CCS is a multiage nature-infused, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which means we are a small, personalized learning community that focuses on experiential learning and close connections between teachers and “Explorers” (students).
Core Values
Our Mission
Our mission is to create a connected community of explorers who develop a love of learning, nature, and service.
Community
One inclusive family working together as a community.
Explorers
Explorers (students) are kind, curious, risk-takers, that are open-minded, empathetic, and observational.
Learning
We implement individualized education to meet the needs of our diverse community of explorers and prioritize social, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
Nature
We engage in nature-based, experiential learning and an abundance of time outdoors.
Service
We inspire each other to show empathy and take-action by caring for our planet and one another.
Meet the TeaM
-
Founder and Scouts GuideHi! I am Jackie! I have been teaching elementary school for the past 15 years. I have a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education with a 4th/5th Grade Endorsement as well as a K-12 Reading Endorsement. I have my Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. After growing up in Michigan and Ohio, I started my teaching career in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We moved to Columbus in summer of 2016 to be closer to family. I love to travel and we spend many of our weekends camping in Michigan.
My Why: I have known since I was in elementary school that I wanted to be a teacher-everyone around me knew! I am an extreme book lover and cannot read enough books in a year. I started teaching outdoor education to children 18 months-8 years old (Tinkergarten) when my oldest was only two years old and found true joy in seeing what kids could learn from nature itself. During the pandemic, I started to feel a draw toward wanting a nature infused education for my own children. I wanted them to be free from the many hours of state testing and instead have many hours to be outside and explore: digging in mud, catching grasshoppers, and making leaf boats to float down the creek while also watching them grow academically.
-
Founder and Sprouts GuideHi! I’m Jenn. I’ve been teaching for 20 years in a variety of settings including preschool, elementary, and while homeschooling my own children. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with a 4th/5th Grade Endorsement and a K–12 Reading Endorsement. My husband, Brady, is a chiropractor, and we have two wonderful children, Izzy and Ryan. I love traveling with my family, exploring new places with my kids, baking sourdough creations with my daughter, and getting lost in a great book.
-
Founder and Teaching AssistantHi, I’m Ashley! I’m a mom of two, wife, and dog mom. I grew up in Gahanna and still live here today—I truly love this community and all it has to offer. When we’re not at the kids’ sports games, you can usually find us camping, spending time with family, or hanging out with friends. Over the past year, we’ve embraced more educational freedom, giving us the flexibility to travel and learn together. I left my job as an internal auditor for the government three years ago to be a stay-at-home mom so I could have more time with my kids. I’m thrilled to be part of a school that values learning through nature and exploration driven by kids’ passions!
Interested in joining the team? Please fill out this quick form! This form is not an application, just an "I'm interested!" form so that when CCS is hiring, we know to reach out to you.
Gallery
