For our elementary school, we organize our school day into two parts. Half of a school day is spent in direct instruction. During this time the children are learning academic skills through projects, workbooks and small group learning. The children are assessed in the Early Fall and late Spring and work in small groups based on ability-not age or grade level. The older children (Fire Clan, 4/5th grade) spend more time on academics and go deeper into their project based learning, novel study, math at school, homework as well as science experiments and presentations to the whole school. 

The other half of each school day is more autonomous. Children democratically decide where they will spend the second half of their school day and choose from any number of places in the 128 acre public park where we host school. 

On Thursdays we come together as a whole school and wild craft in small groups we call Forest Families which is a collection of children, one or two from each age group, and they travel with their forest families to various activities together. We play mixed age field games, eat and chat while a story is being read and on any given day we might be making Nettle tea, foraging and making Cottonwood salve, sewing amulets, learning to use a bow drill, plant identification, plant dyeing, wood block carving, cider pressing, Elderberry syrup making- the list goes on!

Our preschoolers are 3 years old and potty trained. 

Parents pack lunches and snacks, and we encourage nutrient-dense, easy-to-eat foods that fuel outdoor play. We guide families on best practices for packing food that stays fresh and works well in an outdoor setting.

There’s no such thing as bad weather—only inappropriate clothing! We prepare families with gear guides and recommendations to ensure kids stay warm and dry. In extreme conditions (such as high winds or hazardous air quality), we adjust our plans to keep children safe. Additionally, we follow the West Linn/Wilsonville inclement weather school closures. 

Safety is our top priority. Our staff are trained in CPR, first aid, and wilderness safety. We have clear protocols for emergencies, including a designated shelter-in-place plan and communication procedures with parents. Risk assessment is a daily part of our practice, and children learn essential safety skills to navigate the outdoors with confidence.

Outdoor learning fosters strong social skills! Kids collaborate, problem-solve, and engage in imaginative play, building deep, authentic relationships. Mixed-age groupings encourage mentorship, cooperation, and emotional intelligence.

Proper clothing makes all the difference! We provide a recommended gear list, but key items include waterproof boots, rain gear, insulated layers, and sun protection. We help families find budget-friendly options and offer guidance on dressing for all seasons.

Forest school nurtures adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, and self-motivation—skills that help children thrive in any learning environment. Many of our alumni transition into public or private schools with confidence and a strong sense of self.

Talk positively about the adventure ahead, practice dressing for the weather, and encourage exploration in nature before they start. We’ll provide tips to preschool families to ensure a smooth transition!

Just like in any learning environment, conflicts arise—but they are incredible opportunities for growth! We guide children in using communication, problem-solving, and emotional regulation skills to work through disagreements. Nature naturally supports this process, as kids learn to cooperate, take space when needed, and build strong social bonds.

All children need a well-fitting backpack, water bottle, lunch+snack, weather appropriate clothing, and that’s it! We provide all other supplies.

We consider each child on a case by case basis. Some kids who needed more support in a traditional classroom do much better in an outside environment and an IEP is no longer necessary while other children need more resources than we have available. Please don’t hesitate to come for a tour and work with us to see if we’re a good fit! 

We absolutely accept every child for who they are, what they want to be called and how they want to be referred. However, we do not teach children explicitly on this topic and instead create a culture of acceptance for all, within our school community. 

We do use traditional progress monitoring in the Fall and Spring for our core academic subjects as well as observational assessments, storytelling, and hands-on projects to track growth in key developmental areas. We also offer parent check-ins regularly.

We never encourage kids to take risks, we support them once they show us they are interested in risky type activities.. Risk-taking is an essential part of development, and we support children in building confidence at their own pace. We provide guidance on assessing risks, using tools safely, and gradually expanding their comfort zone. Over time, even the most cautious children often surprise themselves with what they can do!

Dressing properly is key! In cold weather, we help children layer up, stay dry, and keep moving to generate warmth. In hot weather, we prioritize shade, hydration, and cooling activities like water play and resting during peak heat hours. Our program adapts to seasonal changes so children remain comfortable and engaged year-round.

Each child brings a full water bottle, and we have refill stations available throughout the day. We also incorporate hydration reminders to ensure children are drinking enough, especially in warmer weather.

We take allergies seriously and work with families to create a safety plan. Our staff are trained to recognize allergic reactions and administer medications like EpiPens or Benadryl if needed. We also educate children about environmental risks, such as identifying plants like poison oak.