Outdoor Education: Forest Schools Gain Popularity

Parents today are increasingly swapping bright plastic toys and fluorescent-lit classrooms for mud puddles, towering pines, and open skies. The concept of the “forest school” or nature-based preschool has moved from a fringe educational experiment to a booming mainstream option. As families look for ways to disconnect their children from screens and reconnect them with the physical world, these all-weather outdoor programs are seeing unprecedented waitlists and rapid expansion across North America.

The Rise of Nature-Based Learning

The forest school model traces its roots back to Scandinavia, specifically Denmark and Sweden, where the concept of friluftsliv (open-air living) is a cultural staple. However, the United States has seen a massive surge in adoption over the last decade. According to the Natural Start Alliance, a project of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), the number of nature preschools in the U.S. jumped from approximately 275 in 2017 to over 585 in 2020. Current estimates suggest that number continues to climb rapidly as demand outstrips supply.

In these programs, children typically aged 3 to 6 spend almost their entire school day outside. This is not essentially “recess” or a field trip. It is a structured educational environment where the forest, beach, or desert serves as the classroom. Whether it is raining, snowing, or sunny, the children remain outdoors, relying on appropriate gear and shelters like yurts or pavilions only during extreme weather events.

Why Parents Are Choosing the Forest

The shift toward outdoor education is driven by parental concern over sedentary lifestyles and a desire for holistic development. The benefits of this educational style are supported by a growing body of research.

Physical Development and Health

Children in forest schools often display superior physical coordination compared to their peers in traditional settings. Navigating uneven terrain, climbing trees, and balancing on logs builds core strength and gross motor skills naturally. Furthermore, exposure to diverse microbes in soil and plants can help strengthen a child’s immune system.

Cognitive and Emotional Resilience

One of the core tenets of forest schools is “risky play.” This does not mean dangerous play. Instead, it involves allowing children to assess risks themselves, such as how high to climb or how to handle a stick safely. This builds confidence and risk-management skills.

Educators also note significant improvements in focus. The “attention restoration theory” suggests that time spent in nature can help children recover from mental fatigue and improve concentration. This is particularly relevant for parents of energetic children who might struggle in a desk-based environment.

Inside the Curriculum: What Do They Learn?

A common misconception is that forest school students are simply running wild. In reality, the curriculum is often “emergent,” meaning it follows the children’s interests while weaving in academic concepts.

• Math: Children learn sorting, counting, and patterns using pinecones, stones, and leaves. They understand volume by pouring water or sand.
• Literacy: Storytelling is a massive component of the day. Teachers read books under tree canopies, and children use sticks to draw letters in the dirt.
• Science: This is the most natural fit. Students engage in phenology (the study of seasonal changes), identify local flora and fauna, and learn about life cycles by observing decomposition or insect behavior.

The Gear Requirement: "No Bad Weather"

The famous Scandinavian saying, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing,” is the mantra of every forest school. For this model to work, parents must be committed to the logistics of gearing up.

To keep children safe and comfortable, specific layering systems are required. This typically looks like:

1. Base Layer: Merino wool or synthetic fabrics to wick moisture. Cotton is strictly avoided because it gets cold when wet.
2. Mid Layer: Fleece or thick wool for insulation.
3. Outer Layer: A fully waterproof, non-insulated rain suit (often brand names like Oaki, Reima, or Polarn O. Pyret) or a heavy snowsuit depending on the season.
4. Footwear: Insulated muck boots (like Bogs) are standard.

This gear can be an additional expense, often costing families $200 to $400 per season, though many schools operate gear swaps or lending libraries to ensure accessibility.

Licensing and Logistics

Historically, one of the biggest hurdles for forest schools was state licensing. Traditional regulations require specific square footage, sinks, and fire exits—things a patch of woods does not have. This meant many programs could only operate as part-time “camps” or unlicensed co-ops, limiting their hours and preventing families from using state childcare subsidies.

This is changing. Washington State became a pioneer in this area. After a multi-year pilot program run by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Washington became the first state to permanently license outdoor preschools in 2019. This landmark decision paved the way for full-day programs, safety standards specific to the outdoors, and financial aid access for lower-income families. Other states, including Oregon and Colorado, are looking to Washington’s model to update their own childcare regulations.

Tuition and Accessibility

Cost remains a factor. Because safety in the outdoors requires low student-to-teacher ratios (typically 1:4 or 1:6), tuition can be comparable to or higher than private indoor preschools. Prices vary wildly by region, ranging from $600 a month for part-time programs in rural areas to over $2,500 a month for full-time care in coastal cities. However, the push for state licensing is critical because it allows schools to accept state subsidies, making nature-based education available to a broader socioeconomic demographic.

Evaluating a Program

If you are considering a forest school for your child, look for the following markers of quality:

• Teacher Qualifications: Look for staff with backgrounds in early childhood education (ECE) and specific outdoor certifications, such as Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Forest School Teacher training.
• Land Access: Does the school have exclusive rights to a property, or do they meet in a public park? Both work, but public parks come with interactions with strangers and dogs.
• Risk Assessment: Ask to see their handbook. A good school has clear protocols for high winds, thunderstorms, and emergency evacuation.
• Philosophy: Ensure their educational philosophy aligns with yours. Some are purely play-based, while others incorporate Waldorf or Montessori methods into the woods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do they do for bathrooms? This varies by location. Schools on private land often have compost toilets or access to an indoor facility nearby. In public parks or deeper woods, teachers carry portable travel toilets (often in a privacy tent) and practice “Leave No Trace” principles. Hand washing stations with water jugs and soap are mandatory.

What happens when the weather is dangerous? Forest schools have strict weather parameters. If the temperature drops below a safe threshold (often around 15°F to 20°F depending on wind chill) or if there are high winds that pose a risk of falling branches, school is canceled or moved to an indoor backup location.

Is it safe for children to use knives or tools? Yes, under strict supervision. Tool use (whittling with potato peelers or small knives) is introduced gradually. It teaches respect for tools, fine motor control, and responsibility. Teachers use a “blood bubble” or safe zone rule where no one else can be within arm’s reach while a child is working.

Will my child be ready for kindergarten? Educators overwhelmingly report that forest school graduates are well-prepared. While they might have spent less time holding a pencil, they often possess superior social skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving abilities. These “soft skills” are crucial foundations for academic success in a traditional kindergarten classroom.