & Essential Oils
Baking & Nutrition Sessions, often with Local Experts
Yoga, Mindfulness, and Meditation for Well-being
These hands-on workshops are designed to align with the changing seasons, offering practical skills and creative outlets for every girl. Sessions are frequently led by local makers, artists, and wellness practitioners, providing real-world experience and valuable instruction.
Our Values
01
Integrated Learning
Subjects taught together for holistic understanding
02
Balanced Approach
Combines structured lessons with hands-on discovery
03
Personalized Resources
Teacher-designed workbooks for independent learning
04
Home Connection
Resources to support learning at home
05
Child-Centered
Learning driven by child's interests, supported by educators
06
Nature-Based
Outdoor exploration and learning from nature
Program Highlights
Session 1: Weeks 1-6 | Starting Sept 15th
One Monday Per Week |
8:45 AM - 2:45 PM (6 hours)
This session provides a structured, story-based learning experience, combining literacy and nature activities throughout the full day. Afternoons will include hands-on seasonal arts and creative projects.
Anchor Text: Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
Themes: Respect, fairness, self-expression, belonging, heritage
Purpose: Develop emotional understanding, build self-awareness, and foster ethical thinking through engaging stories and practical reflection.
Key Question: “How do we treat all living things with respect?”
Core Literacy Focus: Understanding character viewpoints, writing vivid descriptions, discussing difficult choices, and journaling.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Focus: Practicing compassion, managing emotions, showing empathy, and collaborating effectively.
Nature Connection: Observing and caring for animals, and understanding our connection to the natural world.
Session 2: Weeks 8-14
One Monday Per Week |
8:45 AM - 2:45 PM (6 hours)
This session builds on foundational skills by offering a more student-led learning experience, allowing for deeper exploration of personal interests within literacy and nature themes.
Anchor Text: Student-Chosen Book Option
Themes: Self-discovery, connection, creativity, critical thinking, community
Purpose: Encourage independent thought, foster personal growth, and deepen understanding of self and community through student-led inquiry.
Key Question: “How do our individual journeys shape our collective experience?”
Core Literacy Focus: Developing research skills, presenting ideas, engaging in critical discussions, and creative writing.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Focus: Cultivating self-awareness, fostering empathy, promoting collaboration, and practicing responsible decision-making.
Nature Connection: Exploring personal connections to the natural world and understanding environmental stewardship.
Enrollment & Investment
Enroll Now
The School of Flora & Fauna offers flexible enrollment for its new single-day program structure, designed to fit various family schedules.
Program Investment
Monday Program: $140 per week
This comprehensive investment covers enriching morning core learning, personalized academic support from Stacy Wilhelmsen tailored to your family's needs. It also encompasses the captivating afternoon Guest Artist Series sessions! One Day | 6 hours | Reduced Price
Session Structure
  • Initial Fall Session: Our first 6-week session.
  • Subsequent Sessions: Future sessions will be announced and may expand based on program success.
We plan to offer Winter and Spring Sessions, based on interest and feedback from our initial Fall program.
Payment Options
  • Weekly payment: $140 per week
  • Session 1 payment: $840 (6 weeks total)
  • Only Art Session $390 (6 weeks total)
  • Only Core Session with Stacy $660 (6 weeks total)
For part-day options, interested families should email Emily at [email protected] to inquire.
What's Included
  • All materials and supplies for hands-on learning
  • Teacher-created workbooks for home learning
  • Visiting artist instruction
  • Small group learning environment (maximum 10 girls)
  • Seasonal celebrations and community events
To learn more or discuss enrollment for your daughter, contact us at [email protected].

Limited spaces available. Early enrollment encouraged.
Fall Curriculum Planner: Session 1
Our 6-week program starts on the 15th, focusing on Anna Sewell's classic novel, Black Beauty. Through this story, we will explore themes of compassion, resilience, and respect for all living beings.
Each week, we'll cover new chapters, using Sewell's narrative to discuss the question: How do we honor the worth of every creature?" We will examine the perspectives of Black Beauty and the human characters to understand different viewpoints and apply these insights to our own actions.
This program will help students develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their role as caretakers of the natural world. Join us for a practical exploration of these important concepts.
Weeks 1–6 | Foundational Studies
Math Skills by Week
Sample Monday Schedule
8:45-9:05 AM: Arrival & Morning Circle
  • Greeting, settling in, sharing circle
  • Review day's intentions and activities
9:05-10:00 AM: Read Aloud & Discussion
  • Read chapters from Black Beauty
  • Character analysis and theme discussion
  • Connection to weekly focus
10:00-10:10 AM: Movement Break
  • Outdoor time or gentle stretching
10:10-11:11 AM: Integrated Learning Stations
  • Math skills (differentiated levels)
  • Writing/journaling activities
  • Individual and small group work
11:11 AM-12:00 PM: Lunch & Outdoor Exploration
  • Mindful eating
  • Nature observation and free play
12:00 PM-12:45 PM: Creative Arts Workshop
  • Seasonal craft or art project
  • Led by visiting artist or teacher
  • Hands-on skill building
12:45-1:00 PM: Mindful Transition
  • Brief meditation or quiet time
1:00-1:55 PM: Project Work & Collaboration
  • Weekly theme projects
  • Peer collaboration
  • Individual interests
1:55-2:20 PM: Reflection & Community Building
  • Share daily discoveries
  • Add to Tree of Growth project
  • Prepare for home learning
2:20-2:45 PM: Closing Circle & Departure
  • Gratitude practice
  • Preview next week
  • Peaceful transition home
Please note: This schedule is a sample and is designed to be flexible and responsive to student needs, allowing for adjustments based on the flow of learning and group dynamics.
Fall Curriculum Planner: Session 2
Weeks 8–14 | Self-Discovery & Connection
Session 2 guides learners through self-discovery and community connection. This part of the curriculum addresses the question: “How do we grow by connecting with ourselves, our stories, and each other?” Students will choose the main book for this session, promoting their involvement. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo is available as a suggested option from the facilitator.
This session concludes with a comprehensive reflection, helping each learner integrate their experiences and apply new understanding. This prepares them for continued growth and learning.
Integrated Arts & Wellness:
Creative Expression Through Seasonal Rhythm
Our daily program includes diverse creative explorations, complementing core learning. Visiting artists-in-residence lead activities that connect to seasonal themes and support each learner's overall development.
01
Activity: Pottery & Clay Work
What learners will gain:
  • Hands-on tactile experience
  • Improved fine motor skills
  • Understanding of natural earth materials
Materials & Techniques: Natural clay, pottery tools, glazes, introduction to kiln firing
02
Activity: Watercolor Painting
What learners will gain:
  • Understanding of color theory
  • Creative emotional expression
  • Practice with seasonal color palettes
Materials & Techniques: Watercolor paints, natural brushes, textured papers, studies of autumn leaves
03
Activity: Jewelry Making
What learners will gain:
  • Design principles
  • Pattern identification
  • Creating personal wearable art
Materials & Techniques: Natural beads, wire, leather cord, found natural objects
04
Activity: Sacred Geometry & Flowers
What learners will gain:
  • Discovery of mathematical patterns in nature
  • Improved observation skills
  • Creating geometric art
Materials & Techniques: Compass, rulers, pressed flowers, studies of the golden ratio
05
Activity: Eco Printing
What learners will gain:
  • Understanding natural dye processes
  • Techniques for botanical printing
  • Knowledge of sustainable art practices
Materials & Techniques: Natural fabrics, leaves, flowers, mordants, steaming techniques
06
Activity: Natural Dyes
What learners will gain:
  • Methods for extracting color from plants
  • Basic chemistry of natural processes
  • Skills in textile arts
Materials & Techniques: Onion skins, turmeric, indigo, fabric, dye pots
07
Activity: Healing Plants & Salves
What learners will gain:
  • Introduction to herbalism
  • Understanding plant healing properties
  • Traditional wellness knowledge
Materials & Techniques: Calendula, lavender, beeswax, carrier oils, small jars
08
Activity: Essential Oils & Aromatherapy
What learners will gain:
  • Connection between scent and memory
  • Basic plant oil extraction (distillation)
  • Practical wellness applications
Materials & Techniques: Essential oils, carrier oils, diffusers, blend bottles
09
Activity: Seasonal Baking
What learners will gain:
  • Nutrition fundamentals
  • Use of seasonal ingredients
  • Exploration of cultural food traditions
Materials & Techniques: Seasonal produce, whole grains, natural sweeteners, baking tools
10
Activity: Nutrition & Wellness
What learners will gain:
  • Increased body awareness
  • Understanding seasonal eating
  • Mindful consumption practices
Materials & Techniques: Fresh ingredients, preparation tools, recipe journals
11
Activity: Local Collaborations
What learners will gain:
  • Community engagement
  • Appreciation for local artisans
  • Cultural exchange opportunities
Materials & Techniques: Varies by visiting local maker/artist
12
Activity: Energy Work & Crystals
What learners will gain:
  • Mindfulness techniques
  • Practice in intention setting
  • Appreciation for natural minerals
Materials & Techniques: Various crystals, meditation cushions, journals
13
Activity: Yoga & Mindfulness
What learners will gain:
  • Body awareness
  • Breath work techniques
  • Stress management skills
  • Cultivation of inner peace
Materials & Techniques: Yoga mats, bolsters, meditation bells, nature sounds
14
Activity: Meditation & Reflection
What learners will gain:
  • Self-awareness
  • Practice in gratitude
  • Preparation for seasonal transitions
Materials & Techniques: Meditation cushions, journals, candles, reflection prompts
About the Founders
Stacy Wilhelmsen & Emily Saul
Co-Founders, The School of Flora & Fauna
Stacy and Emily co-founded The School of Flora & Fauna to establish a practical learning environment for their own daughters. This school delivers education that integrates storytelling, nature exploration, community building, and seasonal activities. Their program prioritizes hands-on learning, structured engagement, creative development, and fostering strong connections for all students.
Emily Saul
Founding Director
Emily directs the school's program, operations, and daily activities at The School of Flora & Fauna. She organizes the Seasonal Arts Series, coordinates guest artists, and arranges the learning environment. Her focus is on creating a supportive space where girls can learn and develop.
Stacy Wilhelmsen
Lead Educator & Curriculum Developer
Stacy holds a K-8 Teaching License, a B.S. in Human Development, and an M.A. in Teaching. With over 15 years of experience in educational settings, she brings strong expertise in teaching and curriculum design. Stacy is responsible for Monday academic lessons and developing personalized student workbooks. She is a mother of 3, including 12-year-old twin boys and her daughter Sloane, who is enrolled at Flora and Fauna.
"We need nature for our psychological well-being because it provides the space in which we can discover who we are." — Peter Gray