In our Earth-oriented, Waldorf-inspired outdoor preschool and kindergarten programs, children are invited to fall in love with Earth, with each other, and with life itself.
Receive a warm greeting from trusted teachers as you enter into the magical embrace of your forest classroom. Run to join friends who are pretending to be squirrels, or hold the hand of a teacher as you balance on a log across a little creek. During circle, take delight in embodying stories and singing songs inspired by the current happenings of the forest. Later, notice new sounds as you fox-walk down a trail on a search for turkeys, or practice counting as you sort acorns into baskets. Explore and play and imagine during free play time, then watch the wind dance in the trees as you sit on a cozy blanket listening deeply to an enchanting story. Later you will have a chance to lift your voice in gratitude to the Earth and all your relations before you share homemade acorn bread around a fire with your village of forest friends.
“I cannot say enough good things about Kelly. She is a warm, nurturing, thoughtful and gifted teacher. Kelly has an inherent quality, a gentle and authoritative command that children magnetize to but also know who is in charge. My son flourishes in Kelly’s program. He looks forward to each day and comes home full of smiles and excited about what he’s learned.”
~ Sarah P
I think you healed my son. I don’t know what happened to him at his other school, but now that he is in your program, I feel like I have my son back. He is himself again. I am so grateful.
~Jen H.
“My daughter started with Forest Friends as a TK for the last few months of the year and will continue for her kinder year. In just that short time she gained so much confidence in nature in a way she never had before. She enjoys that she knows more than me about the science behind the plants etc. Most of all the attention to social emotional skills has been invaluable. Recently at a bday party my daughter offered something to a girl who was crying and all the parents said "Wow. you are doing a great job!" and I have to really give credit to Teacher Kelly. The emphasis on kindness and taking care of each other at school is carrying over!”
~Tonya, mother of two Forest Friends students
Forest Friends Kindergarten was truly a gift to my family, and such a wonderful option for any parent looking for an alternative to conventional school.
I spent a large amount of my childhood years playing and learning outside, and I wanted that for my children as well. Our neighborhood school lets the kids outside twice daily with little to no hands on outdoor learning, so I was on the hunt for something else. At Forest Friends, my son climbed hills, played games, acted in skits and built forts. He worked independently and as a team with others. He learned songs and hand motions to go along with them, and then in the second part of the year he learned those songs in Spanish. He can identify tons of native plants and animals. He learned compassion for himself, the earth, and others. He can communicate his needs to me and he knows how to honor his feelings. Math is integrated into many activities as well. Joey felt loved and valued as an individual by the teachers and the students. Each student contributed something special to the group. He loved every day of school this past year. I know he has made memories that will be last throughout his life. As his mom, this means so much to me.
Kelly is by far the best teacher I’ve met. She is kind and patient, and very present in the moment. She truly knows each child.
Kelly taught me and my husband much about what children need in order to flourish through role modeling, parent meetings, email, text and phone conversations. I will miss having someone who cares about my child that much. We had a wonderful year with Forest Friends and I am grateful.
~Heather D.
If I don’t go to graduation, then can I stay in Forest Friends forever?
-Leo, forest friends student, to his mother
