FOREST ELEMENTARY
Forest Elementary Education
Math skills at the elementary classroom
The elementary education program offers a nature-immersion education that incorporates reading, writing, mathematics, arts, and language into the daily rhythm of the forest. The curriculum is uniquely cultivated, based on the observations of the children, and drawn from their daily discoveries. Children also have music and Spanish classes throughout the week to support and broaden their educational background.
Small teacher-child ratios allow for one-on-one attention in a wholesome, outdoor setting to encourage a love of nature and foster curiosity, self-reliance, teamwork, a passion for learning, and FUN. Classes will be modeled in a Montessori style to allow children of varying ages to interact and learn together.
Creating graphs of nature observations
Elementary is a homeschool tutorial program
Details can be found on the FAQ page and in the Parent Handbook
Children enrolling in Kindergarten must be 5 years old by December 31st - this is geared toward older 4s - younger 6s and introduces more academics into the daily rhythm of the forest
Children enrolling in First Grade must have completed Kindergarten
Children enrolling in Second Grade must have completed First Grade
Children enrolling in Third Grade must have completed Second Grade
Assessments
Parents will receive regular reports on how students are meeting academic learning standards, as well as social, emotional, and physical development
Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled at least twice a year and as needed throughout the school year. We have an Open Door policy which allows parents to come to us at any time throughout the year to discuss their child’s needs
Physical requirements
Children must be able to follow directions carefully, demonstrate respect for other children, their teachers, and their environment, and be able to communicate effectively
Children will be going to the bathroom outdoors (however, there is a bathhouse onsite as well)
Attire
Children will spend each day outdoors and should be dressed for the weather. Details can be found on the FAQ page and in the Parent Handbook
Sample Daily Schedule
Monday - Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm
8:55 Drop off and free-play
9:00 Morning meeting
9:15 Rain gauge & weather reporting
9:30 Curriculum engagement (Forest School style)
10:15 Hike to first site for “nature bathing” (quietly observing the forest)
10:30 Snack and morning discussion
11:00 Free play and exploration
12:15 Lunch and hike to new site
1:00 Curriculum engagement (Forest School style)
3:00 Snack, dismissal, and pick-up
Grades Offered
For the 2025-26 school year, RGFS will have K-3 students with the focus on children ages older 4s through 9 years old. We aim to meet each child where they are academically, socially and emotionally. We aim to support each child where they are and continue their learning journey to ensure they love learning (as much as we love teaching!). Additionally, RGFS wants to support the homeschool community by offering 2, 3, and 5 day/week options. RGFS is investigating adding a grade each year to support the growth and development of our students.