Forest Preschool

 The forest school model values whole-child learning of the mind, body and soul. Our goal being that it is child led learning and discovery in nature. Our classes focus on self-awareness, social emotional development, and a sense of wonder for their natural environment. Daily activities may include exploration of plants and wildlife, mindfulness practices, natural art projects, body movement to build coordination and curiosity-led free play. 

Mixed aged classes with students 3 - 5-year olds.

*Students who are potty proficient and prepared both emotionally and physically for this environment may be accepted early at the discretion of teaching staff and director approval.

• Each class will have 2 teacher leads and up to 12 students
• Classes will be on Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday
• 9:00 - 2:00
• Cost: $350/month

 Our educational approach has been continually evolving in response to the children, the forest environment, and the changing seasons. In our Forest K/1 class, we aim to provide a healthy blend of structured learning across all core subjects and open-ended exploration through play and hands-on discovery experiences in nature.

Our academic program is aligned with state expectations. We view the Tennessee State Standards as a guide that helps us understand where students are and how to support their growth. However, our teachers are not bound to a strict order or rigid sequence. Often, a meaningful and engaging project naturally addresses multiple standards, allowing learning to feel connected and grounded, rather than compartmentalized.

Our emergent model draws on widely recognized best practices, including project-based learning, collaboration, authentic assessment, hands-on exploration, playful learning, and Social-Emotional Learning. With intentionally low ratios, we can tailor instruction based on careful observation, ongoing assessment, and each child’s interests and needs. Students will also take part in a wide range of enrichment experiences that intertwine traditional learning with the forest school model.

Mixed aged class to harmoniously blend Kindergarten and 1st grade. Students must meet the age requirements below by August 15 of the year they're enrolled in order to attend: 

• Kindergarten - 5
• 1st Grade - 6

• One lead teacher, certified by State of TN and one assistant, with up to 15 students.
• Classes will be on Monday through Thursday
• 9:00 - 2:00
• Cost: $950/month

Option 1: Families intending to homeschool may register through the county where they live. In order to do so, you must submit a Declaration of Intent and maintain all attendance and academic records (provided by Foothills Forest School, through Brightwheel). This option is free but does require state testing in 5th grade. 

Option 2:  In Tennessee, families intending to homeschool can register through a homeschool umbrella school. The Farm School is a great option but there are many others that can be found by searching “TN Homeschool Umbrella Schools, CRS”. 

While you will still be required to maintain attendance and academic records, an umbrella school will compile these resources into a formal record (should you choose to transfer elsewhere). This option does have additional costs but does not require any state testing.

 The forest school model values whole-child learning of the mind, body and soul. Our goal being that is it child led learning and discovery in nature. The heart of this class, similarly to preschool and Forest K/1, will be play and curiosity. At the same time, we’ll be intentional about deepening our nature connection and scientific inquiry through naturalist and primitive skills, wildcrafting, reading and storytelling, and mindfulness practices. 

Mixed aged class of students 6- to 10-year-olds.

• Each class will have 2 teacher leads and up to 12 students
• Classes will be Tuesday & Thursday, with the option to attend one or both days
• 9:00 - 2:00
• Cost: $350/month for 2 days/week, $175/month for 1day/week