Our History

The Good Earth Farm School was founded by Leslie Castaneda. Having worked with children as both a teacher and administrator in early childhood education at a Montessori-inspired school, two non-profit schools, a corporate-owned school, and finally a large family-owned preschool, Leslie came away with a strong belief that what children (including her own) really need is a place to experience nature and to participate in school “family” life. The environment must be one where the school rhythm and people are familiar and predictable to the young children it serves. This recognition was supported by what Leslie and her family witnessed in her oldest daughter’s year spent at the Richmond Waldorf School.

In 2006, The Good Earth Farm School got its start as an in-home licensed program that grew to serve 12 children. In November 2008, the school moved to its current location and became a licensed child care center. Two buildings are utilized, serving a total of 72 children each day. The school occupies just under two acres of land.

All of our classrooms are thoughtfully decorated and are full of beautiful open-end materials that are unique to our educational philosophy. We are fortunate to have a three large play yards, a school garden, and beautiful trees that shade a large portion of our property. Small farm animals are located in pens within our play yards for both hands-on care and observation. We provide a morning snack, a homemade lunch, and a healthy afternoon snack.

Our food is very simple and cooked from scratch by our teachers and students in the classrooms. Because we start with simple ingredients and spices, our food is free of preservatives, food dyes, and unhealthy oils.

In a world of “big box” schools and stores, we offer a personalized preschool experience. With just one visit, we think you will have found a peaceful, engaging, and creative place for your child to spend his or her days! We feel it is paramount that early childhood education must address the whole child and support development–not just attempt to stuff him or her full of academic knowledge at a young age.