The Nest Nature School is a nature-based preschool in Boerne, Texas, serving approximately 85 children ages three to five. Students spend roughly 75% of their day outdoors, engaging in hands-on, exploratory learning across the school’s campus and 60-acre property. Grounded in a whole-child approach, the program nurtures strong bodies, wild hearts, and inquisitive minds through meaningful experiences in nature. By using the natural world as a primary classroom, The Nest fosters curiosity, resilience, and deep engagement in early learning.
Natural Start spoke with The Nest Nature School’s director, Alysa Meeks, to learn more.
Tell us about The Nest's partnerships with the historic Herff Farm and Cibolo Center for Conservation and how they benefit the school's community.
Situated on the historic Herff Farm, The Nest Nature School offers children a meaningful connection to place through daily exploration and hands-on experiences in the Teaching Garden. Students learn not only about the natural environment, but also about the history and stewardship that have shaped the land over time. As part of the Cibolo Center for Conservation, the school emphasizes environmental responsibility and land stewardship, helping children understand their role in caring for the natural world. Families receive an annual membership to the Cibolo Center, extending learning beyond the school day and strengthening connections to conservation, community, and shared experiences on the land.
Which areas of the school's campus are you most excited for conference attendees to explore, and why?
We’re especially excited for conference attendees to explore its “beyond” spaces—areas that extend learning beyond traditional classroom boundaries and immerse children in the surrounding landscapes. These diverse environments provide rich, ever-changing opportunities for inquiry–from observing small insects to engaging with broader ecosystems. By experiencing these spaces firsthand, visitors can see how nature serves as a “third teacher,” fostering curiosity, empathy, and respect for the natural world. These areas reflect the school’s belief that meaningful learning happens through direct, authentic engagement with place.
Why are you excited to host NatStart26 site tours here, and what do you hope attendees will gain from experiencing your school and San Antonio?
Hosting NatStart26 site tours at The Nest feels especially meaningful because the program reflects a thoughtful integration of place, purpose, and practice. Nestled on historic land yet rooted in forward-thinking pedagogy, the school demonstrates how powerful learning can be when children are deeply connected to their environment. The campus offers a sense of calm and immersion in nature just a short drive from the city, creating space for observation, relationship-building, and reflection. We hope attendees will leave inspired by a gentle, accessible approach to nature-based education—one that prioritizes curiosity, stewardship, and connection—and with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the Texas Hill Country.
Check out this video to learn more about The Nest Nature School!