TNC staff create an atmosphere that provides plenty of opportunities for free play and the use of scaffolding to encourage deeper connection with what children are curious about. Children get to take control of their own education, allowing them to pursue their interests and develop a lifelong passion for learning. Educators factor heavily into interactions of the group in the early weeks of Forest School, helping the group to understand how to interact with each other, materials, and the environment.
As the weeks go on, the group begins to understand that the natural environment is constantly shifting and changing, creating new opportunities for exploration and connection. Educators may scaffold experiences, offer new materials, and support various interests in the emergent curriculum as the group becomes increasingly confident in their ability to pursue their interests.
By the end of a year of Forest School, the group has developed a sense of independence and ownership that has been steadily supported by the educators who have almost become “obsolete” in aspects of the daily routine and ongoing projects.
To minimize consumption, rain pants and boots are on loan from our Gear Library during your child’s enrollment. If your child changes size, we will have the next size available so you don’t have to buy it.
Children in Full Year Forest School are not divided by age. Mixed age-level groups allow older children to model skills for younger children. Children must be a minimum of 3.5 to enroll, with children who would be old enough to attend a traditional kindergarten at the high end of the age range (5-6 years of age).
Our Outdoor Classroom space is located next to the Visitors’ Center, with access to a bathroom. All children in Forest School must be potty-trained and bathroom independent. We suggest practicing toileting independently at home or coming to TNC to practice and increase confidence and comfort with a place that isn’t home.
“The Forest Preschool is an amazing program that has gone above and beyond our expectations. Firstly, it is very safe when it comes to COVID protocols, as it outdoors and the kids are screened and masked daily. Secondly, the teacher Miss Amanda is super talented, educated, patient, kind, resourceful, and really knows how to bring out the best in all the kids. We learn so much as a family from her. Thirdly, being outdoors means not only exercise and natural discoveries, but so much evidence-based research shows how kids thrive for life with early outdoor educations. Also makes for great dinner conversations about the salamanders or other creatures they encounter around the ‘classroom.’ We are so grateful to have discovered this program and glad that there was room for our daughter. Highly recommend!”
September 9, 2024 to June 13, 2025
9:00 am – 2:00 pm Daily
$14,500
Fill out a 2024-2025 interest form for Full Year Forest School Today!
- Forest School is available to families with a current Family level membership or higher. To become a member, visit our Individual and Family Memberships page.
- Forest School follows the Tenafly Public Schools calendar for days off over the course of the year.
- Please note: TNC is not a licensed child care center and is not licensed as a New Jersey child care center.
Full Year Forest School Enrollment Process
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Complete an interest form for the 2024-2025 year.
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This lets our Forest School Director learn more about your family and your interest in the program.
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The Forest School Director will be in touch with you within 48 hours.
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Work with our Forest School Director to arrange a site visit to see if the program works for your child and family.
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If you decide to join Forest School, your family must have current Family Membership or higher. Your child will be enrolled after membership is verified.
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Full year payment is due on the first of each month. Seasonal attendance is due up front. Payments made 5 days scheduled payment date will result in a $50 late fee.
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Please feel free to email the Forest School Director if you have any questions.
