What is a Forest School?

A Forest School is an alternative education program that primarily takes place in an outdoor environment. According to the Forest School Foundation: 

“A child enrolled in forest school experiences all kinds of weather, witnesses the gradual changes of a natural landscape through the seasons, becomes familiar with local plant and animal species, practices social skills and emotional intelligence, and develops gross and fine motor skills through handcrafts and meaningful work. 

All of this happens within child-directed and interest-based play in mixed age groups, with trained adults available for facilitation and support. A forest school education results in students who are secure in themselves and their abilities, who can navigate social relationships with others of all ages, and who have fallen in love with the natural world.” 

Like many forest schools, Sequoia Park focuses on learner-led outdoor play that encourages curiosity and exploration. We believe in creating an experiential learning environment that respects the autonomy of children and fosters their creativity, resiliency, and healing. Our staff are not “teachers” who lead curriculum, but rather, they are playworkers who create opportunities for rich, interesting, dynamic, child-led play. In fact, play IS the curriculum at Sequoia Park!