Come and explore with us!
Nature Based Education Opportunities in Dubuque, IA!
Immersive Outdoor Learning
Most of our time together will be spent outdoors, where children are free to explore and experiment in nature.
Healthy Development
Research suggests nature enhances a child health by promoting social-emotional development, executive functioning, physical activity and motor development.
Emergent Curriculum
The curriculum emerges from student questions and interests. Students and teachers will investigate the questions together to encourage problem solving.
Our Mission
Dandelion Discoveries nurtures the growth of the whole child (mind, body and soul) through play-based learning in nature, so they may grow into innovative life-long learners and kindhearted stewards of the earth.
What Parents Are Saying
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Her social confidence has grown exponentially.
One of the first days she came home and told me what bird was in our backyard by its song before we even saw it. That blew me away! Her confidence in navigating relationships with other kids has grown exponentially. She’s much more confident in social situations and learning how to speak up for herself and others. I also noticed recently when we went on a hike at a local nature preserve that she can find tracks and is more excited to explore.
— Cathy
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A safe place to draw on his own inner resources.
Our biggest motivator for putting our son into this program was to get him more comfortable around new people and to learn to draw on his own inner resources without access to us, his parents. Dandelion Discoveries has been such a safe and encouraging place for him to do that, and we have seen his confidence explode both in and out of school. He's much more comfortable around new people and in new settings.
— Lyric
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Nurtured not just her education but her joy.
Our family has absolutely adored Dandelion Discoveries. Watching our daughter learn outdoors, explore freely, and build confidence through hands-on experiences has been such a gift. The balance of learning, creativity, and time in nature has nurtured not just her education but her joy and sense of wonder. We are so grateful!
- Haley
Keep their growing minds engaged
September - May
Long-Term Programs
Nature Year Programs
Nature Play Experience
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This program is for children ages 3-5 to explore and learn through hands-on experiences in nature. It focuses on skill-building, social growth, and imaginative play, creating a well-rounded learning environment that supports every child's development.
*Limited space available
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3-5 year olds
*Must be potty trained
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Play-based environment
Place-based emphasis
Reflective opportunities to inspire wonder and awe
All weather nature immersion
(safety measures taken if there is dangerous weather)
Encourages appropriate discovery and risk-taking
Sensorial, exploratory learning
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September 2026- May 2027
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
3, 2, & 1 Day Per Week Options Available
Morning Session: 8:30-11:30am
Location: Dandelion Discoveries Indoor & Outdoor Classroom at Shalom Spirituality Center Dubuque
Nature Enrichment
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This program, geared towards homeschool children ages 6-9, offers children the opportunity to explore and grow through hands-on experiences in the natural world. Using the changing seasons as a guide, the program fosters curiosity and creativity while helping children build essential skills and develop socially.
*Limited space available
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Ages 6-9
*Must be potty trained
-
Play-based environment
All weather nature immersion
(safety measures taken if there is dangerous weather)
Encourages appropriate discovery and risk-taking
Sensorial, exploratory learning
-
September 2026- May 2027
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
3 & 2 Day Per Week Options Available
Location: Dandelion Discoveries Indoor & Outdoor Classroom at Shalom Spirituality Center Dubuque
