Raven’s Call- July Newsletter
Soaring into Summer
Look up—the Ravens are soaring on the summer breeze.
The rains have lessened, and our days have been filled with sunshine, a bit of fog, and the steady coastal wind that keeps things cool—a perfect recipe for Wild Coast Camp adventures!
Wild Coast Camp in Full Swing
Our campers have been learning lifelong skills for their outdoor adventures, getting creative with nature art, playing in the mud kitchen, splashing in the creek, making new friends, and getting gloriously messy from head to toe. In other words, doing everything kids are meant to do in the summer: BE OUTSIDE.
The School’s Summer Journey
While the kids are adventuring, the school has been on a journey of its own. We’re thrilled to welcome many new teachers and a new leadership team, including our new Head of School and Director of Education. Behind the scenes, we’ve been onboarding, updating systems, and laying the foundation for a bold new year.
We’re integrating our Thematic Learning Scheme into a refreshed scope and sequence, along with new curriculum elements that reflect our commitment to rigorous, non-traditional education. A brand-new Outdoor Education curriculum will take students deeper into learning with, in, and from nature.
This year, students will also have access to an exciting lineup of specialized classes in Art, Music, Gardening, Theater, and more! You can meet some of our new educators on our website—we’ll be formally introducing them soon!
New Fridays Program for Homeschoolers
This fall, we’re opening our doors every Friday to homeschoolers and other students to join our regular students for a special full-day program. Fridays will include Theater, and all students who attend regularly will be invited to participate in our beloved end-of-year school play. More details to come!
Traditions Return
We’re bringing back some favorite NVS traditions to welcome returning and new families alike:
Meet the Teachers Ice Cream Social
Beach Days during the first low tides of the school year
A festive Back-to-School BBQ and Campout
We can't wait to celebrate the start of a new chapter with all of you!
Rising from the Ashes
Like the ravens we admire—known for their strong nest fidelity and willingness to rebuild after damage—we too are rebuilding, stronger and more capable than ever.
This past year was a trial by fire, and from the ashes, we rise.
I didn’t expect to find myself in this role—helping guide the school forward—but now that the first year has passed, it’s clear that I didn’t just choose this work… it chose me. As so many of our alumni say when they visit, NVS lives on in our hearts. And I feel that, deeply.
I’m doing this not only for my children—because I believe in this kind of education with every fiber of my being—but also for every family who wants the same. Neskowin Valley School has been a cornerstone of this coastal community for over 50 years, and I want to see it stand strong for the next 50.
While I may be stepping back as we move forward, please know that I'm still here and committed, for as long as I’m needed and able.
To say I’m excited for the year ahead would be an understatement.
With love, dedication, and great anticipation,
Kelsey Leatherman
Board Chair
Upcoming Events
June 11 - Sept 2: Summer Break
June 30 - Aug 15: Wild Coast Summer Camp
August 28: Meet the teacher night and Ice Cream Social
Sept 2nd: First Day of School
Spotlight on Classes for the 25/26 School Year
Preschool–Kindergarten at NVS - Preschool - PreK -One Spot Open, Kindergarten - Open Enrollment
Where Play IS the Curriculum
In our early childhood program, children learn through joyful exploration, meaningful play, and a deep connection to nature.
Play-based, emergent learning
Daily outdoor adventures
Creativity through art, music & movement
Early literacy & math woven into real-life contexts
Social-emotional growth is at the heart of it all
And… our Kindergarteners take their first steps into leadership, guiding younger peers and stepping into greater independence
This is where the learning arc begins—with wonder, confidence, and connection.
Lower school Grades 1–5 at NVS - OPEN ENROLLMENT
Welcome to the years of the Explorers.
Hands-on exploration
Nature-based science
Emergent literacy & math
Creative expression
Place-based projects
Multiage mentoring
Social-emotional growth
Real learning, no grades
In our primary program, students build strong academic foundations while growing into confident, curious, and compassionate learners. Learning is personalized, purposeful, and deeply connected to the world around them.
Our Lower School is often grouped into Grades 1–3 and Grades 4–5, forming two multiage learning communities. These groupings allow students to benefit from peer modeling, leadership opportunities, and individualized instruction.
Middle School at NVS – Grades 6–8 - OPEN ENROLLMENT
Our middle schoolers are navigators, thinkers, and changemakers.
In Grades 6–8, learning goes beyond the classroom walls:
Rigorous academics grounded in real-world relevance
Nature-based & experiential learning
Deepened social-emotional growth
Interdisciplinary projects & emergent curriculum
Personalized learning paths in multiage classrooms
Active roles in community service projects
Annual off-campus adventures, including an unforgettable backpacking trip!
Middle schoolers at NVS are supported as they build independence, resilience, and a deeper connection to both themselves and the world around them. This is education for the whole child—engaging, empowering, and meaningful.
Farmers Markets
Come See Us at the Farmers Market!
We’re excited to be spending a few weekends this summer at the community booth at the Farmers Market in Lincoln City and Neskowin! Stop by to say hello, learn more about our school, and connect with familiar faces. We’ll have fun activities for kids, info about upcoming programs, and plenty of smiles to share. It’s a great way to stay connected and celebrate our vibrant local community—see you there!
Dates:
August 30th - Neskowin Farmers Market 9-1 pm
August 31st - Lincoln City Sunday Market 11-2 pm
Career Opportunities
We are Hiring!
We are hiring substitutes and specialized teachers for our 25/26 school year.
We are currently hiring substitute teachers and specialized teachers to join our amazing school community! Our school offers a warm, creative, and nature-connected learning environment where curiosity is celebrated and every child is seen and valued. With small class sizes, a strong focus on social-emotional growth, and a hands-on, project-based approach, we provide a truly unique educational experience. Whether you're stepping in as a sub or sharing your expertise as a specialized teacher, you’ll be part of a passionate team that nurtures joyful learning both in the classroom and in the natural world. If you love working with children and want to be part of something special, we’d love to hear from you!
Visit our website to see all available positions, and for all inquiries, please email info@neskowinvalleyschool.com