🌿 Enrollment Now Open for 2026–2027 | Limited Spaces Available
Schedule a Tour
We are growing.
Mindful Journey Academy is in the process of expanding to include a high school program, designed to continue our hands-on, nature-based, and real-world approach to learning for older students.
This next phase will build on everything our students already experience — adding deeper opportunities for:
Details are still unfolding, and we will be sharing more soon.
We welcome families to reach out and begin the conversation.
Inquire About High School →At Mindful Journey Academy, education is a living art—rooted in nature, imagination, and reverence for the child's unfolding spirit. We are a private, independent K–8 school and a proud affiliate of the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA).
We are not a charter school. Our rolling enrollment allows families to apply when their child needs a change—not just when the calendar says it's time.
Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child.
We're here to help you find the right fit — not just any fit.
Welcoming new families to Mindful Journey Academy is a thoughtful and intentional process.
Each child is unique, and each family's journey unfolds in its own time and rhythm.
To honor both your time and ours, we begin with an application before scheduling a tour. This allows us to understand your child's story, needs, and timing—so that your visit, when the time is right, can be meaningful, personal, and aligned.
Our Waldorf-inspired, nature-based approach—rooted in rhythm, imagination, and connection to the natural world—may feel different from traditional models. The application helps us ensure that our environment is truly a good fit for your child's development.
Once your application is received:
Mindful Journey Academy is a community-supported school.
Our work grows through the dedication, creativity, and generosity of families, teachers, and friends who share a vision for meaningful, nature-based education.
It takes many hands and open hearts to nurture this environment—and we are grateful for each one.
We warmly invite families to connect with our community:
"Receive the children in reverence, educate them in love, and send them forth in freedom."— Rudolf Steiner
Kindergarten (age 5) through 8th Grade
"Our highest endeavor must be to develop free human beings who are able of themselves to impart purpose and direction to their lives."
— Rudolf Steiner
September 1, 2026 – June 4, 2027
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Early drop off available upon request
Children learn best when they feel safe, seen, and inspired. Our Monday–Thursday academic rhythm supports deep focus, well-being, and meaningful learning.
Drop-off is at 8:50 AM each morning. Early drop-off at 8:00 AM is available by request. Pick-up is at 3:30 PM.
After-school clubs and extended care options may be available. Please inquire for details.
per student, per year
This year's tuition reflects a 4% increase—the first adjustment in four years—supporting our growing program, additional staff, and new learning spaces at Wondering Woods Farm.
4% per additional sibling
$50 (one-time)
Monthly or semester options
Clubs until 4:30 PM
At Mindful Journey Academy, learning is hands-on, nature-based, and rooted in real materials rather than worksheets and textbooks. Our students use high-quality art supplies, main lesson books, handwork materials, science resources, and farm-based learning tools throughout the year at Wondering Woods Farm.
Monthly (10 months)
K: $30/mo · Grades 1-5: $35-40/mo
Grades 6-8: $45-50/mo
Families may choose to pay the supply fee in full at the start of the year or through convenient monthly installments.
Because materials and project depth increase with age, supply fees are structured by grade group.
$6/day (includes snack)
Prepared with organic, local, and natural ingredients whenever possible—simple, nourishing foods that support focus and well-being in our outdoor learning environment.
Available until 6:00 PM by request
We are an approved provider for the South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF). Additional support may be available as funds allow—we're happy to discuss options with families.
💙 We are committed to making this education accessible and are happy to discuss payment options and available support.
For full details, please see your Enrollment Agreement upon acceptance.
At Mindful Journey Academy, students don't just learn concepts — they apply them in meaningful ways.
Programs like The Restoration Barn give older students the opportunity to work with real tools, real machines, and real responsibility under the guidance of experienced mentors.
This hands-on experience builds confidence, problem-solving skills, and a deep sense of accomplishment that goes far beyond the classroom.
They work with real tools, real machines, and real responsibility.
At Mindful Journey Academy, our core academic program runs Monday through Thursday. Fridays are intentionally designed as an optional outdoor learning day for families who want their child to have additional time developing hands-on skills in nature.
This program is called Nature Skills Guild, and it takes place on the land at Wondering Woods Farm.
Nature Skills Guild is a guided, skill-based outdoor program where children build confidence, competence, and connection through meaningful, real-world experiences.
This is not a free-play day and not a camp-style program.
It is purposeful, mentored learning outdoors.
Children are guided, but trusted — learning through doing, not observing.
Each month focuses on a core nature skill strand so children can deepen their abilities through repetition and practice.
(whittling, simple tools)
Children learn by doing — building, tending, observing, repairing, and caring.
Fridays follow a steady outdoor flow:
Morning grounding and skill practice
Snack and exploration outdoors
Farm and land stewardship work
Lunch and rest time
Afternoon integration, building, or craft
Clean-up, tool care, and reflection
This balance of structure and freedom helps children feel secure while still exploring deeply.
Nature Skills Guild supports:
Confidence through real competence
Responsibility and teamwork
Problem-solving and perseverance
Emotional regulation through meaningful work
Deep connection to land, animals, and community
Children are not entertained — they are trusted with real tools, real responsibility, and real learning.
Expect dirt.
Expect stories about building, tending, and working together.
Expect children who feel proud of what they can do.
Children should arrive dressed for full outdoor participation in all weather.
Wondering Woods Farm
Fridays, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Optional for enrolled students
$40 per Friday for non-MJA students
(Discounted rate available for enrolled MJA families)
📩 Contact us to learn more or register.
Get in TouchThe best way to understand our school is to visit during a festival or community event.
From seasonal celebrations to hands-on experiences, these gatherings offer a glimpse into daily life at Mindful Journey Academy.
We warmly invite prospective families to attend our events — come see what makes this community special.
This is often the best first step before scheduling a tour.
View Events & Register →For Young Families
The Nesting Place offers a parent-child experience for infants through age 6 at Wondering Woods Farm, helping families build rhythm, connection, and a foundation for future learning.
A gentle, Waldorf-inspired program where parents and young children explore nature together.
Explore The Nesting PlaceAffiliate Member of the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA)
Our program is best suited for families who value:
A nature-based, screen-free childhood
Learning through movement, story, and meaningful work
Strong family-school partnership
Time outdoors in all seasons
A slower, relationship-centered educational rhythm
If this resonates with you, we invite you to schedule a tour and experience it in person.
Schedule a TourWe accept new students year-round. If your child needs a change, you don't have to wait.
Apply now and we'll be in touch with next steps.
Every child deserves to feel seen, capable, and inspired.
We would be honored to walk alongside your family.
We encourage families to begin with a tour or conversation so we can ensure Mindful Journey Academy is the right fit for your child.
Looking ahead to the 2026–2027 school year? Families may pre-register or join the waitlist by emailing [email protected] and booking a tour.
Caring teacher relationships that nurture each child
Screen-free curriculum rooted in the natural world
Freedom, conscientiousness, equality, and respect
Teacher-led learning nurturing head, hands, and heart
"Love is higher than opinion."
— Rudolf Steiner
We're here to help with placement, funding options, timelines, and next steps.
Contact AdmissionsWe encourage families to begin with a conversation or tour so we can ensure Mindful Journey Academy is the right fit for your child.
Meet us, see the land, and ask questions
Complete the form below
We'll connect to discuss placement and next steps
We accept students year-round as space allows.
We personally review every application and will be in touch within 1–2 business days.