Helping children
discover what
they're capable of.
One meaningful experience at a time.
Giving children the time, trust, and freedom to build confidence through meaningful experiences outdoors.
The Kind of
Childhood We're
Protecting.
We believe childhood is a time for becoming. It's a time for climbing trees, asking questions, making friends, solving real problems, taking healthy risks, and discovering what you're capable of.
Children don't need every challenge removed. They need trusted adults, meaningful experiences, and the freedom to become themselves.
Learning Rooted in Nature.
Surrounded by 40 acres of private forest, In The Forest Learning is a mixed-age learning community for children ages 4 - 12. Our days are spent exploring, creating, wondering, building, cooking over the fire, caring for living things, and learning alongside one another.
Because when children are trusted with real experiences, they begin to trust themselves.
Confidence Grows.
One experience at a time.
Carrying their own backpack.
Comforting a friend.
Working through a disagreement.
Trying again after something doesn't work the first time.
Until one day, they realize:
"I can do this."
Why In The Forest Learning
Feels Different.
Meaningful Experiences
Children learn by doing. Every day offers opportunities to create, explore, contribute, and grow.
A 40-Acre Private Forest
Nature isn't a special activity - it's where much of our learning takes place.
Mixed-Age Community
Older children naturally become mentors while younger children learn through observation, imitation, and belonging.
Small Learning Groups
Children are known, supported, and challenged in a community where relationships come first.
Learning Together.
Because children attend one, two, or three days each week, families remain the primary guides for their child's learning at home. Our role is to support, enrich, and extend that learning through meaningful experiences while children are with us.
You won't be doing this alone.
Our educators are here to answer questions, offer guidance, and support your family every step of the way.
Beyond your days in the forest, our online community keeps the conversation going with thoughtfully curated resources, practical ideas, seasonal inspiration, and meaningful discussions with other families walking a similar path.
Youngest Learners
Our youngest learners build strong foundations through stories, movement, imaginative play, practical life, creativity, and time in nature.
As Children Grow
As children grow, we nurture their curiosity through meaningful work, thoughtful questions, and real-life experiences.
You might feel at
home here if...
You value outdoor play and nature exploration.
You want your child to learn at their own pace.
You believe in hands-on, experiential learning.
You prefer mixed-age social environments.
You want learning to be joyful, not stressful.
You value community and connection.
You believe children are capable of great things.
Does this sound like your family? We'd love to start a conversation.
Our Programs.
The Learning Community
A 10-month commitment (September - June) for families looking to make In The Forest Learning their regular learning community. Children attend Tues - Thurs (one, two or three days) building lasting friendships and a strong sense of belonging.
Learn More
The Wild Ones
A 10-week forest learning experience offered three times throughout the year. Designed for homeschoolers and children attending public or Catholic school, The Wild Ones offers one meaningful day each week to learn, explore, and connect in nature without a full commitment.
Learn MoreMeet Our Educators.
The guides behind the magic.
Sarah
"Known for asking just the right question instead of giving the answer."
Ciara
"Known for making childhood feel a little more magical."
Nick
"Known for turning everyday moments in the forest into unforgettable adventures."
Words from our
Community.
"This is exactly what childhood should look like."
"The confidence my children gained here is immeasurable."
"I like that we get to build real things."