Middle School
At Nature School
Our approach is rooted in daily nature immersion, capturing students’ inborn curiosity about the natural world to foster deep connections to God and nature. Our school uses a positive, relationship-centered approach to discipline that supports students’ social and emotional growth while reinforcing biblical principles of character development. Through consistent expectations, respectful communication, and guided problem-solving, students learn skills such as responsibility, self-control, empathy, and reconciliation. This approach emphasizes restoring relationships, helping students reflect on their choices, and encouraging them to grow in wisdom and character.
What is Happening in Middle School
Stay Connected. Stay Informed.
Middle School is busy, and we want it to be easy for families to stay connected to what’s happening.
Our calendar brings important dates, school events, field trips, special activities, days off, and upcoming opportunities together in one convenient place.
Check back regularly to see what’s ahead and stay connected with all that’s happening at Nature School Middle School.
Meet Our Instructors
Originally from Buffalo, New York, I graduated from Niagara University before beginning my teaching career in Charleston, South Carolina. Since 2016, we have called the Crystal Coast home, where I've spent the past 10 years teaching Career & Technical Education in Onslow and Carteret counties.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, fishing, camping, and exploring all the incredible places this country has to offer.
I've always believed that some of the best learning happens when children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, make mistakes, and discover something new along the way.
my classroom to be a place where students are ready to explore, encouraged to try new things kind to one another, and excited to come to school each day.If my students leave my classroom with a love of learning, a sense of wonder about the world
Go Bills!
Katie Kauffman
I was born and raised in Southern Maryland near the Chesapeake Bay where I began my teaching career over thirty five years ago. After earning my Bachelor’s in English and my teaching certification for grades 5-12 from Washington College in Chestertown, MD, I began teaching English and Reading in the same public school system that I had attended! I taught every grade level between 6th and 11th over the course of the first part of my career. After twenty years as an English teacher, I requested a move to teach alternative education to serve kids who needed additional support with behavior. After teaching in this classroom setting, I was inspired to return to school to earn my Master’s degree in School Counseling, followed by a post-Master’s in Clinical Community Counseling, both from John’s Hopkins University, where I attended classes in the evenings and weekends while also working full-time — and being a full-time mother to three (now grown) kids. For the past 18 years, I have worked as a school counselor across every grade level in four different schools within the same school system, two of which my own children attended.
This next step in my career brings me to Nature School, where I look forward to returning to my original calling as a classroom teacher. Over the past nearly ten years, I’ve enjoyed the beauty of the beaches of Emerald Isle while vacationing with family with the hope of one day living here. In my free time, I enjoy painting and crafting, reading, and spending time with my grandchildren. Most of all, I enjoy quiet time and walks on the beach with the love of my life and husband of over forty years, Mark, who has supported me through my entire career as a teacher, counselor, and — most importantly — mother.
I am excited to be here and look forward to making my classroom an enjoyable place that fosters curiosity, exploration, and creativity.
Kristin Richie
Born and raised in Eastern North Carolina, I come from a proud military family and have developed a deep appreciation for service, family, and the outdoors. My passion for the outdoors began through Scouting, where I had the honor of earning the rank of Eagle Scout as a teenager.
I am a proud father of two daughters, ages 8 and almost 2, and my family is at the heart of everything I do. My faith in Jesus Christ guides my life and the way I strive to serve others. I am also honored to currently serve in the North Carolina National Guard.
Outside of my professional and military commitments, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, offshore fishing, and bowling. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my community, continue growing personally and professionally, and make a positive difference in the lives of those around me.
Michael Grantham