Providing Hands on education in a Play based, Nature Based and Place Based outdoor classroom.

Our Mission at Roots + Wings

At Roots + Wings, we are dedicated to the education of children through a play-based, nonprofit program rooted in the heart of Greater Greenville, South Carolina. We honor a child’s natural sense of wonder and curiosity about the world, and we believe that learning begins with connection to nature.

We are passionate about giving children the time and space to explore, experience, and engage. Because children learn through their senses, we emphasize hands-on, sensory-rich learning that encourages creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking. We believe in open-ended play, honoring each child’s unique developmental path and embracing the beauty of diverse learning styles and exceptionalities. Every child deserves to learn at their own pace, guided and inspired by caring peers and teachers.

At Roots + Wings, nature is our classroom—and from it, we teach science, math, literature, and project-based learning. Our curriculum is both rigorous and imaginative, built to challenge young minds while fostering a true love of learning. We go beyond facts, encouraging children to make meaningful connections across subjects and develop higher-level thinking skills. We nurture risk-taking in learning and build the confidence that turns curiosity into understanding.

We also place great value on the social-emotional development of our students. In a warm, safe, and supportive environment, children grow in empathy, emotional awareness, and resilience. We believe that working and playing in nature supports healthy brain development, quiet mindfulness, and the ability to focus deeply and think independently.

Our work extends beyond the classroom. We strive to partner with parents and caregivers, honoring them as essential partners in their child’s education. We aim to build confidence and connection within families, walking alongside them in this journey of raising joyful, engaged learners.

At our core, we believe that immersion in nature plants the seeds for a future generation that cares deeply for the Earth. Our students are not just learning about the world—they’re learning how to care for it, change it, and build a better one for all.