History of Spring River

Our Roots & Vision

Honoring the Past. Cultivating the Future.

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Spring River School is an initiative of Jacksonville Educational Community, Inc., a nonprofit organization founded in 2014 by a group of parents and educators united by friendship, shared values, and a profound respect for childhood.

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What began as a circle of friends gathering in local parks to celebrate the seasons and support one another’s parenting journeys became something much more: a living, breathing community dedicated to creating a more human, connected, and joyful model of education. With early support from the caring community of The Playgarden, Inc., Spring River has grown into Florida’s first Waldorf-inspired, all-outdoor K–8 homeschool program, offering families a rich tapestry of learning rooted in nature, creativity, rhythm, and reverence for the child.

 

From Gathering to Growing

Spring River began with a handful of families organizing seasonal festivals and parent education study groups. Inspired by the needs of their children and a desire for meaningful learning, they invited local teachers to lead homeschool enrichment classes in:

• World Languages

• Movement & Handwork

• Nature Immersion

• Dramatic & Practical Arts

As momentum grew, so did the vision. Spring River expanded to include academic main lessons, a K–5 Forest School, and eventually a full array of programming led by trained and passionate educators.

 

In the fall of 2020, Spring River transitioned all classes to fully outdoor settings, offering daily learning experiences in forests, beaches, parks, and preserves across Northeast Florida.

 

Today: A Thriving Educational Community

We now serve over 150 students, offering:

• A 4-day All-Outdoor Academic K-8 Program

• Forest School Enrichment K-8 Program 

• 2-day hybrid homeschool enrichment program 

• A growing High School Program

• Early childhood offerings, including:

  • Dewdrops – a parent-led outdoor playgroup for ages birth–5

  • Peaceful Steps – a gentle parent/child forest class

  • Seasonal Parent & Child classes and community events

Waldorf-trained teachers, dedicated administration, a committed board of directors, and a vibrant volunteer network support us.

 

A Community of Welcome

Spring River is a place where all families are welcome. We celebrate diversity in all its forms—ethnic, cultural, religious, gender, orientation, family structure, and socio-economic background.  We believe that diversity is a strength, and we are committed to cultivating a school culture where every voice is valued, every child is seen, and the full spectrum of human experience is respected and honored. Through honest dialogue and respectful community, we prepare our children for a world that needs both compassion and courage.

 

Root Down, Rise Up

Our Vision for a Permanent Home

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After a decade of growing in borrowed spaces, Spring River is ready to take root.

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Through our campaign, Root Down, Rise Up, we are working to secure land of our own—a place where outdoor classrooms, gardens, and weather-safe gathering spaces can grow into a permanent home for learning, celebration, and community connection.

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"The time has come to root our dreams in the soil and build something lasting."

 

Stay tuned—details about our campaign are coming soon!

Together, we can plant the future.

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With Gratitude

We honor the founding parents, teachers, and supporters who made this possible:
Kathy Bull, Michelle Carter, Carrie Zarka Dooley, Vickey Grover, Megan & Andy Hubbuch, Carrie Ferguson, Samantha Orender, Bryn Rodenhizer, Korrin Rogers, Brie Sloan, Dena Stapleton, and Tamara Vanover.

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We thank the past and present Board of Directors of The Playgarden, Inc., and the many heart-centered teachers who have shaped our school’s spirit and story.

 

Walk With Us Through the Years

Enjoy a trip down memory lane with the Photo Gallery and this sweet video honoring Spring River teachers from 2014-2022 below: