Weather Policy

At Creative Nature Academy in Grand Rapids, the safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities. We are committed to providing a nurturing outdoor learning environment while ensuring the safety of all participants, especially during extreme weather conditions. Here's how we handle various weather scenarios:

Heat: If the temperature is forecasted to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 1 hour of the school day, or if conditions are deemed unsafe due to excessive heat, school may be cancelled. In some cases, we may arrange an early pick-up if morning temperatures allow for a shorter, safer school day.

Cold: If the temperature is forecasted to dip below 20 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 2.5 hours of the school day, or if conditions are deemed unsafe due to extreme cold, school may be cancelled or shortened. We may have a delayed start if temperatures are forecasted to warm up within a reasonable time frame.

Winter Storms: While snow can provide a wonderful learning and exploration experience for children, safety is our priority. School will be cancelled whenever there is a winter storm warning or heavy snowfall that is deemed unsafe for travel.

Wind: If wind gusts exceed 25 mph for extended parts of the day, school will be cancelled to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

Thunderstorms: In the event of thunderstorms, we prioritize safety. If there is a high chance of thunderstorms rolling through during the morning, we may cancel or delay school. This decision will be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the comfort levels of all families. If frequent thunder is heard during school hours, we may call for an early pick-up.

Air Quality: School will be cancelled if the Air Quality Index (AQI) is above 150 or is forecasted to exceed 150 for more than one hour of our school day. This is to ensure the health and well-being of our students, especially those with respiratory sensitivities.

Indoor Space: At Creative Nature Academy, we have a safe indoor space available for pop-up weather situations. If outdoor conditions are deemed unsafe or unsuitable for learning, we will utilize this indoor space to ensure continued education and safety for our students.

If school is cancelled due to weather conditions, families will be notified as soon as possible via email or text. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to our weather policy.

For more information on weather-appropriate clothing and gear for your child, we recommend checking out our favorite companies: Oaki (oaki.com) and Iksplor (https://iksplor.com/).

If you have any questions or concerns regarding our weather policy, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for choosing Creative Nature Academy for your child's educational journey.