Primary & Kindergarten Forest School

Ages: 3-6* years

“Let the children be free; encourage them; let them run outside when it is raining; let them remove their shoes when they find a puddle of water; and, when the grass of the meadows is damp with dew, let them run on it and trample it with their bare feet; let them rest peacefully when a tree invites them to sleep beneath it's shade; let them shout and laugh when the sun wakes them in the morning as it wakes every living creature that divides its day between waking and sleeping,” Maria Montessori

Overview

In addition to our work with Math, Language, Sensorial, and Practical Life we offer a rich study of history, culture, arts, and science. 

  • Our Forest School follows the Montessori Primary curriculum, which means students will engage in the following subject areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Science, Geography/Culture, and Art. In our outdoor classroom we have a combination of traditional Montessori materials and nature-based materials that follow the guidelines of the Montessori curriculum. Each area indirectly prepares the child for proficiency in the main areas of traditional studies through real-life experiences and hands-on exercises.

  • Our Forest School is enriched by a farm program and living resources that include small equines such as mules, donkeys, and ponies, as well goats and chickens. All animals have been thoroughly vetted to be safe for children to interact with and have been trained for therapeutic work with young children. In turn, a large part of the curriculum includes learning to safely and peacefully engage with the animals.

  • Our history curriculum is rooted in the experience of First Peoples. Throughout the year we discuss the ways that humans have migrated all over the world, built civilizations, and merged cultures. Each month we study a different continent and explore the history, culture, language, and global impact of that continent. This cultural study drives lessons in each area of our classroom.

  • Our science curriculum explores subjects from our school farm to the cosmos, with a special focus on the animal kingdom. Drawing from the nature of our forest and creek environment our forest school curriculum follows the seasons.

  • Music is offered in group daily and our song selection changes throughout the seasons. Students will also perform at two concerts- our winter program and our end of the year program. These programs involve group, duet, and solo performances.

*Age Range: Students who have turned 3 before August 31st are eligible for our Primary program. Students who have turned 5 before August 31st are eligible for kindergarten. We do not move children between programs mid-year.

Daily Schedule: 

Drop-off 8:30-9am, morning group activity 8:30-9, work cycle 9-12, lunch 12-12:30, afternoon work cycle/nap 12:30-3:30pm