Our Network

Calyx Nature School is a learning community for ages 5 – 11 (and growing), supported by a dynamic group of individuals and families – parents, grandparents, educators, and children – working together to create a progressive alternative learning community on Whidbey Island.

Just as our forest finds balance through its web of connections, so Calyx deepens its programs through connecting with community partners, visiting artists, local experts, and local organizations. Calyx is nestled under the fiscal sponsorship of Service, Education & Adventure (SEA), a 501c3 not-for-profit that supports programs that inspire and empower participants to become agents of change in pursuit of a sustainable and just world.

Our breadth of connections include: Service, Education & Adventure (SEA), Washington State Parks, OASIS, South Whidbey Tilth, Orca Network, Langley Whale Center, Whidbey Audubon Society, Friends of Whidbey State Parks, South Whidbey Elementary School, Young Women Empowered, Whidbey Institute, and Whidbey Camono Land Trust.

Beneath the fragrant boughs of Cedar, Fir, Alder and Spruce, beside the salty lapping song of the Salish Sea, and under the benevolent gaze of the Olympic mountain range, Calyx weaves a deeply alive, developmentally appropriate, and connected community within which the wild imaginations, open hearts and bright minds of our students can flourish.

Our Partners

Calyx works in collaboration with the following organizations:

Service, Education & Adventure

Calyx is the central program of its fiscal sponsor, Service, Education & Adventure (SEA), a 501c3 not-for-profit. Since 2006, SEA has created and collaborated with partner organizations to provide outdoor, nature connected, service and adventure education in and around Puget South, and the greater Salish Sea, for more than 2000 students and educators.

Orcas Island School District

Calyx is an Approved Learning Center within the Orcas Island School District OASIS program. Many of our families choose to enroll in OASIS while attending Calyx programs. Our families find OASIS resources expansive and helpful in creating well-rounded learning plans for their children.

Washington State Parks

A unique collaborative agreement with WA State Parks gives Calyx students the opportunity to be junior rangers, and provides an indoor classroom to support our largely outdoor programming in exchange for service to and stewardship for the Park. Calyx staff and students serve as the eyes and ears of the Park, which helps keep the Park open and safe.

Friends of Whidbey Parks

Through our partnership with the Park, our Calyx community is committed to serving as park stewards. We keep the trails clear, help the Friends of South Whidbey State Park group with local efforts, and assist park visitors with directions.