Wild Child San Diego Nature School
Public parks around West County and East County (San Diego), 1008 Santa Clara Pl, San Diego, CA 92109
About
Wild Child San Diego Nature School offers activities such as swimming at the bay in the summer months, hiking, gardening, arts and crafts, Lego building, chess, and 3D printing. The program also includes topics like rocket science and zoology, including in after-school clubs focused on gardening and zoology.
• Ages: 1–18 years old
• Schedule: Year-round enrollment with customizable hours and partial week enrollment between 8:30–3 for full day or 8:30–12:30 for half day programs
• Price: Early drop at 7:30 for $30 extra; late pickup for $14 per 30-minute increment
Wild Child San Diego Nature School is a 501(c)3 non-profit nature enrichment program and is described as San Diego’s first non-profit 501(c)(3) nature school. The program runs year-round, rain or shine, operates as drop off only, and uses a whole group setting within the 3–10 Bigs Group with a separate Littles group for ages 18 months to 2.5 years. The nature school moves to different locations each day on a pre-planned and pre-permitted schedule, and students each bring a small backpack with a water bottle and lunch inside. Students are required to wear life jackets when swimming at the bay, and families are asked to dress children for the weather, with teachers reminding parents when to bring rain wear.
Wild Child San Diego Nature School follows California State Standards for teaching kindergarten without any standardized tests and uses Montessori and Waldorf teaching strategies, with a teaching style heavily influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach. The program focuses on social and emotional development, grit, and growth mindset, and supports homeschool and charter school children in academic tutoring where parents ask. It encourages risky play and allows students to test their boundaries, such as climbing a tree, and interested parents may participate in a child-free shadow of the program with a completed background check.
The program’s mission states that Wild Child is dedicated to providing enriching nature experiences and learning to children in San Diego, with lessons directed through the curiosity of the students. The mission also notes that the program uses nature along with Montessori and Waldorf teaching strategies for math, letters, reading, science, emotional and social development, and creating art, and that it aims to stimulate students at the level each individual is ready for.
Wild Child Summer Camp started in June 2022, and Fall–Spring 2022–2023 was its first year-long program, beginning with 5 students and 3 teachers. The program now has three separate groups, seven teachers, and fifty students, with some students attending part time. Leadership includes Ms. Sarina as Founder, Director, and Original Lead Teacher, along with staff members Ms. Yalia, Mr. Jasper, Ms. Chula (Froglets Teacher), Ms. Sami (Pollywogs Teacher), Ms. Riley (Pollywogs Teacher), Ms. Grace (Substitute Teacher), and Ms. Emily (Substitute Teacher, Poison Dart Frogs Teacher).
Classes are led by dedicated and experienced educators who are experienced in outdoor exploration and learning, and teachers are trained in first aid, CPR, and emergency situation protocols. The program notes that there is no such thing as bad weather in San Diego, only inadequate clothing for the weather, and asks parents to check a weather app when preparing their child for school. Staff credentials include Ms. Sarina’s Masters in Teaching, B.S. in Biology, Early Childhood Education credits, completion of Point Loma Nazarene University’s teacher training program, and experience teaching preschool, kindergarten, second, and third grade, as well as experience supporting students with mild to moderate disabilities through formal training. Additional staff credentials include Ms. Yalia’s BAs in Global Studies and Spanish and Early Childhood Education credits, and Mr. Jasper’s extensive experience working with kids of all ages, including facilitating overnight adventures at the San Diego Safari Park Education Department and developing curriculum, coordinating aftercare, and teaching after-school clubs in gardening, zoology, 3D printing, rocket science, Lego building, chess, and arts and crafts at The Institute for Effective Education’s Mt Helix Academy.
Last updated March 11, 2026.
• Ages: 1–18 years old
• Schedule: Year-round enrollment with customizable hours and partial week enrollment between 8:30–3 for full day or 8:30–12:30 for half day programs
• Price: Early drop at 7:30 for $30 extra; late pickup for $14 per 30-minute increment
Wild Child San Diego Nature School is a 501(c)3 non-profit nature enrichment program and is described as San Diego’s first non-profit 501(c)(3) nature school. The program runs year-round, rain or shine, operates as drop off only, and uses a whole group setting within the 3–10 Bigs Group with a separate Littles group for ages 18 months to 2.5 years. The nature school moves to different locations each day on a pre-planned and pre-permitted schedule, and students each bring a small backpack with a water bottle and lunch inside. Students are required to wear life jackets when swimming at the bay, and families are asked to dress children for the weather, with teachers reminding parents when to bring rain wear.
Wild Child San Diego Nature School follows California State Standards for teaching kindergarten without any standardized tests and uses Montessori and Waldorf teaching strategies, with a teaching style heavily influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach. The program focuses on social and emotional development, grit, and growth mindset, and supports homeschool and charter school children in academic tutoring where parents ask. It encourages risky play and allows students to test their boundaries, such as climbing a tree, and interested parents may participate in a child-free shadow of the program with a completed background check.
The program’s mission states that Wild Child is dedicated to providing enriching nature experiences and learning to children in San Diego, with lessons directed through the curiosity of the students. The mission also notes that the program uses nature along with Montessori and Waldorf teaching strategies for math, letters, reading, science, emotional and social development, and creating art, and that it aims to stimulate students at the level each individual is ready for.
Wild Child Summer Camp started in June 2022, and Fall–Spring 2022–2023 was its first year-long program, beginning with 5 students and 3 teachers. The program now has three separate groups, seven teachers, and fifty students, with some students attending part time. Leadership includes Ms. Sarina as Founder, Director, and Original Lead Teacher, along with staff members Ms. Yalia, Mr. Jasper, Ms. Chula (Froglets Teacher), Ms. Sami (Pollywogs Teacher), Ms. Riley (Pollywogs Teacher), Ms. Grace (Substitute Teacher), and Ms. Emily (Substitute Teacher, Poison Dart Frogs Teacher).
Classes are led by dedicated and experienced educators who are experienced in outdoor exploration and learning, and teachers are trained in first aid, CPR, and emergency situation protocols. The program notes that there is no such thing as bad weather in San Diego, only inadequate clothing for the weather, and asks parents to check a weather app when preparing their child for school. Staff credentials include Ms. Sarina’s Masters in Teaching, B.S. in Biology, Early Childhood Education credits, completion of Point Loma Nazarene University’s teacher training program, and experience teaching preschool, kindergarten, second, and third grade, as well as experience supporting students with mild to moderate disabilities through formal training. Additional staff credentials include Ms. Yalia’s BAs in Global Studies and Spanish and Early Childhood Education credits, and Mr. Jasper’s extensive experience working with kids of all ages, including facilitating overnight adventures at the San Diego Safari Park Education Department and developing curriculum, coordinating aftercare, and teaching after-school clubs in gardening, zoology, 3D printing, rocket science, Lego building, chess, and arts and crafts at The Institute for Effective Education’s Mt Helix Academy.
Last updated March 11, 2026.
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