Welcome to Sunbeam
Earth-Based Learning for the New Generation
West Petaluma, CA
Every child deserves ample time outdoors to play, explore, and move. At Sunbeam Nature School, our mission is to enable children and their families to get outside and play, celebrating and connecting with the joy and beauty of nature around us and within us.
We are a working & learning farm where we practice regenerative agriculture to honor the earth and water.
We fight climate change through gardening, shepherding, and community events. We host a year-round, tuition free co-op school for children ages 2 to 6 six years old and classes and camps for school-age children 4.9 years old and above.
Enrollment Open for the 2024 Spring Semester!
Our early childhood program for 2-6-year-olds is now a parent Co-op!
​
The Co-op is comprised of 12 children max each day. The mixed-age groups enable older children to mentor younger children; our ratio of 1:4 enables us to differentiate the learning experiences and work in small groups.
We currently have four enrollment spots for January 4, 2024 start (*possible to start sooner; please email).
​
Families who enroll will pay a monthly membership to cover supplies and materials, and each family will be required to work three half-day shifts per month with the children, 8:30am - 12:30pm, with an additional four hours of volunteer time per month.
​
We offer tuition-based extended care (facilitated by a paid teacher) in the afternoons. If you need full-day hours, that is possible! Please message us for details.
Nature Camps & After School Classes for ages 5-10
Spanish-immersion outdoor play, gardening and farm animals, co-authored creative projects and nature studies!
​
Afternoon Nature Clubs October 30 - December 20
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 1-5pm (minimum two hours drop-in, $25 per two hour session)
​
Daily Camps:
8:30-2:00pm, optional extended care - 4:30
$66 per day, extended care $12.5/hour
Nov 9 & 10, Nov 20 & 21
Jan 2-5
Feb 20 - 23
April 29
​
Weekly Camps:
8:30-2:00pm, optional extended care- 4:30
$295 per week, extended care $12.5/hour
March 18-22
March 25-29
April 1-5
How to Tour
Please email shawna@sunbeamnatureschool.org to schedule a tour. We offer visit days at least once a month, typically on Thursdays at 10:00am.
The first step is to fill out the online application form .
You may also RSVP for an upcoming event:
​
Nov 3rd Dia De Los Muertos at Sunbeam!
​
David Sobel
"What's important is that children have an opportunity to bond with nature, to learn to love it, before being asked to heal its wounds."
Upcoming Events
Wed, Nov 08ArtalumaNov 08, 2023, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PMArtaluma, 145 Keller Street, Petaluma, CA 94952Nov 08, 2023, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PMArtaluma, 145 Keller Street, Petaluma, CA 94952Come join us for the second in our community education series, all about play! Let's define what play is, what it isn't, and why it's invaluable to human development, as we explore our varying comfort levels with certain types of play.