A nature-based learning community · Rock Tavern, NY
A place where your child is finally seen.
A nature-based micro school in the Hudson Valley · Minutes from the NYS Thruway and the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge
Bright. Curious. Not thriving in a conventional classroom. At Birch, kids are known for who they are — and excited to learn again.
Ages 9–17 · Full-time, part-time & homeschool support
Prefer to talk one-on-one? Book a call with KateYou've done everything right. School still isn't working.
Most families find us worn out — not because their child can't learn, but because the system wasn't built for how their child learns.
The morning battle
Stomachaches, tears, and “I don't want to go” — every day. School has become something to survive.
Bright, but not thriving
You know what your child can do. But grades and the system keep telling a smaller story.
Needs that get missed
In a big, busy classroom, the things that make your child who they are get overlooked, not understood.
At Birch, we start with the child — not the curriculum.
Two easy, no-pressure ways to get to know us.
Families join us from Goshen, Middletown, Warwick, Newburgh, New Windsor, Montgomery and across Orange County.
Virtual Coffee Chat
Pour yourself a cup of coffee and talk with Kate and our staff about whether Birch is right for your family. No pressure, cameras optional.
- How our mornings, afternoons and programs work
- Full-time, part-time and homeschool options
- Time for your questions
Wednesday Open House
9 Vance Road, Rock Tavern (New Windsor area), NY 12575 · Minutes from the NYS Thruway & Newburgh–Beacon Bridge
- See a real school day in action
- Meet our students and staff
- Walk our classrooms, makerspace and grounds
New-family welcome offer: Join a Coffee Chat or visit an Open House and receive $200 off your first Birch Boundless session.
Offer for new families only. Must attend a Coffee Chat or Open House to qualify.
The kids who thrive here
Known and valued
Learn by connecting
Safe to take risks
Challenge without pressure
Discovering their strengths
Learning for life
An education built around your child.
Mornings: foundational subjects — science, math, English language arts, social studies. Afternoons: project-based learning, electives, independent study, and community service.
Students are seen
Small, mixed-age classes mean every child is genuinely known — strengths, quirks, and what they need next.
Learning by doing
Hands-on projects and a real makerspace turn ideas into things kids build, test, and share.
Student voice
Kids help shape their own learning. Their questions and interests steer the work.
A real community
Mixed ages, kindness, belonging. Older and younger students learn from each other.
Full-time, or part-time homeschool support.
Full-Time School
Our complete five-day program: core academic mornings, project-based afternoons, and a real community.
Birch Boundless
Part-time for homeschoolers — two days a week, in three sessions across the year. You don't have to homeschool alone.
Ask us about flexible tuition options.
What happens after you reach out.
Get our Program Guide
Emailed to you right away, with upcoming dates.
Hear from a real person
Our team reaches out personally, usually within one business day.
Come see us
Join a Virtual Coffee Chat or drop by a Wednesday Open House.
Find the right fit
Meet with Kate, arrange a visit for your child, and choose the right program.
Read our 2026–27 Program Guide.
- Our mornings, afternoons and core program
- Our school building and outdoor spaces
- Assessment, college and career preparation
- What families have to say
Real kids, real next steps.
RIT
A graduate accepted with a near-full-ride scholarship.
SUNY
Acceptances across the SUNY system and beyond.
1:1
Personal guidance to find the right next step.
Graduates earn a New York State High School Diploma and complete a senior capstone project.
What families say.
“Thank you for creating a school environment that feels so deeply centered in humanity and belonging.”
“Everything felt calm, regulated, accepting, and genuinely kind… seeing middle and high schoolers joyfully playing together felt incredibly special and, honestly, rare.”
“The Birch School is the best thing that ever happened for my son… Birch was a complete answer for all of us.”
“We absolutely love the Birch School. Sometimes public school is just not the right fit for your kid…”
“If you want your child not just to learn but to be passionate about going to school every day, you most definitely want the Birch School.”
“The teachers are supportive and flexible, and the student community is welcoming and inclusive.”
Save your seat
Tell us a little about your child and we'll send our Program Guide, the link for the next Virtual Coffee Chat, and Open House details. A real person will follow up — no pressure, no hard sell.
Prefer to talk one-on-one? Book a call with Kate.
Kate Fox, Head of School & co-founder, is happy to talk through your child and your options. Pick a time that works for you.