Two Black children crouching in forest examining moss and insects on fallen log using magnifying glasses, wearing backpacks and hats, exploring nature during outdoor adventure

Admissions at Mindful Journey Academy

Nature-based, Waldorf-inspired K–8 education rooted in rhythm, wonder, and real-world learning.

Kindergarten–8th Grade 2026–2027 School Year

2026–2027 Tuition:

$7,500/year

or $750/month for 10 months

Why Families Choose Us

🌿 Why Families Choose MJA

More than a school — a village that nurtures the whole child.

Small Class Sizes

Intentionally capped at 12 students per class for meaningful teacher relationships.

Nature-Based Learning

18-acre farm campus where classrooms extend into forests, gardens, and meadows.

Holistic Education

Mind, body, and spirit — head, hands, and heart guide everything we do.

Strong Values

Kindness, resilience, environmental stewardship, and community responsibility.

Teacher Relationships

Students stay with their teacher for multiple years, building deep bonds.

Daily Rhythm

Predictable routines that help children feel secure, focused, and ready to learn.

🌿 Is Your Child Ready for a Change?

MJA might be the right fit if your child:

Struggles in traditional school
Thrives outdoors
Needs smaller relationships
Loves movement & hands-on learning
Benefits from rhythm & consistency
Needs confidence rebuilt

"If this sounds like your child, we'd love to connect."

💰 2026–2027 Tuition & Fees

$7,500

per student, per year · or $750/month for 10 months

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.

Sibling Discount

4% per additional sibling

Application Fee

$50 (one-time)

Payment Plans

Monthly or semester options

After-School Clubs

Until 4:30 PM

Materials & Experiential Learning Fee

Hands-on, nature-based learning with high-quality art supplies, main lesson books, handwork materials, science resources, and farm tools.

Monthly (10 months)

K: $30/mo · Grades 1-5: $35-40/mo · Grades 6-8: $45-50/mo

Pay in full at start of year or through monthly installments.

Catered Lunch

$6/day (includes snack)

Organic, local, natural ingredients—simple, nourishing foods.

Extended Aftercare

Available until 6:00 PM by request

SC Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF)

We are an approved ESTF provider. Additional scholarship support may be available as funds allow. We're happy to discuss options with families.

💙 We're committed to making this education accessible. Let's discuss payment options and available support.

For full details, please see your Enrollment Agreement upon acceptance.

🎓 High School Program — Coming Soon

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:

  • Apprenticeship-style learning
  • Real-world skill development
  • Leadership and mentorship
  • Purpose-driven education

Details are still unfolding, and we will be sharing more soon.

Interested in high school at MJA?

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.

✨ Our Admissions Approach

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.

🌱 What to Expect

Once your application is received:

  • Priority is given to families seeking placement for the current school year
  • Families exploring future enrollment may be invited to a group tour or seasonal open house
  • Each application is reviewed with care and intention

🤝 A Community Effort

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.

🌾 Experience the Spirit of MJA

We warmly invite families to connect with our community:

  • 🌾 Join us for seasonal festivals and celebrations
  • 🐐 Visit our farm programs and experience hands-on learning
  • 💌 Subscribe for updates, events, and opportunities to engage

📩 Questions?

We are always happy to help guide you.

[email protected]
"Receive the children in reverence, educate them in love, and send them forth in freedom."
— Rudolf Steiner

🎓 Grades Served

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

2026–2027 Academic Year

Dates

September 1, 2026 – June 4, 2027

Core Academic Program

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.

Daily Schedule

Arrival & Dismissal

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.

🛠 Real-World Learning Opportunities

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.

🌿 Friday Nature Skills Guild (Optional)

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.

Two children exploring forest floor, one boy with blue backpack using magnifying glass to examine plants while another child in background observing nature closely

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.

What Children Learn & Do

Each month focuses on a core nature skill strand so children can deepen their abilities through repetition and practice.

🔥 Fire & earth skills

🪵 Woodwork & handcraft

(whittling, simple tools)

🪢 Shelter building & knot tying

🐾 Nature awareness & observation

🌱 Stewardship of animals, land, and tools

Children learn by doing — building, tending, observing, repairing, and caring.

The Rhythm of the Day

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.

Why This Matters

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.

Boy sitting behind campfire, blurred camping adventure concept

What Families Can Expect

🌧️

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.

Program Details

Location

Wondering Woods Farm

Day & Time

Fridays, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

For MJA Students

Optional for enrolled students

Community Enrollment

$40 per Friday for non-MJA students
(Discounted rate available for enrolled MJA families)

📩 Contact us to learn more or register.

Get in Touch

🎉 Experience MJA Firsthand

The 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

Have a little one not yet school-aged?

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 Place

Affiliate Member of the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA)

Finding Your Fit

🌿 Is Mindful Journey Academy the Right Fit?

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 Tour

Ready When You Are

We 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.

🌱 Your Child's Journey Starts Here

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.

Why Families Choose MJA

Small Class Sizes

Caring teacher relationships that nurture each child

Nature-Based Learning

Screen-free curriculum rooted in the natural world

Core Values

Freedom, conscientiousness, equality, and respect

Holistic Education

Teacher-led learning nurturing head, hands, and heart

"Love is higher than opinion."

— Rudolf Steiner

Questions?

We're here to help with placement, funding options, timelines, and next steps.

Contact Admissions

How to Apply to Mindful Journey Academy

We encourage families to begin with a conversation or tour so we can ensure Mindful Journey Academy is the right fit for your child.

Our admissions process:

1

Schedule a Tour or Call

Meet us, see the land, and ask questions

2

Submit an Application

Complete the form below

3

Follow-Up Conversation

We'll connect to discuss placement and next steps

We accept students year-round as space allows.

Begin Your Application

We personally review every application and will be in touch within 1–2 business days.

Complete Your Application Online

Click the button below to fill out our application form. It only takes a few minutes!

Begin Application

Your information is secure and will only be used to process your application.

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy

Mindful Journey Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, immigrant status, English-speaking status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal or South Carolina law in its programs, admissions, employment, scholarships, or school-administered activities.

Apply Now Start Here