Welcome to Trout and Heron Independent School!
Our School
Trout and Heron is an innovative land-based school offering academic and hands-on learning experiences for elementary students from kindergarten through grade five. Our multi-age group setting fosters collaboration and growth, utilizing an interdisciplinary approach and best practices in education. At Trout and Heron, your child is part of a nurturing community where young learners are not only encouraged to realize their unique talents but also to share their stories and cultivate a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural world.
“A place to grow and thrive!”
Our School Offers:
- Strong academics
- Connection to nature
- Interdisciplinary approach to learning
- Social-emotional well-being
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Hands-on learning
- Creativity, inquiry, and play
- French as a second language
Philosophy
At Trout and Heron, we believe in an interdisciplinary approach to education, providing diverse learning opportunities for students to grow and engage as caring and compassionate members of their local and global communities. Our land-based school is dedicated to providing academic and hands-on learning experiences that foster the development of the whole child. From nurturing their social and emotional well-being to facilitating their academic success, we support students in the realization of their individual talents. Within our school, we recognize that each student brings their unique worldview, stories, and experiences, from which we can all learn.
At Trout and Heron – we listen
Our intentionally small, multi-age environment fosters collaborative learning and enrichment through the blending of academic instruction, observational, and hands-on learning experiences, both indoors and outdoors. Shared learning experiences on the land serve to strengthen our sense of community and belonging while deepening our understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Students are challenged to think critically and creatively in their academic studies and through various practical applications. By fostering adaptability and resilience, we encourage students to learn, grow, and thrive in ever-changing landscapes. At Trout and Heron, we are committed to empowering lifelong learners who embrace challenges and contribute positively to the world around them.
School Brochure
Trout Brook, Potsdam, New York
Along the banks of Trout Brook stands the heron, waiting patiently for its catch, feeding on minnows, frogs, crayfish and other aquatic life. The heron teaches us about patience and balance, the interconnectedness of all living things – there is give and take, and learning to be had in observing and learning more about these relationships. Trout and Heron is about deepening our understanding through diverse perspectives, approaches to education, and the many teachings of the natural world. From curriculum theory to our lived experiences, we are a place to learn and belong.
A Glimpse Inside our Classroom:
Experiential Learning: Indoors and Outdoors
Glossary
Trout and Heron is a land-based microschool, blending its place-based educational philosophy with immersive nature-based learning experiences within its distinctive environment and unique school setting.
What is land-based education?
Land-based education focuses on incorporating the land, including its natural features, ecosystems, and cultural significance, into the teaching and learning process. It recognizes the interconnectedness between people and the land they inhabit and aims to foster a deep connection to the land among learners. Land-based education often involves outdoor learning experiences, hands-on exploration of natural environments, and engagement with indigenous knowledge and practices.
What is a microschool?
A microschool, also known as a one-room multiage schoolhouse, is a small-scale, independent educational setting that typically consists of one classroom where students of different ages and grade levels learn together. These schools often prioritize personalized instruction, project-based learning, and individualized attention due to their small class sizes. Microschools follow various educational philosophies and approaches, including but not limited to Montessori, Waldorf, and traditional models.
What is place-based education?
Place-based education centers around the idea of using local surroundings, community resources, and cultural heritage as a context for learning. It seeks to make learning meaningful and relevant by connecting it to the unique characteristics of a particular place or region. Place-based education encourages students to engage with their local environment, investigate community issues, and collaborate with community members to address real-world problems. It aims to foster a sense of belonging, pride, and responsibility among learners while promoting environmental and social awareness.
Trout and Heron 
