At CNS, our schoolhouse and grounds are integral to the program. The environment is designed and managed with the expectation that the children will test, explore, and respect it. A stone cottage nestled into the wooded grounds of the Unitarian Society of Germantown, the school building is surrounded by large trees and soft earth. Wooden play structures, a generous sandbox, and a paved space for wheels and ball play welcome the children. A creek, shrub hideaways, garden beds, and arrangements of stumps and logs offer opportunities for engagement with the natural world. Indoors, warm, natural materials create an inviting interior for dramatic play and building, as well as compelling materials for hands-on learning. Children's work is thoughtfully displayed.