Join our community of explorers to support your homeschool

Elderberry Outdoor School in Maryland values the connection, care, flexibility, and community of a smaller school.

We value the enrichment of play and nature-based education, and cultivate children’s natural desires to explore, learn, and develop their skills and interests.

Kids learn best when school is immersive, fun, and supportive.

Join us for an open house!

Transform your child’s learning

Your kids can love going to school!

We welcome homeschool families who want enrichment a few days per week, and we welcome families who want an alternative to public and private schools.

Since 2018 we have provided outdoor education in Maryland to families in Baltimore City and County. We are secular and inclusive.

What makes our school different?

  • Outdoor and nature-based
  • Interest-led, and self-directed
  • Play-based, and project-based
  • Developmentally appropriate
  • Kids learn to take responsibility for their learning, lives, and choices

Learn more about Our Program.

See our Program in Action

Elderberry Outdoor School
Play

Benefits of the Elderberry Outdoor School in Maryland

September-June

2-3 Days per Week

On a Local Farm

In Baltimore County

Full Day

6 Hours per Day

Flexible

Arrival, Pickup, Leave

Nature based education develops resilient children.

Classes take place safely outdoors on a local farm with safe shelter for inclement weather.

We’re meant to get our hands dirty. Especially when we’re young! Playing outdoors together is how we learn.

There are so many multi-disciplinary learning opportunities in nature. That’s why at the Elderberry Outdoor School in Maryland we learn and play outdoors nearly all day — every day!

Read more about our Program.

Reviews of our Outdoor Education from Maryland Families

Before finding Elderberry, we were reluctant homeschoolers…

“…unsure if we were going to stick with it or elect for public schooling. Once we started Elderberry there was no looking back. The guides are wonderful, attentive, and truly dedicated to supporting the education that we choose for our family. We feel seen, supported, and love having a safe place for our child to build meaningful relationships. We value the project-based learning and have loved watching our child’s confidence grow. As parents, it is gratifying to see our child so excited about their school experience!”

– Linette & Jasmine

Elderberry Outdoor School is one of a kind.

“The teachers are encouraging, enthusiastic, supportive, and knowledgeable. They create and support an environment that empowers their students to take the lead in their education while having fun outdoors, making friends and building community. Life and learning is fun here. When I pick up my son, he comes home with a sparkle in his eyes, inspired, and energized… and exhausted by bedtime! We are so thankful to be a part of the Elderberry community!”

– Brooke

Our daughter loves the time she spends at Elderberry.

“We are so grateful that she has the opportunity to be immersed in nature, free to play and surrounded by a nurturing community. The teachers at Elderberry are caring and creative and she loves her friends. She comes home with stories of learning and fun. I only wish I could attend myself!”

– Kate & Rob

Our daughter has grown her independence immensely since she joined Elderberry.

“What’s more is that she loves going there to explore, to learn, and to play with a great group of friends.”

– Justin & Caroline

Our Purpose at Elderberry Outdoor School

Developing a child’s natural motivation to learn, play, and explore on their own is our highest educational goal.

“My love of facilitating and protecting my kids’ natural learning process sparked my initial interest in secular homeschooling back in 2005, when my oldest was only 2.

Watching the magic unfold has never gotten old! The journey has had its challenges, and every challenge has taught me more about my kids, myself, life, and learning.

As my kids have grown up, with only one (of three) still homeschooling, I’m grateful to be able to build this community to bring together families who want meaningful alternatives to conventional schooling.

We hope your family will reach out and visit to see if we can educate our kids together!”

Jennifer DeVille
Co-Founder & Education Director