1. What is Root & Rise Farm School?
Root & Rise is the educational arm of Tierra Ohana Farm. We nurture early learners with a nature-based curriculum that blends regenerative agriculture, forest exploration, and whole-child education.

2. What ages or grade levels do you serve?
We currently accept young children in early childhood / preschool /Kindergarten age groups. Children must be potty trained to join the program. Please check back for summer programs where we aim to include programs for older kids as well.

3. What is a typical day like for a student?
While each day brings something new, our time together follows a gentle daily rhythm that helps children feel secure and engaged. This flow includes a balance of group connection, hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, creative projects, and nourishing breaks. By moving through familiar patterns without a strict timetable, we create space for curiosity, collaboration, and the natural unfolding of the day.

8:15-8:30 – arrival and free play in the drop off zone. Kids play at the center stage (under oak tree deck) and/or go up to the climbing gym. 

8:30-8:45 – morning circle where students come together to officially kick off their day with song and creative movement.

8:45 - 9:25am - Lesson/Activity #1 Homestead Station or Garden

9:25-9:40 -  Snack and Bathroom Break 

9:40-10:20am -  Lesson/Activity #2 Kitchen

5 min bathroom and water break 

10:25-11:05 -  Lesson/Activity #3 Music or Nature Station or Science & Art Station

11:30-12:10 - Lesson/Activity #4 Art/Rest Station in the Yurt tent

12:15-12:30 - Parent pick up, Free Play at Oak Tree Deck and Forest Zone  

4. How do you ensure safety outdoors?
We maintain very low and intentional child-to-teacher ratios appropriate for exploration, use age-appropriate tools, provide clear guidelines, and continuously supervise activities. We also teach safety skills, respect for nature, and attentive awareness.

5. Do you provide meals or snacks?
Food is a big part of our rhythm at Root & Rise — not just eating, but connecting to where our food comes from. Each day, children take part in a kitchen session, gathering around the farm table to chop, stir, mix, and taste the harvest. Together we might crack eggs from our hens for garden omelets, make pumpkin bread with pumpkin puree made from our pumpkins, zucchini bread or other baked bread or pancakes, roll fresh spring rolls with crunchy veggies from the garden, dehydrate grapes into raisins, press fresh apple juice or make apple chips, or pop popcorn with kernels from corn stalks they helped plant.

These kitchen moments teach more than cooking — they build confidence, teamwork, and gratitude for the land that feeds us.

Because our days are full of movement, exploration, and adventure, we ask that families still pack a hearty snack and lunch each day. The farm-fresh treats we make together are meant to nourish curiosity, not replace meals — and our little farmers always seem to have room for one more bite!

6. What is your enrollment process and schedule?

• How to apply - click here.

• Please understand that space is limited, and registration is not guaranteed until confirmed and deposit is received.

• We hold a certain number of seats each semester for families who need financial flexibility. We also offer a sibling discount.

7. Where is the farm located, and how do families get there?
We are located in southwest Medford. Exact location will be provided upon enrollment.

9. Can parents/caregivers participate or visit?
We know how special it is to see your child learning and growing on the farm — and we love that families are excited to be part of their child’s experience. However, during the school day, we ask that parents do not stay or participate once drop-off is complete.

Children thrive most when they can fully immerse themselves in play, exploration, and friendship without the distractions that come from having a parent nearby. It’s amazing to watch how quickly they gain confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging when they know this time and space is truly their own.

That said, we cherish family connection and offer opportunities throughout the year for parents to visit the farm — during community days, special events, and seasonal celebrations — when you can join in the joy and see the magic for yourself.

10. How do you handle allergies?
We accommodation allergies and request notification of any allergies as soon as possible.

11. How do you communicate with families?
We send regular newsletters by email, photos uploaded to a google drive of daily activities, and hold parent meetings upon request.

12. How can I support or get involved with Root & Rise or Tierra Ohana?
You can help by volunteering on the farm, donating, joining community events, attending workshops, or spreading the word. Please send us an email if you’d like to get involved in any those ways!