Located in the Loess Hills of Iowa
A tuition-free, nature school, serving K-5 students.
Red Barn Schoolhouse • Crescent, Iowa
Grounded in Community.
Inspired by Nature.
Celebrate Learning Naturally
Outdoor Based Education
Collaborative Instruction
Holistic Understanding
Cultivating Curious Minds
We are a tuition-free, public K–5 nature school where learning is grounded in collaborative instruction, project- and inquiry-based experiences, and daily time outdoors. Our integrated approach nurtures the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Integrating Nature, Art, and Community
At Red Barn Schoolhouse, students learn through nature, the arts, and the people around them. Whether exploring the outdoors, creating through art, or working alongside community members, learning is active, connected, and meaningful.
You might see students observing seasonal changes in the landscape, building and creating with natural materials, or collaborating with a local artist or expert to bring a project to life. These experiences invite students to ask questions, make connections, and see how their learning extends beyond the classroom.
Our Site & Timeline
Red Barn Schoolhouse is growing—and we’re excited to share what’s ahead.
Our permanent school site is currently in the planning and development phase. The land is a beautiful, open alfalfa field, bordered by deep creeks and trees—an ideal setting for the kind of learning experiences we envision for our students.
While construction is underway, Red Barn will open as planned in August 2026 at a temporary location. This space will allow us to begin building our community, establish routines, and bring our learning model to life from day one.
As our permanent site develops, families will be able to follow along with the process—from early plans to construction milestones. We look forward to sharing updates, images, and progress along the way.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of something from the very beginning. We are building Red Barn with care and intention, and we’re excited for what it will become.
You might see students observing seasonal changes in the landscape, building and creating with natural materials, or collaborating with a local artist or expert to bring a project to life. These experiences invite students to ask questions, make connections, and see how their learning extends beyond the classroom.
Land Acknowledgment
Red Barn Schoolhouse is located on land that is the ancestral and traditional territory of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe, the Umoⁿhoⁿ (Omaha Tribe), and the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska.
We acknowledge and honor the deep and enduring relationship these tribes have with this land—past, present, and future.
As a school rooted in nature, community, and connection, we are committed to learning from the land, caring for it responsibly, and recognizing the histories and peoples who have stewarded it long before us.
While construction is underway, Red Barn will open as planned in August 2026 at a temporary location. This space will allow us to begin building our community, establish routines, and bring our learning model to life from day one.
As our permanent site develops, families will be able to follow along with the process—from early plans to construction milestones. We look forward to sharing updates, images, and progress along the way.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of something from the very beginning. We are building Red Barn with care and intention, and we’re excited for what it will become.
You might see students observing seasonal changes in the landscape, building and creating with natural materials, or collaborating with a local artist or expert to bring a project to life. These experiences invite students to ask questions, make connections, and see how their learning extends beyond the classroom.
