Forest School 2022-2023
School year programs for preschool and kindergarten students September-May

Now Enrolling for Spring 2023
San Francisco
M, Tu, W, TH 9:00 am-1:00 or 3 pm
Golden Gate Park
Berkeley
M, Tu, W, TH 9:30 am-1:30 or 3:30pm Berkeley area Parks
Spring 2023
January 3rd-June 1st
Please inquire about early drop off/late pickup if required

Forest School for Preschool Children
We meet in a variety of parks, then explore the nearby natural wonders. This often includes areas such as North Lake and all the trails through the forest of Golden Gate Park during our San Francisco class. Our 100% outdoor program for preschool age children includes story time, hiking, lunch (please bring a packed lunch and snack), outdoor free play, and activity time.
We use a mixed age model (age 3- 6) for the benefits that it provides to both younger and older children. Opportunities for developing leadership skills and teamwork present themselves throughout the day with a mixed age group. This program is perfect as a preschool alternative and for children who may be age eligible for transitional kindergarten (TK) or kindergarten but who would benefit from the outdoor time, movement, and sensory opportunities that our forest kindergarten model provides. Our program is perfect to combine with homeschooling, unschooling, or alternative learning philosophies. We have enjoyed welcoming families who prefer to home school or unschool their children.
This window of childhood development is the ideal time for a child to learn sensory integration, social skills, emotional regulation, and gross motor skills. Once your child’s brain and body have been able to form a healthy foundation of these skills, the academic demands of the traditional school setting will be handled with greater ease and confidence. This sets your child up for success, not just for kindergarten and first grade, but into their adult life as well.
DAILY ACTIVITIES
- arrival
- art invitations
- welcome circle
- hike
- free play/ snack
- story time/ sharing circle
- hike
- free play/ activity choice
- lunch/ bathroom
- goodbyes

Forest School Classes
We have moved to a more equitable sliding scale tuition rate based on family income, please email for details
general age guidelines 3-6 yrs
If your child is not yet 3 we will consider enrollment after a trial class

FOREST SCHOOL
Our San Francisco based forest school is for preschool to kindergarten age children and is 100% outdoors. We offer classes in both Golden Gate Park (San Francisco) and Codornices Park and other nearby parks (Berkeley). As a forest school, we have a strong belief in the power of nature in our children’s lives. We delight in watching our students explore, learn, and grow through exploration and wonder.
Our forest school program focuses on exploration of the natural world and making friends. The children participate in active free play and experience new sounds, scents, and sights, furthering the development of sensory integration. We read stories to inspire the imagination and allow plenty of time for childhood games. The teachers use their extensive knowledge of child development to guide children towards appropriate challenges which promotes healthy development of a strong body and curious mind. We encourage friendly interactions and positive problem solving by gently guiding the children in their play. This program can be a wonderful part of a homeschool curriculum and we welcome families who choose to home school their children. The creativity and freedom of thought that result from participating in open ended learning is amazing to behold! As a teacher, I am constantly awed by the children’s responses and ideas, I feel so blessed to be part of their learning adventures.
Potty Learning
parent participation
We will hold a number of parent education meetings during the school year and all parents are invited and encouraged to attend these informational discussions.
Diversity
Clothing
*If purchasing waterproof clothing is a hardship, please inquire about our gear rental program!
Wildlife
Tuition
Financial aid is available on a limited basis depending on enrollment numbers for the current session.