Cocoplum
Nature School
History
Cocoplum Nature School was founded in 2020 by two Delray Beach mothers, educators, and environmental stewards, Dr. Fernanda Wolfson and Dr. Melanie Stefanovic. Their friendship began at the children's library and local community gardens when their first children were babies. Friendship blossomed into co-founding the evidence-based school they each dreamed of for their own children.
Philosophy
Everything that is taught in traditional schools with textbooks and rote practice can be learned by children outdoors with natural materials through play, exploration, and inquiry. In fact, for most of humanity, children have joyfully learned all they needed to know and do through play groups, the natural world, markets, gardens and farms, and other settings not bound by four walls.
Framework
The three pillars of Cocoplum's curriculum are nature, place, and play. We employ Reggio Emilia methods of observation, documentation, and assessment. Learning is individualized, largely self-directed, experiential, and social. We foster critical thinking and creativity, not conformity, and we cultivate collaboration and communication, not competition.
Beliefs, Values, & Practices
Testimonials
"I couldn’t imagine my child at a different school and I don’t think he could either."
"She wants to go to school every day, so of course that makes us happy parents."
"I know my daughter’s interests and curiosities are valued."
"CNS has provided a safe and stable environment for my child. She loves going to school."
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2021 by Ty Powell. All rights reserved.
FAQs
What is nature school?
A nature school is an educational setting where children learn through direct, regular engagement with the natural world. At Cocoplum, nature is not just a setting—it’s an essential part of the curriculum, fostering curiosity, resilience, and a deep connection to the environment. Learning happens in a variety of ways through play, inquiry, and child-led exploration as well as teacher-led activities and teacher-offered invitations. Even academic content is child-centric and integrates nature in meaningful ways. At nature school, nature supports whole-child development—socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually.
Describe a typical day at the elementary school.
Each day begins with nature play and community connection, followed by a rhythm of alternating periods of nature immersion and academic classes, and concluding with reflection and community time. On any given day, nature immersion could involve a field trip to a nature preserve, tree climbing on campus, or gardening. Academic classes include reading, writing, and math for all grades, and additional project based units in upper grades. Mindfulness practices woven throughout the day, shared meal times, unstructured play, and opportunities for creative expression foster deep connection and reverence for self, others, and nature.
What are your policies and practices for inclusion and accessibility?
Cocoplum is committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for children and families of all backgrounds and identities. We embrace and value diversity in all its forms and strive to provide a learning environment and curriculum that represents our community. We reduce financial barriers by accepting Step Up for Students scholarships, offering discounts for siblings and residents of The Set neighborhood adjacent to our campus, and providing flexible payment plans. We work closely with families to understand and meet each child's needs.
What programs do you offer and for what ages?
We currently offer a drop-in toddler program called Nature Tots, a twice weekly pre-K program called Nature Play Mornings, aftercare for elementary age children called Nature Play Afternoons, camp during school breaks, and our flagship elementary school serving grades K-5. Additionally, we host seasonal family events open to the public and we provide parenting workshops to caregivers of children in our programs. All of our programs, events, and offerings are built upon the pillars of nature, place, and play.
How do elementary school students learn to read, write, and do math? And do they have to take tests?
Class sizes are limited to 9, and foundational skills are taught through small-group instruction and individualized support. For core content areas, we utilize the University of Florida Literacy Initiative (UFLI) reading curriculum, a program based on the science of reading, and Singapore Math Dimensions. Students also develop literacy and numeracy through developmentally appropriate, real-world applications—such as writing nature journals, reading stories under the trees, and solving math problems during cooking or building projects. We use observation and detailed documentation to assess learning. We communicate progress to families regularly using the Story Park app, as well as several times a year with rich Narratives of Learning containing quantitative and qualitative data. Students are not required by the school to take standardized tests, but students who utilize an EO or FTC State of Florida Step Up for Students scholarship are required by the state to take a standardized test once a year.
Who is Cocoplum Nature School for?
Cocoplum is for families seeking a joyful, nature-immersive, and developmentally respectful education for their children. We serve curious and creative children who thrive in self-directed-play and hands-on learning. Our school is especially suited to conscious caregivers who respect children as autonomous individuals. Our families value community connection and environmental stewardship. Cocoplum is not a therapeutic school and may not be the best fit for children with exceptionalities who require intensive behavioral or clinical support.
High Professional Standards
Evidence Base
The evidence from dozens of studies conducted over about a decade converges around a single conclusion: “In academic contexts, nature-based instruction outperforms traditional instruction” (National Institutes for Health, 2019, p. 1). Natural surroundings and unstructured play have significant benefits for learning.
Code of Ethics
We hold our employees and volunteers to the highest standards, and our topmost priority is the protection and safety of the children in our care. To learn more about our Standards of Ethics, click here.
Affiliations
Cocoplum Nature School is proud to be an organizational member of the Association for Nature-Based Education (ANBE), the Natural Start Alliance (NSA), the North American Association of Environmental Education (NAAEE), and the League of Environmental Educators in Florida (LEEF).
Meet our Educators
Our cohesive and dedicated team of Cocoplum educators bring a refreshing blend of agility, compassion, experience, and vision to their professional practice. All faculty and staff hold bachelor's degrees or higher, possess three or more years in educational settings, and have passed Level II background screening. They are the heartbeat of Cocoplum!
Executive Director + Co-founder
Melanie Stefanovic, PhD
Melanie co-founded Cocoplum Nature School in 2020 after nearly 20 years of teaching and leading in schools and camps. She holds a Doctorate in K-12 educational leadership from Florida Atlantic University, a Master's in educational leadership from FAU, a Master's in elementary education from Northwestern University, and a dual Bachelor's in psychology and English from the University of Notre Dame. Melanie's ongoing learning interests include herbalism, non-violent communication, and yoga. She and her husband are raising their two vibrant children in Delray Beach where they love to ride bikes and play at the beach. Melanie's admiration of the natural world was cultivated in the mountains of Utah where she grew up skiing, camping, hiking, and playing sun-up to sun-down outdoors.
Operations Manager
Christina Lucas
Christina was born in New Jersey and grew up in Delray Beach. She is a passionate and nurturing educator who holds a Bachelor's degree from Florida Atlantic University in General Studies and Early Childhood Education. In 2021, she earned the Certificate of Early Childhood Environmental Education from FAU. Christina loves to spend time with her cat and 2 dogs, friends, and family. In her spare time, Christina enjoys gardening, snorkeling, hiking, dancing, and cooking.
Teacher
Jessica Cuchel, M. Ed.
Jessica was born and raised in South Florida and holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (K–6) as well as a master’s degree in Reading Education (K–12). With 15 years of teaching experience, she is deeply passionate about nurturing a love for learning in young children. Jessica especially enjoys seeing learning unfold through play-based experiences that spark curiosity and creativity. In her free time, she loves spending time with her kids and enjoys camping and exploring the outdoors.
Teacher
Alex Risius, M.S.
In 2016, Alex graduated with a degree in Environmental Science from the University of Michigan and then headed south to pursue a career in marine science education. She began working at a local nonprofit in Key West, Florida where she taught thousands of students about the ocean through camping, snorkeling, field work and other outdoor, hands-on activities. After five years at the organization, Alex took off to North Carolina to obtain a Master of Environmental Management degree with a focus on education and outreach from Duke University. She holds a Level 1 Certificate in Nature-based Education from ANBE. Alex joined Cocoplum in 2024. In her free time, Alex enjoys cooking, running, and paddle boarding with her dog.
Teaching Assistant
Juliana Collazo
Juliana is a writer and artist with an interdisciplinary degree from Carnegie Mellon University. Her past experiences leading nature-based camps and STEAM-centered summer school programming led to a love of non-traditional teaching and working with students of all ages. Juliana joined Cocoplum in 2025, and holds a Level 1 Certificate in Nature-based Education from ANBE. Originally from Pennsylvania, she is constantly in awe of Florida's natural wonders and wildlife, and she loves to spend her free time exploring her own backyard.
Aftercare Facilitator, Nature Tots Facilitator
Keisa Monterola-Suarez
Keisa brings over seven years of experience in youth education and experiential learning. Bilingual in Spanish and English, Keisa is passionate about creating inclusive, engaging spaces where children can explore, grow, and connect with the natural world. Keisa joined Cocoplum in 2024. She supports all children with warmth, creativity, and a deep respect for nature-based learning. She holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Outdoor Recreation from Eastern Washington University and is certified as a Trip Leader and Wilderness First Responder.
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Curriculum Director + Teacher + Co-founder
Fernanda Wolfson, EdD
Fernanda is co-founder of Cocoplum Nature School. She holds a Doctorate and Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, a Master’s in International and Intercultural Education, and a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from FIU. She holds a certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation from American University, is an ANBE Certified Nature School Educator, and trained mindfulness facilitator. She has created nature-based early childhood education programs in Delray Beach since 2017 (Global Story Time at Swinton Community Garden and Bilingual Nature Play at the Children's Garden). Fernanda holds certificates as a Master Naturalist and an Orton Gillingham reading instructor. She has worked and lived in Mexico, Philippines, France, and the USA. She has two boys and loves nature and music.
Teacher
Sasha Charles, M. Ed.
Sasha has her Bachelor's in Speech, Language and Communication Disorders and a Master's in Education Policy and Leadership. Previously, Sasha was an early childhood educator for 9 years, so she has a real love for educating young scholars! She joined Cocoplum in 2023. Sasha is a trained mindfulness facilitator, an Orton Gillingham reading instructor, and holds a Level 1 Nature-based Educator Certificate from ANBE. Outside of work, she enjoys dancing, spending time with loved ones, and going on nature walks with her dog.
Teacher
Jordan Sorley
Jordan was raised in the mountains of Vermont but found a second home along Florida’s sunny beaches. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Aquatic and Marine Biology from Stetson University in 2021. Since graduating, Jordan has taught in Pinellas County, inspiring students with her love for science and the environment. Jordan joined Cocoplum in 2025, and holds a Level 1 Certficate in Nature-based Education from ANBE. In her free time, she enjoys nature walks, animal photography, and traveling to explore new places.
Teaching Assistant, Nature Play Facilitator
Vivi Garcia
Vivi was born in Colombia and moved to Florida when she was 23-years-old after finishing her degree in environmental engineering. After having two children, she became passionate about raising them with respect and about teaching. She believes respect is the best way to maintain children's passion and enthusiasm for learning. She earned her Level 1 Nature-Based Educator certificate from ANBE (formerly ERAFANS) in 2021, and the Early Childhood Environmental Education certificate from FAU in 2022. Previously, she worked at Sunflower Creative Arts where she honed her skills in child-led approaches in an outdoor setting.
Teaching Assistant, Substitute Teacher
Catalina Ulloa
Catalina is Cocoplum's creative and endlessly positive "garden fairy" hailing from a family of educators. Catalina began volunteering for Cocoplum in 2022, and she joined the staff in 2025. Previously, she was a wedding planner for several venues in Costa Rica, and she homeschooled her son until the 2nd grade. Catalina brings a deep love of nature, gardening, and children to her work.
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Are you a future Cocoplum teacher?
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Since Cocoplum is growing by a grade level each year, we always love to meet dedicated educators. Qualified applicants bring a magical combination of experience and skills and love for classroom teaching, nature, and play! They have 3+ years teaching experience, a valid certificate(s), and minimum Bachelor's degree in education or related field.
In the Press
Listen now to Raising Wild Hearts interview with co-founder Melanie Stefanovic: The Path Less Traveled: Nature Schooling, Trust Based Parenting & Taking the Leap
Check out our feature in
Florida Weekly:
Most Innovative New School
Get an insider peek at the happenings and methods at Cocoplum Nature School!
Our Blogs
Read a recent write-up in The Coastal Star
Delray school's natural setting designed to enhance learning
On Social Media
Contact
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