Everything you need to know about joining The Village Foundry, from ages and schedules to what your child can expect.

The Basics

What is The Village Foundry?
The Village Foundry is a hands-on enrichment program for children ages 5–12. Through meaningful work, practical skills, creativity, nature, and community, children have opportunities to learn by doing and discover just how much they are capable of.

What ages do you serve?
The Village Foundry welcomes children ages 5–12. Our mixed-age environment is intentional, giving children opportunities to learn alongside, help, and be mentored by one another.

Where are you located?
We are located in Clermont, Florida, at Wildlings Farm + Folk. Full arrival details are provided to registered families.

Is The Village Foundry a school?
No. The Village Foundry is an enrichment program designed to complement a child's existing education. Families remain responsible for their child's primary educational program.

Classes & Schedule

When does The Village Foundry meet?
Classes are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays in two-hour blocks:

9:00–11:00 AM
11:30 AM–1:30 PM

What happens on Tuesdays and Thursdays?
Tuesdays center around Stewardship + Provision, while Thursdays center around Making + Artistry. Community is woven throughout both days rather than treated as a standalone subject.

Does my child need to attend both days?
No. Families may choose one day per week or attend both. Children attending both days experience the broadest range of Foundry Guilds.

How large are the classes?
Each class is intentionally kept small, with a maximum of 10 children, allowing for hands-on instruction, mentorship, and meaningful participation.

The Experience

What will my child actually do?
Experiences change throughout the semester and may include gardening, animal husbandry, ecology, cooking, baking, preserving, woodworking, tools and repairs, pottery, sewing, art, entrepreneurship, service, and other practical projects.

Is this mostly cooking, gardening, and homemaking?
No. Those skills are part of a much broader experience. The Foundry is designed around problem-solving, responsibility, craftsmanship, creativity, resourcefulness, leadership, and contribution. The activity is the vehicle; the deeper goal is what children learn through doing it.

Does my child need any previous experience?
Not at all. Children are here to learn. Activities are introduced in developmentally appropriate ways, with expectations adjusted for age, experience, and ability.

How does a mixed-age group work?
Children aren't expected to accomplish identical tasks in identical ways. Younger children may explore a skill at an introductory level while older children take on greater complexity, independence, or leadership.

Enrollment

How much does it cost?
For Fall 2026, tuition is $190/month for one day per week or $340/month for two days per week. Full-semester tuition is $730 for one day per week or $1,292 for two days per week. A 5% sibling discount applies to each additional child enrolled.

How do we join?
Families can begin through our registration/application process. Because classes are intentionally small, space is limited.

Can we visit before enrolling?
Yes. Our Open Houses are designed to give families a chance to see the property, meet us, hear more about the Foundry, and decide whether it feels like the right fit.

Are you a Step Up direct provider?
We are currently pending Step Up approval.

Still wondering about something?