Choosing a Forest or Nature school: What to Ask and Expect

Have you ever imagined your child learning under the trees, building friendships in the fresh air, and coming home full of stories? A nature school offers children the chance to grow their confidence, curiosity, and love of learning all at once.

Start with your values

Do you want your child to develop resilience, independence, and a deep connection to the natural world? A forest or nature school supports these qualities through real outdoor experiences, helping children build a strong foundation for future learning and emotional well-being (Kuo, 2015).

Important questions to ask

Parents often ask about safety, curriculum, and daily routines. According to NAEYC, play-based programs that support social-emotional growth help children develop stronger self-regulation and problem-solving skills. Find out how teachers guide children’s learning, encourage safe risk-taking, and what safety measures are in place for all-weather play.

Licensing and approach in California

Forest schools that operate 100% outdoors are currently license-exempt according to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). Nature schools that include indoor spaces are generally licensed by CDSS. We proudly follow CDSS guidelines: we TRUSTLINE VERIFY (TrustLine), have mandatory reporting, require CPR and first aid certification, and conduct thorough background checks. Additionally, we require lead teachers for TK and kindergarten to be credentialed teachers, and co-teachers and preschool teachers to have early childhood education hours. We also support ongoing efforts alongside other forest schools in California to advocate for clear legislation and for CDSS to eventually oversee and regulate fully outdoor forest schools.

What to expect at a nature school

Expect muddy clothes, big smiles, and endless stories about bugs, leaves, and new discoveries. Research shows that nature-based play fosters curiosity and builds skills that last a lifetime (Children & Nature Network). At our forest school, we intentionally weave literacy and numeracy play into project-based experiences for preschoolers, introducing early concepts through storytelling, nature-inspired counting, and hands-on activities. For TK, kindergarten, and above, we build on this foundation with more focused literacy and numeracy skill development using research-backed methods like the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Curriculum and the Orton-Gillingham approach. We integrate these methods into real-world, nature-based projects that encourage curiosity and help children connect academic concepts to their daily experiences outdoors. This blend of project-based education and explicit skill-building supports strong academic readiness and fosters a lifelong love of learning.

Preparing your family

Adjusting to an outdoor routine can take time. Many nature schools support parents with info sessions, clear communication, and community gatherings to help families feel connected and confident.