FAQs
Why is forest school good for children? Right now, we live in a time when people spend most of their time indoors, away from the elements and nature. This is counter to our health and our evolution as a species. Forest school allows children to develop their immune system by interacting with beneficial microbes in nature. It gives children the space to be BIG, LOUD, and express themselves fully without having to use their “inside” voices. It connects children to their humanity within relationships with peers and the earth. It is literally the antidote to modern mental illness and malaise.
What if my child isn’t a good fit after we enroll? Not all children are a great fit for forest school. Some children need walls and more structure in their day. If it turns out your child isn’t thriving in the program, we can refund your prorated tuition if you enrolled for the year, minus a month’s notice. We ask for a month’s notice for all withdrawls.
How many children are in the program? 10-12 max.
How do we handle inclement weather? The Swedish philosophy regarding bad weather is “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”. This means if we are fully prepared for rain or cold with having proper gear, i.e, base layers, rain boots, rain coat, wool socks, fleece, jackets, gloves, being outside in rain or cold is actually really fun. If there is prolonged lightning and heavy rain, then school might be cancelled for the day. During rainy days we have a heated bell tent to warm up in between playing outside in the rain. This heated bell tent is also available during the winter for those chilly days. During the fall and winter we will make fires every day at school to keep warm and connect with the elements. We will definitely close school if the roads are unsafe for driving.
Can I enroll my child during a term already started? Yes, we have rolling enrollment until spring break. After which you must wait until the following school year.
What is your cancellation policy? We ask that you give us one month notice for withdrawing your child.
Does my child need to be potty trained? Yes, all children must be potty trained. We do not have facilities to assist with pull-ups or diapers. We are an outdoor school where children go “nature pee” and poop OUTSIDE. We have a potty seat with biodegradable bags and wipes for children to use when they poop. We throw away human waste at the end of the day to avoid polluting our classroom.
Do you offer aftercare? We offer aftercare until 3 pm. Please contact us directly if you are interested in signing up.
Can parents stay on your property during school hours? Absolutely! We’ve provided the ideal place for you to hang out after you drop your kids off at the farm. We open our tasting room at 8 am. There’s plenty of comfortable indoor and outdoor seating with excellent WiFi. Many parents stay and get work done, read, and even exercise - there’s plenty of yoga space under the oaks and running / walking trails nearby.