Our Story

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Morning Song began in the fall of 2022 as an all-outdoor-based, nature immersion program for school-aged children. As innovators in offering an entirely outdoor-based school for children of all ages, we blazed our own trail in building our community and approach to learning. Our philosophy centers on the belief that children are capable, competent, and have an innate right to benefit from and contribute to the natural world. We recognize that students and staff are both teachers and learners and embrace collective reflection on individual and group interests to guide learning opportunities within the community. Students have the freedom to contribute to the shape and scope of their learning, with adult facilitators guiding and supporting their choices.

Our Ethos

Community

Morning Song School community goals, processes, and values are democratic and dynamic. Students and staff have equal engagement in learning endeavors and the direction of the school community. Students and staff emphasize community and healthy relationships and engage in mutually respectful ways that value the humanity in each of us.

Relationships

We value the individual needs of the collective learning community and celebrate the unique contributions of each student and staff member. Meaningful group communication, mutual respect, and kindness are prioritized community values.

Nature Connection

Morning Song School is deeply connected to nature and dedicated to offering meaningful experiences in the outdoors. Connection with the land through play, cultivation, habitat creation, and revitalization of natural spaces is essential in our daily learning experiences.

Meet Our Staff

Shannon Hodges, (she/her)

Director & Early Education Leader

Hello and welcome! Thank you for your interest in Morning Song School. The idea for Morning Song came to me at a time of transition in my career and amidst my children's educational journey during the pandemic. I felt drawn to create a community where children could learn freely in the outdoors, and be guided by the inspiration and context of the natural world.

Since starting the program, I never ceased to be amazed by the magic that happens when children are supported to learn and play freely in nature! However, the biggest source of joy over the last two years has been the cultivation of meaningful relationships and a true sense of community among our students, staff, and families. Together, we have created a place of learning, belonging, and meaningful connection.

I hold a bachelor's degree in Social Welfare from the University of Kansas, and a Forest School Teacher & Director Certificate from the Forest School Teacher Institute in Chatanooga, Tennessee. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Innovative Early Childhood Education through the University of Colorado-Denver with an expected completion date of August 2024.

In my time outside of working with children, I enjoy being active outdoors and spending time with my husband Isaias, my two teenage daughters, and our 7 beloved family pets!

Natalie Hubbard (she/her) Upper Elementary & Middle School Leader

Throughout my life, I have made it a goal to spend time outdoors as much as possible. Morning Song School is a union of my passions of living a land-based lifestyle and youth education. I have worked as a teacher in traditional schools, as a garden educator, and as a curriculum developer. I believe that exposure to our natural world is both nourishing and essential for all of us, and am excited to facilitate meaningful learning experiences at Morning Song.

In addition to 10 years of experience in youth education, I have a background in ecological research, organic farming, and mindfulness. These work experiences have cultivated a sense of responsibility for stewardship to the community in me, and it is through these lenses, that I plan and develop curriculum alongside my students.

I am thrilled to be a part of the Morning Song team and look forward to partnering with families to provide your child with engaging, rigorous, and place-based education

Micah Naeger, Assistant Leader

Before joining the Morning Song Community, I worked as a paraeducator at a local Catholic school. My husband and I have four children ranging from a sophomore in high school to 3rd grade. Our family enjoys spending lots of time exploring the outdoors and taking our popup camper on long trips across the country. I have a degree in geography, and I have long been a big proponent of giving kids plenty of space to explore this wonderful Earth we live on. I am delighted to be building wonderful relationships with the children here at Morning Song!