Spring River School is an initiative of Jacksonville Educational Community (JEC), a pioneering non-profit organization founded by parents and local educators who share a desire to create a transformative educational experience focused on the whole-child approach.

This impulse led to the establishment of Florida's first Waldorf-inspired K-8 all-outdoor education program. Other programs include a Waldorf-inspired High School Initiative, 2 Day Homeschool Program, Parent-Child Classes, and a Forest Immersion Program.

Students at Spring River are welcomed to a place of respect and encouragement. Here, they learn to be self-sufficient and are provided the space to flourish. The curriculum, pedagogy, and teaching methods are designed to nurture and realize each child's unique potential.

In the fall of 2020, we took our homeschool classes on outdoor field trips for the school year and found that outdoor education perfectly fit our curriculum and families. Our classes, which were indoors in churches and community centers for several years, have now been moved to local parks steps from the ocean in the Beaches Area. With the support of our community, we are working toward building a campus that will be home to outdoor pavilions and a biodynamic garden. Outside of Spring River, parents may homeschool their children however they choose. Our parents and teachers are available to provide inspiration and ideas that blend well with our supplemental program.

A little bit, about JEC:

WHO WE ARE

We are a pioneering community of business owners, caregivers, teachers, and students seeking ways to connect with the wonders of the natural world and each other.

WHAT WE DO

Our purpose is to engage the Northeast Florida community in initiatives, programming, and community outreach that embodies the full range of Holistic and Anthroposophical-inspired ideals such as:

Outdoor Education

Homeschool Enrichment

Waldorf Education

Community Green Space

Biodynamic Gardening

Anthroposophical Studies

The Healing Arts

Teacher Training and Support

WHY WE BELIEVE THIS IS IMPORTANT

Everyone needs and deserves access to nature and human connection.

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

I. We exist to support the developing human being on their journey to discover purpose and meaning.

II. We accomplish this support through education, spiritual practice, and service.

III. We seek to awaken capacities of judgment, creativity, perception, empathy, joy, and wonder.

IV. We embody reverence for the uniqueness of each individual and respect for their right to freedom.

V. We believe nature offers the essential needs of reflection, health, and connection.

An Evening with David Barham

By Jacksonville Educational Community Inc

An Evening with David Barham

Supporting Our Teens: Staying Centered in the Whirlwind