THE WORLD IS OUR CLASSROOM
Give your child the gift of learning in a dynamic and natural setting: the world around us! We're a small, independently-owned outdoor preschool in Ann Arbor, Michigan.Washtenaw County’s FIRST FOREST PRESCHOOL
Every time they climb a tree, jump a fence, or roll down a hill, their bodies, minds, and spirits are exercised. Nature helps children relax, problem solve, release built-up anxiety and energy, clear their thoughts, gain perspective on things, and sort out inner dilemmas.
– Nature Sparks, Connecting Children’s Learning to the Natural World by Aerial Cross
What’s a forest school?
The Forest School movement is a growing international approach based on learning in the natural environment. Children at the Ann Arbor Forest School enjoy fresh air, freedom to explore and make discoveries, and organic opportunities to collaborate with their peers and make connections to the world around them.
We offer a unique and powerful preschool experience to children ages 3-6. Our class size is intentionally small, limited to 12 children. We offer programs for homeschoolers and parents of younger children to join us on our daily outdoor adventures. Think the Ann Arbor Forest School might be an ideal opportunity for your child? Send us a note!
We’re outside. Every day.
Our curriculum is play-based, place-based, and focused on developing kindergarten readiness. We’re committed to strengthening each child’s confidence and skills so that he or she becomes an agile problem-solver and a ready learner.
Each morning, we venture out to learn in the fields, forests, and wetlands of local parks. Diverse landscapes, ideal for our place-based learning curriculum—are all around us!
Active minds and bodies.
The Ann Arbor Forest School curriculum nurtures growth.
Our students learn joyfully. We:
- Run, walk, bike, climb, play, splash, and sled.
- Develop academic readiness skills through hands-on learning: telling stories, reading books, singing, making art using natural materials, and exploring math and science by discovering the natural world.
- Learn cooperation and stewardship through projects that care for our neighborhood and environment.
