A forest school is a "classroom without walls" where children aged 3–7 learn through nature-based, child-led play. Unlike traditional programs, this approach uses the outdoors as the primary setting—rain or shine—to foster independence, resilience, and a deep connection to the environment. 

 

What to Expect

• The Outdoors as a Teacher: Children spend their time in woodlands or meadows, using natural materials like sticks for math and mud for art.

• Supported Risk-Taking: With appropriate adult supervision, children safely learn to navigate physical challenges like climbing trees, using real tools, or managing campfires.

• A "Living" Curriculum: Educators act as guides rather than lecturers, tailoring daily activities to the interests children show in the moment—whether that's tracking animal footprints or building a "fairy house". 

 

Integrating Academics

While largely play-based, forest schools naturally integrate early academics through inquiry-based teaching:

• Science: Observing life cycles, identifying plants, and understanding physics through pulley-and-rope play.

• Math: Using twigs and seeds to practice sorting, measuring, and understanding patterns.

• Literacy: Developing vocabulary and storytelling skills through forest journals or shared group reflections.

Our current Forest School program is for ages 3-7.  We meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Forest School is a drop-off program; parents do not need to stay. 

Forest School is rain or shine. We reserve the right to cancel in the event of thunderstorms or extreme winds for safety reasons. Students should have clothing appropriate for all types of weather, including but not limited to layered clothing, waterproof boots and rain gear, hats, mittens or gloves for cold weather, etc.