What is a Forest & Nature Schools?
A forest school or nature school delivers education largely outdoors in nature — woods, fields, gardens, and natural spaces — emphasizing hands-on exploration, play, risk, and a deep connection to the natural world. Most common in early childhood, the model has grown in the US in recent years.
History & origins
Rooted in Scandinavian and European outdoor-education traditions, forest and nature schools spread internationally and gained popularity in the US, especially for preschool and early elementary.
Philosophy & approach
These schools hold that children benefit from time in nature, unstructured and hands-on outdoor play, healthy risk-taking, and direct experience of the natural world — building resilience, curiosity, physical skill, and environmental connection.
Curriculum & academics
Learning is experiential and nature-based: children explore, build, observe, and play outdoors in most weather, developing language, math, science, and social skills through real experiences rather than worksheets. Elementary programs blend nature immersion with core academics.
The classroom & school day
The "classroom" is the outdoors — forests, fields, and gardens — in nearly all weather, with appropriate gear. Children spend much of the day outside, exploring and playing, guided by nature-based educators.
Grade levels & structure
Forest/nature schools are most common at the preschool and early-elementary level; some extend further, and many conventional schools add nature-based components.
Admissions & enrollment
Most are private, admitting by application; tuition applies. Programs and licensing vary, and some operate as nature-based preschools.
Costs & financial aid
They charge tuition, varying by region and program.
Accreditation & governance
Licensing and accreditation vary; some align with nature-based or early-childhood standards. Families should check safety practices, staff training, and weather policies.
Is a Forest & Nature Schools right for your child?
A forest/nature school suits families who value outdoor play, nature connection, and hands-on learning, and children who thrive outdoors. Families should be comfortable with outdoor conditions, healthy risk, and (in early years) a play-based, nature-first approach.
How it compares to other schools
Forest/nature schools are defined by their outdoor, nature-based setting, often overlapping with play-based and Waldorf-influenced early childhood. They contrast with conventional indoor, academics-first programs.
Finding Forest & Nature Schools
Ready to explore specific schools? K12 Academics lists nature-based and other schools across the country.
Key facts
- SettingOutdoors in nature — woods, fields, gardens
- ApproachPlay-based, hands-on, nature immersion, healthy risk
- Most commonPreschool and early elementary
- RootsScandinavian/European outdoor-education traditions
- CostMostly private tuition
Where to learn more
To learn more and find specific schools: