
Forest Kindergarten Co-Op
Avonlea Nature School is a homeschool co-op in Monroe County, Illinois for families seeking a Christian forest school experience for their kindergarten-aged children. We take a Charlotte Mason approach to the early years, allowing for free play, nature exploration, and gentle learning.

Enrollment for Spring 2023 is now closed. Please use the contact form to inquire about late enrollment.
Check back for Summer & Autumn plans!
Created to meet the needs of families in our community
Avonlea Nature School was created to meet a need in Monroe County for a Christian homeschool co-op opportunity for families with young children ages 4-7. We meet once weekly for three or four hours, giving our children a forest school day filled with the beauty and wonder of God's creation, and the fun of free play with friends!
Rain or shine, we will dress for the weather and enjoy watching seasons change as we meet weekly at a local campground 14 weeks per semester. Older and younger siblings are most welcome.


Nature Observation
Gentle instruction with Exploring Nature with Children, a Charlotte Mason-Inspired curriculum

Our Team

Dr. Shannon Bulla, Pharm.D.
Founder & Director
Shannon is a homeschool mother of three young children, and is passionate about ensuring they receive an education filled with beauty, truth, and goodness. Avonlea Nature School was born from her desire to share the forest school model and Charlotte Mason's ideals with other local homeschooling families. As a licensed pharmacist, she was professionally trained in the higher sciences, but finds that she still has much to learn about the natural world around her!
