Discover The Antioch School’s unique approach to education, where children from Pre-K through 6th grade thrive in a supportive and engaging environment!
For over 100 years we’ve been at the forefront of the Child-Centered education movement!
For over 100 years we’ve been at the forefront of the child-centered education movement!
Small Class Sizes
Individualized attention and personalized learning paths for each student with plenty of support staff and resources.
Experienced Educators
Nature & Play-Based Programs
Ample time outdoors and in nature for all age groups with weekly hikes, outdoor classrooms, and a beautiful campus to explore during free play time.
Community & Parent Involvement
Safe and Inclusive Environment
Lifelong Love of Learning
What School Should Be
I endorse the Antioch School 100% and wish every child could have the opportunity to go! The level of exposure the students get to so many different opportunities and experiences is unreal. My degree is in early childhood education and I feel completely confident that the Antioch school has mastered the child-centered learning model.
– Parent of a child in the Nursery
Our School
Pre-K to 6th Grade
What We Believe
At The Antioch School, education is centered on the belief that children learn best through play, curiosity, and self-discovery.
Childhood is seen as a uniquely wonderful time in our lives. It is celebrated and respected, rather than treated as training for adulthood.
We prioritize hands-on experiences that encourage independent thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, allowing children to explore at their own pace.
Our holistic learning approach integrates academic subjects across the curriculum and values emotional, physical, and intellectual growth equally, recognizing that all forms of intelligence are important.
We empower children to take responsibility for their learning through choices and consequences, fostering a sense of trust, empathy, and community.
In our caring environment, children are supported in taking reasonable risks, making mistakes, and learning from them.
We also honor the importance of solitude, reflection, and a connection to the natural world, ensuring that children have time to think, create, and wonder as they grow.
Our Programs
Nursery
- 3 ½ to 5 year olds
- Half and Full-Day programs
- Snacks Provided
Nursery is a place for wonder and belonging. I trust children as capable, curious learners and offer space to explore, create, and connect. Through play and relationships, they build the early social and emotional roots that support their lifelong love of learning.
Lead Teacher:
Hannah Hafoka
We’re so lucky to have such a kind and compassionate teacher guiding our youngest students. Hannah brings warmth, patience, and genuine care into the classroom every day.”
Parent of a child at the Antioch School
Kindergarten
- 5 - 6 year olds
- Half and Full-Day programs
- Forest Kindergarten Mondays
Exploration and play, within safe, age-appropriate limits, are seen as the best ways for children this age to learn. The children are encouraged to touch, manipulate, experiment, contemplate and assimilate their experiences through play.
Lead Teacher:
Lindie Keaton
Lindie handles her responsibility as a kindergarten teacher as an absolute professional.
She is extremely intentional and you can quickly tell that she’s been teaching for a long time.
Everything is well thought out and has been refined over the years. I believe a lot of what we learn in life is caught not taught….I have only good feelings about what my daughter has caught from associating with Lindie for an entire school year.
Kyle S, parent of Kindergartener
The Younger Group (YG)
- 6 - 9 year olds
- Full Day Program
- Small Group Learning
The classroom is bright and busy. Movement and talking are encouraged, because children need to do both to learn.
Lead Teacher:
Christine Lipari-Althaus
Assistant Teacher:
Christy Knutson
We could not be more happy with the support our daughter has received from her teachers. Christine’s support and encouragement of her growth means so much to us.
Also, I think she’s the most patient person I’ve ever met. She speaks to the children in such an incredible way and I strive to be more like her!
I feel like my daughter has cheerleaders throughout the school — highly observant, supportive, intelligent, competent, and kind cheerleaders, who are supporting her as she navigates her way. We are SO grateful!”
Kelsey H, parent of a child in the YG
The Older Group (OG)
- 9 - 12 year olds
- Full Day Program
- Deep Academic Exploration
They work independently, as well as in both small and large group settings. Many opportunities are provided for the OG students to delve deeply into various subject areas through research projects, field trips, visiting artists, and classroom materials.
The Older Group children are friends and mentors to the younger children, including opportunities to be swim, math, and reading partners.
OG students can also choose to study cello or violin twice a week. They go on weekly hikes in Glen Helen Nature Preserve, participate in daily Art & Science classes, and enjoy bi-weekly Swim & Gym at the Antioch College Wellness Center.
Lead Teacher:
Sally Dennis
Assistant Teacher:
Christy Knutson
“Sally is endlessly patient, she is so skilled at being able to be present for each child and all the children, each in turn.”
Dan R, parent of a child in the OG
“Sally is an incredibly skilled teacher. She observes the children so closely and meets them exactly where they are while also helping to bring out their best. OG is a time of big physical and emotional development, and I feel 100% confident that my daughter is in good hands during this sensitive and formative time. She loves her school, her classmates, and her teachers!”
Audra K, parent of a child in the OG
Art & Science
- All Groups
- Full Day Program
- Holistic Approach
We recognize and develop the innate interest children have in Art & Science by providing a comprehensive Art & Science program for every child in the school.
Art & Science are not viewed in the usual way, as disciplines with little in common. Instead, their wondrous complementary balance is appreciated and explored.
Lead Teacher:
Elaina Vimmerstedt
“A couple of years ago, my son got really into the Jurassic Park theme song. Even though we didn’t have a piano at home, he was determined to learn it and would spend hours at school working on it day after day.
When he asked his teacher, Elaina, for a hand, they teamed up to tackle it together.
This collaboration ignited a deep affection for the piano in him, leading him to sign up for formal lessons and dive deep into his newfound passion.
Just the other day, he told me that without Elaina’s help, the school’s pianos, and the chance to play them whenever he wanted, he might never have found his passion for playing and that he will always be grateful to the Antioch School and Elaina for that.”
Morgan E, parent of a child in the OG
Music, Phys Ed, and Enrichment
- All Groups
- Wide Variety of Experiences
- Diverse Opportunities
Children are given the opportunity to learn from visiting artists in residence and community members, and all age groups receive regular music instruction as part of the curriculum. Physical education is also integrated into our curriculum, more details below!
A robust Artist-in-Residence program invites a wide variety of professionals into our school each year for extended instruction with all groups.
We’ve hosted musicians, dancers, poets, visual artists, scientists, athletes, chess masters and other experts and our students greatly benefit from exposure to a diverse array of residency program participants.
We also have partnerships with the Foundry Theatre in Yellow Springs as well as area orchestras and performing arts venues, and regularly invite their musicians into our school for performances.
Opportunities for field trips and visits to the Foundry Theatre are also embraced and a regular part of our Arts Enrichment programs.
Our students enjoy ample access to the outdoors and have lots of opportunities for invigorating play. Kindergarten, YG, and OG take regular hikes through Glen Helen Nature Preserve and walk to the Antioch College Wellness Center for our Swim and Gym program.
We also have regularly scheduled focused time with a movement and music educator each week in all classrooms, and twice weekly instruction in violin and cello for the OG.
Parents are always welcome into our classrooms to share their expertise. Past enrichment classes offered by parents have included foreign languages, podcast and video production, map reading and wayfinding, and many more!
Multiple Teachers & Facilitators
“I love the wide variety of activities that the kids at Antioch are able to get involved in. Whether it’s backcountry skills, a podcasting unit, rocket building, or a musical instrument, the teachers at the school do a great job of seeing what sparks curiosity and supporting each kid in exploring the things that really interest them.”
– Parent of a child in the OG
Virtual Tour
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Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions & Enrollment
The first step is to schedule a visit with our school manager, Nathan.
You’ll tour the school and discuss our programs. If it feels like a good fit, you’ll fill out an application and your child will be invited to spend some time in the classroom they will be enrolling in.
Of course, you’ll have plenty of opportunities throughout the enrollment process to ask questions, get to know our faculty, and learn more about how we approach education.
Once your child’s prospective teacher confirms that they are able to meet your child’s learning needs and space in their classroom is available, your child will be officially offered a spot. If all spots in a classroom are filled, we maintain an active waitlist in case a spot opens up before the school year starts or partway through the academic year.
We accept applications on an ongoing basis.
Financial aid is available and is need based. Historically, over 50% of our families have qualified for financial aid.
In its commitment to distributing scholarships in a fair and equitable manner, the Antioch School uses the “Student and School Services” program supported by the National Association of Independent Schools to assist in calculating financial aid awards.
This is an online form that you will be invited to fill out if you would like to request financial aid.
Monthly Payment plans are available, as well as a discount for those who prefer to make payment in full at the beginning of the year.
Families with multiple children enrolled in the school are eligible for a discount for each additional child.
Total tuition and fees are based on whether your child is enrolled full or part time and if you have received a financial aid package. Our school manager Nathan will be able to answer all of your questions in more detail during your school visit.
Classroom Structure & Learning Environment
We have excellent student-to-teacher ratios, and add assistant teacher support as needed. While it varies from year to year based on enrollment, our general ratio doesn’t go above 12:1.
Research has shown that children experience many benefits from learning in a multi-age classroom.
Our YG (6 – 9 years old) and OG students (9 – 12 years old) participate in both all-classroom activities as well as small group instruction within their ability levels.
Thus, each student is presented with an invitation to learn based on their readiness, not just their age or grade.
Our teachers are constantly engaged in assessing each learner and responding to their needs.
We’re able to accommodate a wide range of learning styles.Children who may not have been challenged enough in some areas, or left beyond in others, thrive at The Antioch School.
Instead of the traditional model of having to follow along in a set curriculum, each child is met where they are.
Our teachers are attuned to each child’s individual readiness, and they are academically challenged based on where they are through both whole class and small group instruction.
Children are also invited to pursue their own interests and passions and to go deep on the subjects that ignite their enthusiasm.
They are encouraged to develop their own ideas for extending their learning that the teachers help them realize. Recent examples include a chocolate chip economy in the Older Group and a talent show in the Kindergarten
We believe that children want to challenge themselves and that this freedom gives them the opportunity to take ownership of their own learning.
School Culture & Philosophy
The Antioch School follows a child-centered, holistic approach where the focus is on nurturing curiosity, self-discovery, and hands-on learning.
Play is considered a vital part of the educational process, helping children explore themselves and the world around them.
The learning environment encourages flexibility, emotional growth and safety, and independence while also fostering collaboration and creativity.
Antioch’s culture is built on a foundation of respect, empathy, and trust. Both children and teachers are viewed as capable learners and teachers, and each student’s unique strengths are recognized and celebrated.
A sense of community is central, with multi-age groups that allow for mentoring relationships between older and younger students.
Families are actively involved in the school, contributing through volunteer efforts that support both learning and the school’s operations.
Teachers at Antioch are trusted to create a responsive and adaptive learning environment.
They serve as observers and guides, helping students through problem-solving and discovery, rather than relying on rigid curricula or traditional tests.
Teachers are deeply involved in the governance of the school, contributing to both classroom and administrative decisions, ensuring that the school reflects its core principles.
Social & Emotional Development
The Antioch School emphasizes conflict resolution through an open dialogue process called “having a meeting,” which is based on the principles of restorative justice.
Students learn to resolve interpersonal conflicts by talking and listening, supported by their teachers. This approach helps foster mutual respect, boundary setting, emotional safety, and the development of personal responsibility.
Interpersonal conflict is viewed as healthy and normal and our teachers are experts at guiding our students through this process.
At The Antioch School, conflict resolution is rooted in open dialogue and mutual respect.
Conflict is seen as a potent learning opportunity for the children, rather than a disciplinary problem for adults to solve.
When conflicts arise, students are encouraged to talk and listen to each other, with teachers facilitating these conversations as needed.
This process helps students learn to express their feelings, set personal boundaries, understand different perspectives, and work towards a solution together.
By solving problems through conversation, children develop the emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills necessary for healthy, respectful interactions.
Fostering kindness and respect is integral to The Antioch School’s philosophy.
The school creates an environment where every individual’s ideas and contributions are valued.
Children are taught to care for one another, and mixed-age groups encourage mentoring relationships where older students naturally help and guide younger ones.
Faculty and staff approach all student interactions with empathy, giving the children space to be themselves so they can mirror what the faculty models and develop empathy in their own relationships
This practice ensures that kindness, respect, and mutual trust are part of everyday interactions within the school community
At the Antioch School, students are given the freedom to make choices about their learning and daily activities. This autonomy empowers them to take ownership of their educational experiences.
The school believes that students learn best when they are trusted to explore their interests and make decisions that align with their personal growth.
With this freedom also comes a clear understanding of boundaries, which are set thoughtfully by both teachers and students.
This balance of personal choice and boundary setting fosters independence and personal accountability, preparing students to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and thoughtfulness.
Extracurricular Activities, Field Trips, & Access to Nature
While the school doesn’t have traditional clubs, students frequently engage in special interest activities driven by their curiosity and talents.
Additionally, parents and community members often contribute their talents to enrich these experiences, creating unique opportunities for extracurricular engagement.
Recent examples include a parent-led unit on mapmaking and wayfinding and a parent-led unit on podcasting and visual storytelling.
Field trips are seen as extensions of the classroom and an important aspect of the experiential learning approach at The Antioch School.
Field trips occur regularly and are often tied to the curriculum, helping students explore topics in a real-world context.
Whether it’s a visit to a local farm, a theater performance, or a wildlife rehabilitation center, field trips at Antioch foster curiosity and bring learning to life.
The outdoors and nature are central to the Antioch School experience. The school believes that connecting with the natural world is essential for healthy development, both physically and emotionally.
The campus itself is designed to bring the outside in, and students spend significant time outdoors, whether in structured activities like gardening and caring for our chickens, or during unstructured free play.
Additionally, students take extended hikes weekly in Glen Helen beginning in Kindergarten and continuing through the rest of their years at Antioch.
Parent Involvement
Parents and caregivers play an essential role in the Antioch School community.
From assisting with classroom activities to participating in events like the Harvest Soup Supper and Anything on Wheels, your involvement is highly encouraged.
Parents and caregivers can also serve on the school board and committees, help organize school events, and contribute their expertise to classroom curriculum.
This partnership fosters a strong sense of community and connection between families and the school.
Parents can volunteer in many ways, such as helping with classroom activities, driving for field trips, or contributing their skills during school events.
Whether it’s assisting with a hands-on project or helping maintain the school grounds, parent volunteers play a vital role in enhancing the learning environment and supporting the smooth operation of the school’s day-to-day functions.
Assessment & Progress Tracking
The Antioch School has a thoughtful, personalized approach to communicating student progress.
Rather than relying on traditional grades or standardized tests, the school uses ongoing observation and interaction to assess each child’s growth.
Teachers regularly share these insights with parents through conferences, where they discuss students’ development, both academically and socially. These conferences provide a comprehensive view of each child’s learning journey, ensuring parents are fully informed and engaged in their child’s education.
Conferences occur three times each year, but parents are encouraged to reach out to their teachers at any time.
At The Antioch School, student progress is evaluated through continuous observation and meaningful interactions with teachers, rather than traditional grades or standardized tests.
Teachers closely monitor each child’s development by paying attention to their engagement in activities, problem-solving abilities, social interactions, and creative projects.
This allows for a more holistic view of each child’s growth, focusing on their unique strengths and areas of improvement.
The goal is to nurture a love of learning and encourage children to feel ownership and pride in their own growth, rather than measuring themselves against their peers through numerical scores.
Our teachers stay up to date regarding childhood development and best practices in educational approaches.
Instead of traditional report cards, parents at The Antioch School receive qualitative feedback through detailed discussions during parent-teacher conferences.
Teachers welcome and encourage frequent dialogue between conferences through email or in-person at school.
Each classroom teacher, as well as our Art & Science teacher, also send out a weekly email discussing what is happening in their classroom that week and any special projects or events.
Building a Community of Belonging
The Antioch School places a strong emphasis on creating a community that values diversity and inclusion.
The school fosters an environment where all students are respected and celebrated for their individuality.
Additionally, through our Artist in Residency and Miller Fellow programs, children are exposed to a wide variety of perspectives and experiences, laying the foundation for empathy and mutual respect.
The Antioch School is committed to meeting the unique needs of every student.
Small class sizes and close teacher-student relationships enable educators to provide personalized attention and tailor activities to support each child’s strengths and areas for growth.
Although the school does not have the resources to support children with severe behavioral or developmental disabilities, teachers have experience accommodating and supporting many different learning challenges.
If you are curious if the school would be a good fit for your child’s needs, please reach out to our school manager.
Health & Safety
The Antioch School prioritizes the health and safety of all students, while understanding that an important part of a child’s development is the opportunity to take age-appropriate risks.
Pertinent aspects of our programs are licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Greene County Public Health Department. Our staff, facility and playgrounds meet or exceed all requirements.
Like what you’ve seen so far?
Have more questions?
Schedule your visit to our school and meet with our school manager to see if the Antioch School is a good fit for your learner.
It’s a no-pressure, no-obligation opportunity to get to know us and get all your questions answered.