Northern Discovery Academy - Forest School

Our Forest School program is a wonderful opportunity to embrace a unique approach and schedule for the holistic flourishing of your child. This program is a 4-day (Monday through Thursday) program for Jr. K, and 1st grade students (or young 4s to 6s).  This program is specifically designed to offer our littles exactly what they need in these critical years to flourish. This is a student-centered approach to education. We design everything we do to spark joy, inspire curiosity, and engage them in ways that fit them as individuals and in their own development. 

What makes a forest school and what is it?

The forest school movement has grown since the 1950s when Denmark began this approach to education in their public school systems. It was a huge success and has since been a growing movement in the United States. Forest Schools are marked by exclusive outdoor experience, unstructured outdoor play, discovery-based learning, and student freedom within the context to explore the world around them. Forest schools spend a majority (some 100% exclusively) of their learning time outdoors utilizing nature and the experience of the elements as an essential part of the child's experience. At NDA we are outside about 50% (some days more, some days less depending on season). 

Why here at NDA?

We are passionate about offering an education that serves the whole child. One of the most important ways to educate our students is to connect them with the world God made through nature study. At NDA we have seen the benefits of nature experience and study in the education of our students. The forest school program is a key next step in serving our community.

Who is it for?

Children from 4 to 6 years can participate in this program. The key is readiness. We measure readiness by restroom independence, an ability to take direction from an adult, and a willingness to sit when asked for short periods of time appropriate to their age. It is considered a Jr. K to 1st grade program.

What would a typical day look like?

Students enrolling in the forest school program would spend much of their days outdoors. They will be integrating their learning through nature. Students get a wonderful mixture of outdoor learning, freedom in nature, indoor table time, book work, and play-based learning in all contexts. Students in this program have a gentler schedule than the K-3 program. 

Interested? Reach out to our Principal and Administrator at michaelb@northerndiscoveryacademy.com to learn more!

Enrollment is open now!