A letter from Ms Nicole

Hi there, and thank you for taking the time to get to know us.

​

Before starting Nature’s Schoolhouse, I spent years working in technology and website operations. It was a career I enjoyed, but everything changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. My youngest was just beginning his school journey, and the thought of sending him into a traditional classroom in those circumstances didn’t feel right. We tried a microschool, which felt promising, but when that program moved online, I knew we needed something different.

​

If I was going to be the one guiding my child’s education, I wanted to do it in a way that felt meaningful—hands-on, self-paced, community-centered, and filled with opportunities for exploration. A few like-minded families felt the same way, and together we started what would become Nature’s Schoolhouse. What began as a small response to an unusual moment has grown into a thriving community where children can learn, connect, and grow into the beautiful people they were born to be.

​

Along the way, I pursued further training in education, focusing on homeschooling methods and school administration. As an active member of the National Microschooling Center and the Texas Homeschool Coalition, I continue to deepen my knowledge and refine my leadership in the field of homeschooling education. My academic background is in Journalism and Psychology, which gave me a deep appreciation for how people learn, grow, and share their stories. Since making Austin home in 2008, I’ve loved exploring its parks, lakes, and trails—and I weave that same spirit of exploration into our school every day.

​

I’m so glad you’ve found your way here, and I look forward to sharing this journey with your family.

​

Warmly,

Nicole Tomayko
Founder & Lead Teacher,

Nature’s Schoolhouse Microschool