LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A private school in southeast Nebraska is offering an education that emphasizes outdoor time, practical learning and Christian values.

The Skyview Learning Academy, which sits on a 20-acre (8-hectare) plot with a pond and has a 60-tree orchard, opened its doors in 2014, the Lincoln Journal Star reported.

Michele Ray founded the school located in Douglas, a village about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Lincoln. She said she wanted a different kind of school for her children than what’s offered in public schools. Ray said letting kids outside in nature and teaching them about healthy living should begin at an early age.

The school, which also has freely roaming dogs, cats and chickens, doubled its enrollment by its second academic year from 13 to 26. The school enrolled nearly 40 students for the 2017-18 year.

Ray said the school has replaced its cafeteria with classroom space to accommodate the growing number of enrolled students. She hopes to enroll 60 students next school year, which would allow for a teacher’s aide.

The school offers a media center, kitchen and gymnasium, but Ray hopes to add a two-level entryway, two more classrooms, a cafeteria and a mud room. It’s also built a new chicken coop and raised garden beds.

Skyview charges parents $600 per month to help fund projects. It also hosts an annual banquet that has raised between $5,000 and $6,000.

Tina Doerr, who enrolled her daughters in the school for the 2017-18 year, said she finds its tuition a worthwhile expense because of the unique learning experience.

“I love the nature focus and the Christian atmosphere,” she said. “I feel like being outside they develop so much better. It forces them to use their imaginations 100 percent.”

Doerr said the school allows students to learn at their own pace.