There was a time when “education” meant the same thing to everyone, but times have changed, and in most cases, for the better. In this area, Juniper Hill School for Place-Based Education in Alna created a seamless combination of nature-based early childhoodeducation and place-based education. With extensive use of the outdoor environment and a meaningful academic program, the school has nurtured many of the midcoast area’s young students since 2011.

On March 27 at 2 p.m., the Maine Coast Book Shop, Main Street, Damariscotta will host a presentation and discussion for the public with David Sobel and Anne Stires. Sobel is an Antioch University professor and author of "Nature Preschools and Forest Kindergartens: The Handbook for Outdoor Learning" (Redleaf Press, 2015). Anne Stires is the founder/director of Juniper Hill School and author of the first chapter. Sobel will do a presentation of nature-based early childhood education and its relationship to place-based education and Stires will follow with a presentation of Juniper Hill School. Time will be given for questions and conversation with the attendees, and for a book signing. Parents, grandparents, teachers, and other individuals interested in education and the school are encouraged and welcome to attend this upcoming event.

The school is enrolling for all programs for the 2016-2017 school year.

• Place-Based Elementary School Grades K-3 (Ages 5-8 years)
• Nature-Based Early Childhood Program (preK) (Ages 4-5 years)
• Full and Part-Day Nature Preschool Program (Ages 3-4 years)

For more information about the school, our upcoming open houses (the next one is on Saturday, April 9from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and tours, or to request an application, please visit the website: www.juniperhillschool.org, contact: info@juniperhillschool.org, or (207) 586-5711. The school is located at 180 Golden Ridge Road in Alna.