Dogwood Nature School
Accessible, affordable, nature-based education
for children ages 3 years to 6 years.
Our approach
At Dogwood Nature School, we provide a unique, child-led learning experience rooted in nature. With small group sizes, we foster a close-knit, supportive environment that encourages habits of observation, discovery, questioning, and problem-solving. Our emergent, play-based approach allows children to explore their surroundings, ignite their imaginations, and learn at their own pace.
Through hands-on experiences in nature, we focus on building strong connections to the environment, while also emphasizing social-emotional learning, social-environmental justice, and healthy risk-taking. Here, children are free to be curious, creative, and confident as they grow into compassionate, thoughtful stewards of the world around them.
Hi, I’m Ashlee
I am a certified early childhood educator, specializing in nature-based learning. When I became a mom, everything changed (as it should). My mission from that moment on was to become the kind of educator I would want my own son to learn from; and to be able to offer those services to other amazing little ones in my community. Finding appropriate, safe, and stimulating childcare should not have to be so stressful. You should never have to worry constantly about whose care your little one is in, or the exorbitant cost that accompanies quality services.
That being said, I am so excited to welcome your child to Dogwood Nature School, where my team and I will keep them safe and stimulated in an immersive, outdoor learning environment.
Our school
Dogwood Nature School is conveniently located in Midlothian, Virginia. Please contact us today to hear more about what we can offer your precious little one!
Meet Our Team Members
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Ashlee Mast, CEO & Founder of DNS
As a mother, it has always been Ashlee’s dream to be certified in childhood education services and help other parents achieve high-quality services for their kids that allow them to become familiarized with the natural world around us. Certified CPR/First Aid/AED.
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D. J. Cox, Executive Assistant/Safety Mgr.
D.J. is a nature-lover, father of two, and takes childhood education very seriously. He is the Executive Assistant and safety manager at DNS. Your child’s safety is his top priority. Certified CPR/First Aid/AED.
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