Dogwood Nature School
Accessible, affordable, nature-based education
for children ages 2 years to 6 years in Midlothian, Virginia.
Our approach
At Dogwood Nature School, we do not follow a prescribed curriculum. Instead, we trust that young children learn best through play, exploration, and meaningful relationships.
For children six and under, we focus on building strong foundations: social-emotional intelligence, independence in self-care, physical coordination, and early cognitive skills. We believe these capacities prepare children not only for school, but for life.
Our mixed-age community allows children to learn with and from one another, fostering empathy, leadership, and cooperation. Rather than pressuring children into rigid routines or early academics, we create space for curiosity to lead. Through immersive outdoor experiences, children fall in love with discovery, develop confidence, and build a lasting connection to the natural world.
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 Miss Ashlee
Founder, CEO & Lead Educator at Dogwood Nature School
Hi, I’m Miss Ashlee — a certified early childhood educator with a passion for nature-based learning. I’m also a mom and former foster parent with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, master’s-level coursework in Child Development and Certified CPR/First Aid/AED. With over six years of teaching experience, I’ve dedicated my career to creating enriching, joyful, and meaningful learning experiences for young children.
When I became a mom, everything changed — as it should. I knew I wanted to become the kind of educator I’d trust with my own child: compassionate, attentive, and deeply committed to developmentally appropriate, high-quality care. That mission has grown into Dogwood Nature School — a safe, immersive, and inspiring outdoor learning environment where children can thrive.
At Dogwood, we believe children deserve to feel secure, seen, and supported as they explore the world around them. Our nature-based program offers small class sizes, hands-on experiences, and a curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten while nurturing curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. We’re here to make childcare feel less stressful and more joyful — for you and your child.
I can’t wait to welcome your little one into our community!
Meet Our Team Members