Walnut Forest Academy began with a simple yet profound idea: to create a holistic learning environment that nourishes the whole child through experiential, hands-on, arts-integrated and land-based learning. The school’s founder, Dr. Traci L. Scheepstra, PhD, a seasoned educator with over 30 years of experience, started the Academy in response to shifts in education during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The inspiration came from her grandson, whose love for nature and the creative arts couldn’t be met through online education or traditional systems. Traci decided to leave her role as a university professor, in teacher education, to channel her expertise into building a school that embodies everything she believes is essential for children’s development.
Walnut Forest Academy is unique in its approach. It combines curriculum-informed learning with a nature-based philosophy, allowing children to spend two-thirds of their day outdoors. Small teacher-to-student ratios and multi-age classrooms create an atmosphere where students learn from both their teachers and peers, fostering leadership, collaboration, and self-paced growth.
Since opening in September 2023, Walnut Forest Academy has been guided by its mission: "To nourish the whole child to develop a love for learning, a deep sense of self, a curiosity about the world around them, and the ability to think creatively and critically so they can experience meaning and purpose in their lives."
Starting a school is no small feat, even for someone with decades of experience. That’s where the Business Centre’s Starter Company+ Program came into play. Traci discovered the program through a recommendation from a parent in her school community and quickly saw its value.
The program helped Traci refine critical elements of her business, including her mission statement, vision statement, finances, and marketing strategy. She was introduced to new perspectives through networking events and mentorship, which provided valuable insights into the business world.
As an educator, Traci believes in lifelong learning, and her time in the program allowed her to pick up “nuggets of wisdom” that fine-tuned her entrepreneurial skills. Reflecting on her experience, Traci described it as helping her “cross the t’s and dot the i’s” of her business, ensuring everything was running smoothly and effectively.
Traci’s journey as an entrepreneur has been shaped by her rich and varied career in education. From running a creative arts centre for 14 years to teaching at top universities, she’s always been at the forefront of innovative learning.
However, like many new business owners, she faced challenges. The program helped her overcome some of these hurdles, especially by emphasizing the importance of networking. While she knew networking was important, the program pushed her to prioritize it, allowing her to build connections and expand her reach.
When asked what advice she would give her past self, Traci shared; "You don’t have to do it all alone. Utilize the people around you, delegate, and trust in their ideas and abilities. Giving others the space to shine will allow you to excel in your role too."
Her biggest takeaway from the program? The power of collaboration and community.
So, if you’re looking for a school that truly understands the importance of individualized, nature-based learning, consider Walnut Forest Academy. Traci and her dedicated team are creating a space where children can grow, explore, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
