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Welcome
Welcome to our nature program in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where exploration, learning, and play blend effortlessly. Our school focuses on nurturing the development of the whole child. Children cultivate an appreciation and respect for the natural world and for one another. Through the forest school experience, they gain a profound understanding of how their actions affect themselves, others, and the environment. They learn compassion and respect for all living beings, big and small, take the initiative to help others through kindness and action, and develop the courage to reach their full potential.
About Us
The Santa Cruz Forest School is an entirely outdoor, nature-based program for 3 to 5-year-old children. The foundation for our day-to-day learning is play, exploration, and discovery. Our main goal at the Forest School is to cultivate friendship and connection among our young explorers while gently guiding them through challenges and conflict with mindfulness and listening. Forest School children often develop a deeper respect and sense of wonder for our environment while cultivating social-emotional skills that form a foundation for learning.The outdoor classroom offers engaging learning experiences that develop all of our senses. It offers open-ended materials, opportunities for imaginative play, and both large and fine motor challenges, all of which are necessary for early childhood development.
Our Program
At Santa Cruz Forest School, we offer a unique nature-based program that encourages children to explore and connect with the natural environment. Our program focuses on fostering a deep appreciation for nature and developing essential life skills. We provide a nurturing and inclusive space where children can learn, grow, and thrive. We make it a point to create opportunities for families to participate in special events like bonfires and potlucks to connect and build meaningful relationships.
We offer a Monday/Wednesday, Tuesday/Thursday, and a 4-days option.
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Parents may choose to sign their child up for any session.
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Our program is a drop off program that meets from 9am to 2pm.
These programs run for 32 weeks out of the school year.
We maintain a 1:6 teacher/student ratio to ensure quality care for your child as they explore the outdoors.
Structure of a day at Forest School
We meet outside, rain or shine. We like to schedule field trips to public green spaces when possible.
Each day varies according to the lead and interest of the child.
Our basic rhythm is trickle in and free play until morning circle. After morning circle we eat our snack together, and then play until lunch. We play more after lunch and then have a reflection circle and go home.
Activities may include:
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Climbing, building and crafting from what nature offers us
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Whittling sticks using a potato peeler
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Discovering and naming plants, birds, mushrooms, insects, lizards, and salamanders
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Dramatic play (the opportunities are endless in the forest)
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Hide and seek
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Puddle-stomping and rain dancing
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Hole digging
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Looking for creatures under logs
I love everything about this forest school. My daughter is about to complete her second year, and she has grown into a kid that can spend hours playing outside entertaining and enjoying herself. Any nature space is as fun as a playground, and she is rich with knowledge about plants and animals. The teachers are wonderful, and we are so grateful to have them in our child’s life. This school has been such a blessing for us, I would recommend it wholeheartedly to any family.
Danielle Ferretti
Forest school has been amazing for my child. He has blossomed into such a confident little guy. He teaches me about plants and animals he learns about, and is always excited to go to school as every day brings new adventures and fun.
Vanessa Valencia
Santa Cruz Forest School is just what we were looking for! Our daughter gets to spend all day playing outside and learning about nature. She absolutely loves it and comes home each time with artwork and/or fun nature inspired crafts they made. The teachers are so much fun, very kind and great with the kids, I couldn’t have asked for a better duo. I’m so glad that we found SCFS.
SCFS Parent
