Testimonials

I LOVE that the children get to spend SO much time outside, engaging with nature and learning how to appreciate it and use their senses. Also, the emphasis on learning being biblical, relational, and integral - it feels like SOW's priorities align with our priorities as a family so beautifully. We appreciate the teaching of Scripture ... the multiple age groups getting to engage and play together ... the time they get to spend outdoors ... the freedom to initiate learning experiences for the students that align with their passions/interests ... their instruction in truth and beauty through rich literature ... engaging with nature, deepening friendships ... and discussions.

This community has been one of God’s richest blessings in our daughter’s life! Thank you for loving her for who she is and giving her the opportunity to thrive with the gifts God has given her.

I appreciate the introduction of early phonics and math, focus on memorization of scripture and hymns, opportunity to learn in nature.

We love Scent of Water! I am SO thankful my daughter gets to learn about the Creator in His creation. I love that she is given the opportunity to explore, play, read good, rich books, sing, and consider God's world and her role in it! I appreciate the Unit Studies, the community of classmates, teachers, and parents, and the foundation of a biblical worldview.

The education provides spiritual and character formation along with encouraging the wonder of being outside and creation.

Our girls love going and enjoy their teachers! Logic of English seems strong and helpful with their reading development. The hospitality and vision alignment of the host church is huge. Amazing weekly updates!

Our daughter read wonderful books with her class that sparked her imagination and taught her facts about God's world. She is confident in the outdoors thanks to all the time she was able to be outside. She has learned the discipline of observation. Ms. Steele's activities were creative and engaging. Your first school experience is either good or bad, Ms. Steele was a HUGE part of making ours great! We're thankful!

I appreciate the biblical teaching and fellowship with other believers.

I like the learning through play and the beautiful setting.

I like the socialization, outdoors, hands-on learning.

The middle school program is amazing. My kids are loving all the projects, research, etc. that they are doing.

I appreciate the group dynamics, social dynamics, science. It’s beautiful.

The strongest elements of my children's education include relationships within and between classes, projects formed to meet their interests, integral learning. What I especially like about the program includes all the tenets of the Center for Redemptive Education, outdoor learning, sweet community.

We were attracted to the K/1 combined classroom, the religious theology integrated into the curriculum, the use of outside space as teaching both academics and physical development and the three-day aspect. We appreciate the fully trained teachers who love my child and give ideas to enrich outside of the classroom, and the small classroom size and the project-based learning. This is a great program.

Thank you so much for welcoming us to your wonderful educational setting. I really enjoyed meeting with you and with your colleagues, and especially with the students. It was wonderfully comforting to be in the woods. Congratulations on all you are achieving. We were very impressed!

I like the hands-on activities, music, art, literature, biblical worldviews, and relationships.

I appreciate the biblical worldview. Experiential, Relational outdoor learning! I recommend it routinely to others seeking an alternative to traditional public / private / homeschool education. I appreciate the solidarity with the leadership of the host church. Also—the green space and beautiful woods /creek.

My children love going to school! The community, the kindness of the teachers, the emphasis on Christian character formation, the unique educational experience. It has wonderful woods and space for the kids.

I appreciate the Christ-centered foundation of everything and the beautiful open space.

My grandson loved his first year with the amazing Redemptive Ed program and is so looking forward to this coming September, along with his two younger brothers!!!! Our whole family was blessed by this life-changing experience… thank you Mrs. Imbody and all of the wonderful teachers and staff who are making a difference.

Christian worldview permeates everything! Beautiful learning. Interest-led learning within the structure of a good curriculum. Loved the books they read and how integrated everything is. Our daughter has had a very happy year and loves learning.

I like the outdoor exploration, social learning, creative expression. Lots of place to explore!

Overall, it seems wonderful! I love the read-alouds, so much free time to play and explore. I like the time outdoors, the time emphasizing beautiful art and literature and scripture and discussing it. I appreciate the space, the woods, the creek, the safety and being set back from the main road.

I like my child engaging with older children, getting dirty exploring outside.

I have seen an increase in my children's joy for learning.

We heard great things from a family we knew and went to visit the program. We knew instantly our [middle school] daughter would thrive in this program. We appreciate the outdoor element, the social community, the learning aspects and the Christ centered atmosphere that permeates everything. We are so blessed by the entire staff and will continue to recommend this amazing program.

My girls love the material/curriculum they are learning. They like that it's hands-on and flexible for each person's individual learning needs. They love that it is biblical, and they most enjoy all the grade levels together for Welcoming, Lunch, and Recess.

The strongest elements of my child/ren's education include a positive experience of being in a group of kids and having a teacher and all that comes with that.

In the seven weeks that my son has been attending boots and roots I have seen already a lot of growth in his phonic/letter skills, memorization of songs and Bible verses, throwing/catching skills, and overall confidence. I am amazed at all of the songs and verses he has memorized. I think it is great the content that he is encouraged to memorize at Boots and Roots. I like all the open spaces on the campus.

What I like are the experiential academic experience and the lovely outdoors! Beautiful outdoor space! My daughter loves her teacher and is having a great year and learning so much!

I like the openness of the space and the garden area.

We absolutely love Scent of Water! It's been a tremendous blessing. The strongest elements of my children's education include the holistic approach to education, the hybrid outdoor-indoor approach, and the academically rigorous yet holistic and engaging approach to learning. Amy Imbody is an effective and wonderful leader! The biblical integration is beautiful and thorough (music, Bible memory, approach to teaching the children, etc.). The musical aspect--what an incredible experience for our children to be involved in the musical!

The strongest elements of my child/ren's education include: Being outside all day. Being in the wood exploring. Engaging with outside experiments and experiences.

We have been so blessed by our time at SOW. The boys very quickly connected with friends and have enjoyed their days of learning. I appreciate the group work and unit study projects. I appreciate the Christ-centered perspective and literature-based learning.

I like the positive spiritual influence and working on social skills. The pretty and large outdoor area is secluded, away from busy roads.

Great balance of teacher-directed learning and free play. Wonderful hymn and stories. Thoughtful crafts. Intentional and respectful disciplining. River Farm is an absolute perfect all weather location for this program. The best I could wish for.

I appreciate the outdoors, the interest-driven approach, the sense of curiosity and collaboration, the nurturing environment, the freedom. It’s beautiful.

Dear Mrs. Imbody, Thank you for being the head of school. I really savor my time at Scent of Water because of you. I wouldn't have been able to if you had not created Scent of Water. Thank you also for spending the time and energy on making the music and script for the play. Thank you once again.

I like the comprehensive phonics instruction and the amount of time they have outside.

For the first time in his life, my child is enjoying school, especially all the outdoor time. Learning appears to be happening naturally for him. I think he is learning the most about Christianity/Bible memorization. He has also learned a lot of geography so far. My son loves the creek and woods. I talk about the Center for Redemptive Education all the time to friends!

I like everything. The staff is the best and the host family is beyond amazing. Overall, the land and location are stunningly gorgeous.

Our son is thriving at Boots and Roots and asks everyday if the next day is school. He is learning lots about the outdoors and playing with peers. We like the focus on God and His creation.

The outdoor learning is fabulous and having solid Christian teachers whose beliefs we agree with is a huge value.

We are so grateful for the rich education and sweet community that the beloved Scent of Water program has brought to our family.

Being a brand new Boots & Roots parent this year, I have loved helping with the carpool check-in line and becoming familiar with the names and faces of both students and parents. Being around them for just a brief time each week has left me with the impression that this is a group of joyful, respectful, thoughtful, responsible, and fun people, from the youngest to the oldest!

I like the way in which my children get to delve into learning in an authentic and meaningful way. There is no high pressure to pass a test; they simply are learning for the joy of learning and I have seen that attitude come home. They want to research and learn new things.

I like the collaborative learning and opportunities to create through art and writing. Vast space and opportunity for creative and imaginative play.

I appreciate the excellent communication and creative approaches to concepts, and the friendly, God-centered community.

What I especially like about the program includes memorizing scripture in a fun and interactive way. Singing hymns. Interaction between students of different ages. I like that there are woods, creek, gardens, benches, and picnic tables. Time spent outside. Engaged teachers. Reading good literature. Hands-on projects. Encouraging creativity.