About Us
The Nature's Way Farm had its first full growing season in 2018, but was a dream in progress for a few years before that. We are proud to have perennial fruit trees, shrubs, and vines as well as raised beds for growing annual fruits and veggies. Students do much of the work at the farm and learn a lot about how things grow and what it takes to operate a farm.
Our Program
Nature's Way has a partnership with Murphy Springs Farm that allows us to use a plot of land adjacent to the school for the adolescent community farm. The NWMS farm dream is to become an outdoor resource that can be used not only for the adolescent community, but also in all communities for education. Dr. Maria Montessori wrote:
“Therefore work on the land is an introduction both to nature and to civilization and gives a limitless field for scientific and historic studies.”
At Nature’s Way, we incorporate studies of and experiences with the natural world into all of our classrooms. Through the Farm, our AC students are particularly connected to the land and use their work at the farm to support their microeconomy. Through the microeconomy, students gain a practical understanding of economic principles and set a foundation for future economic independence. As Dr. Montessori wrote:
“The essential reform is this: to put the adolescent on the road to achieving economic independence.”
Nature's Way Montessori School
Nature’s Way is located in Northeast Knoxville on seven beautiful wooded acres bordered by farm land. The campus consists of three buildings, a large outdoor area that provides opportunity for varied educational and recreation activities, an extensive Nature Preserve which includes marked environmental points of interest, and wooded areas accessible to students for play.
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Nature's Way has communities for ages 2 years-old to 8th grade. All programs follow Dr. Maria Montessori’s educational philosophy and continuum through a carefully prepared environment, informed observation of the child’s social, emotional & cognitive growth, and work that is engaging, challenging, and satisfying to the child.
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Murphy Springs Farm
Murphy Springs Farm is a historic family farm of about 200 acres right next to Nature's Way Montessori School. The farm was settled in 1797 by members of the Murphy family and has been in the family since.
Kevin Murphy currently lives in the farm house and cares for the historic structures. The Murphy family generously allows the use of the land for the Nature's Way Farm and has been integral in many stages of the farm development. Students also tour the house as part of the Adolescent Program (7th-8th grade) at Nature's Way. We are grateful for all this family has done to support Nature's Way.