Anothen At a glance
about us
Anothen means from above, from heaven or God, from the first and from the beginning.
The word ‘Anothen’ was carefully chosen to represent the trust we place in God to guide our school, and to honor that with which we have been entrusted. We believe that all children are gifts with limitless possibilities and we strive to be the place they can experience, discover and grow.
Anothen Outdoor Academy is not funded by or affiliated with any church or outside organization. We were founded in 2019 and are a veteran-owned and operated school located in Mansfield, Texas.
Our mission is to provide our students the EXPERIENCE of our natural environment in order to DISCOVER the fundamental concepts necessary to GROW in mind, body and Christ.
An Introduction to Learning Through Play
Programs
Preschool (18 Months +)
In our Preschool Program, we embrace an emergent educational approach that integrates nature-based exploration with structured learning. Our philosophy draws inspiration from the Reggio Emilia and Forest School models, emphasizing experiential learning that fosters a deep connection with the natural environment.
We invite our students to experience the beauty of nature while discovering fundamental concepts that promote growth in mind, body, and spirit.
Our students have ample opportunities to play and grow outdoors while being immersed in enrichment programs alongside typical instruction, including Spanish, Natural Sciences (Gardening/Cooking), Chapel, Physical Education and more!
This program supports students ages 18 months through Pre-K 4.
Bridge (PreK5 + Kindergarten)
Art
Art Instruction
Picture Study
Bible
Old Testament
New Testament
English/Language Arts
Reading Comprehension
Writing Skills
Vocabulary and Language Arts
Speaking and Listening
Literature & Poetry
Geography
History
Science
Nature Study
General Science (focus rotates yearly)
A Seamless Transition to Elementary School
The Bridge program is designed as an essential stepping stone for our students as they transition into elementary school. It offers a nurturing, structured environment where children can develop the skills and confidence needed for academic and social success.
Families have the flexibility to choose between a one- or two-year program, depending on their desires, the child's developmental needs or age restrictions.
The Bridge program follows Texas State Standards for Kindergarten, ensuring that students are fully equipped with foundational skills in literacy, math, science, social studies, fine-arts and physical education. In addition to meeting academic benchmarks, the program emphasizes social-emotional development, creativity, and critical thinking, fostering a well-rounded early education experience.
This program supports students ages 5 & 6, with some exceptions as needed.
Elementary (1st-6th)
A Foundation for Lifelong Learning
Our Elementary Program at Anothen Outdoor Academy builds upon the strong foundation established in our early childhood and Bridge programs, continuing the joy of discovery through a Charlotte Mason–inspired curriculum that supports thoughtful, independent learning. Using the Alveary curriculum and hands-on programs such as RightStart™ Math, students engage in a rich range of subjects including literature, history, science, geography, Spanish, music, art, sewing and physical education.
Instruction is engaging and experiential, with learning opportunities that extend into our 22-acre campus, where outdoor exploration, gardening, and hands-on scientific inquiry reinforce classroom concepts. Rather than teaching students what to think or prescribing how to think, we focus on laying the mental, moral, physical, and habitual groundwork that enables children to develop thinking for themselves. Alongside academic growth, the program emphasizes discipline, creativity, and practical life skills, fostering well-rounded students who approach learning with confidence, curiosity, and purpose.
The Approach and Curriculum
Learning Through Nature: The Alveary curriculum integrates and encourages students to explore and engage with nature as a central part of their learning experience.
Hands-On Experiences: Students participate in practical, real-world activities such as gardening, outdoor science experiments, and nature walks to deepen their understanding of academic concepts.
Experiential Learning: We emphasize learning by allowing students to actively engage with material through projects, problem-solving and direct interaction.
Holistic Development: Our approach supports academic growth and personal development by fostering creativity, critical thinking and a strong environmental connection.
Charlotte Mason was a British educator and philosopher active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, alongside her contemporary Maria Montessori. She developed an educational philosophy that honored children as image-bearers and viewed education as a collaborative journey, where educators guide students in fulfilling their God-given purpose. Mason often described education as "a feast," emphasizing that students should revel in a rich variety of subjects presented in enriching and enjoyable ways.
The Alveary is a complete, comprehensive curriculum (21 subjects) and teacher training program designed by the Charlotte Mason Institute that covers a multitude of subjects. The program is continually updated and improved based on feedback from educators, student exam samples, and current research. The Alveary carefully selects books and course materials to engage student’s minds while providing them with the best content available today. Additionally, funding from the Templeton Foundation Grant has allowed the Alveary to incorporate high-quality STEM education into the curriculum. Alveary is also focused on outdoor experiences. The curriculum encourages experiential learning through activities on our campus.
Subjects include:
Mathematics
RightStart™ Mathematics
Paper Folding
Spanish
Music
Intro to Music Appreciation
& Composer Study
Musical Games & Sol-fa
Hymns & Folk Songs
Physical Education
Life Skills
Sewing
Educational Handicrafts (a rotation of study in crafts such as clay modeling, felting, string art, and hand lettering)
Our Campus
Mansfield, Texas
Anothen Outdoor Academy is set on a peaceful and expansive 22-acre campus, intentionally designed to give children the space and freedom to learn, explore, and thrive. Our nature-rich environment is not just a backdrop, but an essential part of daily life at Anothen. From open fields and gardens to wooded areas and outdoor learning spaces, children are invited to move, imagine, and engage with the world around them in meaningful ways. This outdoor setting supports our belief that childhood should be active, wonder-filled, and deeply connected to God’s creation.
Research consistently affirms what educators and parents have long observed—time spent outdoors strengthens children physically, emotionally, and cognitively. Pediatric occupational therapist Angela Hanscom notes that regular outdoor play fosters confident, capable children and supports attention, sensory processing, and emotional regulation. This understanding aligns closely with the educational philosophy of Charlotte Mason, who believed that rich, first-hand experiences in nature are foundational to a child’s development. At Anothen, our campus allows children to experience learning as it was meant to be—active, relational, and rooted in real life—cultivating curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.
Tuition
Full time (M-F)
Preschool + Bridge: $880
Elementary: $1130
3 Days (MWF)
Preschool + Bridge: $540
Elementary: $850
2 days (tth)
Preschool + Bridge: $360
Elementary: $570