Forest School gives students an opportunity to step out of their traditional classroom and into a play based and emergent learning environment that happens in the natural world.  This program compliments the traditional school system by allowing students to learn confidence, resilience, risk assessment, social intelligence and so much more.  Don’t worry, we still have opportunities to learn things like literacy and numeracy and other subjects, but these lessons happen organically.   We introduce these lessons based on what the students are interested in. 

We originally thought that students attending our program would find it challenging missing one or two days a week of their regular school.  We have found over the years that, for students 12 years old and under this program has helped them in their regular classroom and traditional schools have become one of our biggest referrals.   This is also a great opportunity for home schooled students as it create a space to build social intelligence, while giving parents a day or two to prepare lessons/respite.

 Oaks And Acorns  –  This is a half day program for children (18 months – 3 years)  AND their parent or chaperone  Through play and exploration we learn about the natural world.   We play in the mud, climb on tree’s, splash in puddles and so much more.  This is a great way to meet other parents with small children with similar interests.  

Tadpoles  – This program is an early start for grounded, resilient and nature connected children! Children 2 1/2 – 4 years will enjoy an afternoon of outdoor learning and discovery – guided by our skilled Forest School Teachers.  Children will sing songs, explore nature crafts, adventure through the forest, and let their curiousity run wild.  The Tadpole program gives your early learner the opportunity to develop their fine and gross motor skills, interact with other children, and develop a budding interest in nature.

This weekly program fosters a child’s connection to nature, grounds the child in self-worth and grows the roots for healthy relationships and community.  Forest school brings learning to life! Endless discoveries provided by nature, combined with a child’s natural curiosity, creates a rich learning environment. Our Ontario certified teachers have mastered the “art of questioning” creating an educational experience that is thrilling, dynamic, emergent, and multi-sensory.

What to expect:

A peaceful community of curious individuals who enjoy practicing both the “hard-skills” of ancient fire making, cooking, nature craft, shelter building, tool use, tracking, species identification, and more… along with the “soft skills” of careful listening, awareness, stewardship, and compassion. Our daily activities grow resilient, grounded, joyful, muddy and tired kids!

Please Label Everything!

• Child’s Back Pack with Water, Lunch & EXTRA Snacks
• others; rain suit, sunscreen, bug repellent, lip balm
• Child’s Extra Gear Tote (pack extra EVERYTHING!) We recommend packing everything into a big Rubbermaid container with your child’s name on it.
• Shoes, rubber boots, socks, hats, underwear, pants, shirt, sweater, coat… think layers! (see handbook for layering tips).
• Dress in proper attire for hiking
• including hat, sunglasses (optional), bug spray, socks & shoes, long pants, etc.
• crocks, water shoes, or secure sandals are great for “creek crossings!” in warmer weather.
• Please pack your child’s backpack and extra gear tote thoroughly to avoid a call home. Ensuring your child(ren) are prepared will ensure their comfort and safety! 

In order to make the payment process easier for parents we have implemented a secure online credit card payment option.  Please click the register now button and follow the instructions.  Payments will be automatically charged at the beginning of each month.

We understand that situations change, and families may not be able to enroll for the entire school year. To ensure the program meets our families needs, we have divided the school year into three semesters, with 3 opportunities through out the year to withdraw your child.  Please see the deadlines to withdraw below.  If you need to withdraw your child(ren) from Forest School please email info@atlastforestschools.com and include your child’s name and the location of the forest school they are attending by the deadline.

Important Dates:

Deadline to withdraw from fall semester = August 15

Fall Semester = September – November 30, 2021

Deadline to withdraw winter semester = November 15

Winter Semester = December 1 – March 14

Deadline to withdraw spring semester = February 28

Spring Semester = March 21 – June 23, 2022

** Please note: you do not need to notify us if you wish to remain in the program. Your child’s spot is automatically held until the end of the school year.