Applications Open February 11th
For Ages 5-6 Years
Nature-Based Private Kindergarten Program | Runs September to May
Forest Kindergarten is a full kindergarten program held entirely outdoors. Children learn reading, writing, math, science, and social studies through direct instruction paired with hands-on exploration, real-world projects, and daily immersion in nature.
This program is designed to feel like a strong homeschool day brought to life outdoors:
focused academic learning each morning, followed by deep exploration, project work, and play in the afternoon.
This program is offered in 3 different locations.
Our forest Kindergarten Locations
Central Houston
1227 W. 25th Street, Houston TX 77008
Private Wild School Campus
A fully private, fenced-in property designed just for nature-based learning. With chickens, mud kitchens, a nature playscape, and a peaceful creek that attracts birds and wildlife, this site offers a magical setting for outdoor childhood. An indoor classroom, bathroom, and kitchen provide shelter when needed... so the learning never stops, rain or shine.
The Woodlands
6464 Creekside Forest Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77389
George Mitchell Nature Preserve
A beautiful wooded area with trails, a shallow creek for water play, old growth trees, and native plants. Offers bathrooms, a treehouse-style indoor classroom space, plus access to the Rec Center for weather days. A perfect forest setting for deep nature connection.
Cypress/Tomball
20702 Cypress Rose Hill Rd, Tomball, TX 77377
Good Vibe Farm
A vibrant 30-acre private farm with nature trails, fishing ponds, goats, chickens, cows, ducks, horses, barns, and tree forts. Facilities include water, electricity, and indoor spaces. Children experience open-ended play, exploration, and the wonder of life on a working farm.
Forest Kindergarten program details
Ages
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5-6 years (must be 5 by program start date)
Program Season
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September 2026 – May 2027
Daily Schedule
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Monday–Friday
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9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Locations Across Houston
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The Heights | Cypress | The Woodlands
2026–2027 Forest Kindergarten Tuition
Payment Options
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Pay in Full: Pay the Total Tuition Amount Before August 1st to get 10% off compared to the monthly installment plan.
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Monthly Installments: Pay 9 Equal Monthly Installments With a 10% Additional Installment Surcharge
Required Fees
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$300 supply and registration fee (due at enrollment)
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Total Tuition
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1.9% Transaction Fee
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You can avoid this by paying via check or bank transfer
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This is charged upfront for the entire order
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Our Curriculum
Forest Kindergarten is guided by the 8 Shields Model of Nature Connection, a framework that mirrors how children naturally learn through curiosity, movement, storytelling, reflection, and gratitude.
We also align with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for kindergarten, ensuring children are academically prepared for first grade while learning in a way that feels meaningful and alive.
What Children Learn
Across the year, children will:
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Build strong literacy skills through daily reading, writing, storytelling, and discussion
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Develop solid math foundations by working with real objects, measuring, comparing, and solving practical problems
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Explore science through hands-on study of weather, habitats, plants, animals, and seasonal change
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Practice social studies through community building, stewardship, and understanding their role in the world
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Strengthen executive function, focus, and resilience through long-term projects and outdoor challenges
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Grow physically through climbing, balancing, tool work, and movement on natural terrain
Our Year in Nature
Forest Kindergarten follows a year-long learning arc guided by the seasons and the 8 Shields Model of Nature Connection. Each month builds on the last, allowing children to deepen academic skills while developing a strong sense of place, responsibility, and belonging.
Academic instruction is woven intentionally into daily life outdoors, with mornings focused on literacy, math, and inquiry, and afternoons dedicated to projects, exploration, and applied learning.
September–October
Spark Curiosity & Build Community
Focus: Orientation, belonging, observation, routines
Children settle into the rhythm of a full school day outdoors. We focus on community building, learning how to care for shared spaces, and becoming familiar with our land.
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Academic Foundations
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Letter sounds, early phonics, name writing
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Counting, sorting, comparing quantities
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Nature vocabulary and oral storytelling
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Projects & Exploration
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Mapping our outdoor classroom
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Establishing sit spots
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Beginning nature journals
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Shelter building and cooperative play
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November
Activate the Senses
Focus: Observation, awareness, noticing change
Children practice slowing down and paying attention. We sharpen observation skills through tracking, listening, and recording discoveries.
Academic Foundations
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Labeling drawings and early sentence work
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Tallying observations, simple graphs
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Introduction to data collection
Projects & Exploration
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Animal tracking and sign identification
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Nature collections and class museum
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Sensory games and awareness challenges
December
Orientation & Discovery
Focus: Place, direction, patterns
Children deepen their understanding of where they are and how things relate in space and time.
Academic Foundations
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Sight words and phonemic awareness
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Measurement using natural objects
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Pattern recognition and sequencing
Projects & Exploration
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Nature maps and symbols
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Weather tracking
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Seasonal storytelling and reflection
January
Deepen & Adapt
Focus: Winter, survival, change
Children explore how living things adapt to winter and practice practical outdoor skills.
Academic Foundations
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Reading simple texts and shared stories
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Problem-solving and estimation
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Cause-and-effect thinking
Projects & Exploration
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Shelter building and testing
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Knot tying and basic bushcraft skills
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Studying winter animal behavior
February
Pattern & Play
Focus: Creativity, systems, repetition
Children explore patterns in nature and in their thinking, strengthening both math and literacy through play.
Academic Foundations
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Writing longer sentences and stories
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Skip counting, pattern extension
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Classification and sorting
Projects & Exploration
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Pattern hunts in nature
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Building and design challenges
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Dramatic play inspired by the land
March
Growth & Change
Focus: Life cycles, spring emergence
Children observe and document growth as the land changes around them.
Academic Foundations
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Journaling with detail and sequence
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Measuring growth over time
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Asking questions and forming hypotheses
Projects & Exploration
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Planting and garden care
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Pollinator studies
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Bug hotels and habitat creation
April
Gratitude & Stewardship
Focus: Caring for the land and community
Children learn that they are part of something larger and that their actions matter.
Academic Foundations
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Informational writing and sharing knowledge
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Comparing systems and habitats
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Reflection and discussion
Projects & Exploration
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Stewardship projects
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Habitat restoration
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Community collaboration
May
Reflect & Belong
Focus: Reflection, celebration, closure
Children look back on their year, recognize their growth, and celebrate their work.
Academic Foundations
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Portfolio sharing
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Storytelling and presentation
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Review of core skills
Projects & Exploration
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Completing yearlong journals
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Final builds and group projects
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End-of-year celebration with families
Year-Long Projects
Throughout the year, children engage in long-term projects that deepen learning and support academic growth:
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Nature Journals: Writing, drawing, and recording observations
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Sit Spot Practice: Mindfulness, focus, and sensory awareness
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Phenology Tracking: Seasonal changes over time
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Class Nature Museum: Sorting, labeling, and categorizing discoveries
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Shelter & Build Projects: Planning, collaboration, and problem-solving
The Result
By the end of the year, children leave Forest Kindergarten:
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confident in their academic abilities
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comfortable learning independently
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deeply connected to the natural world
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prepared for first grade in both skill and mindset
How the Day Is Structured
Forest Kindergarten follows a rhythm similar to a well-run homeschool day, balancing intentional instruction with meaningful, child-driven work.
Morning: Academic Foundations
Mornings are focused, calm, and intentional. Children work in small groups on core kindergarten skills, taught directly and reinforced through hands-on materials and real-world application.
Academic focus areas include:
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Reading & Writing: phonics, early reading, handwriting, storytelling, journaling
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Math: counting, number sense, measurement, patterns, problem-solving
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Science & Social Studies: observation, recording data, life cycles, weather, mapping, community
Instruction happens outdoors, using natural materials and experiences whenever possible, but with clear learning goals and structure.
Afternoon: Exploration, Projects & Play
Afternoons are dedicated to longer projects, outdoor exploration, and skill-building that allow children to apply what they’ve learned.
This includes:
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Nature-based projects and investigations
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Bushcraft skills like shelter building, knot tying, tool safety foundations
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Group problem-solving and collaborative builds
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Free play, movement, and creative exploration
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Time to follow curiosity, test ideas, and learn through experience
This balance supports focus, independence, creativity, and deep engagement.
What a Day Looks Like
A typical Forest Kindergarten day includes:
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Morning gathering and academic block
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Small-group literacy and math instruction
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Snack and movement break
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Nature study or science investigation
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Long project or bushcraft work
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Free exploration and imaginative play
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Reflection, journaling, and closing circle
The rhythm stays consistent so children feel secure, while the content evolves with the seasons and their interests.
Forest Kindergarten Is a Good Fit For Families Who:
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Want strong academics without worksheets and screens
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Value outdoor learning and experiential education
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Are looking for a full-day kindergarten alternative to traditional classrooms
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Want their child to build independence, confidence, and real-world skills
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Understand that learning can be joyful
Application process
Enrollment in our Forest Kindergarten program follows a thoughtful application process designed to ensure the best possible fit for each child, family, and learning community. Our programs are intentionally small, relationship-driven, and rooted in outdoor learning, and admission is based on alignment rather than first-come, first-served enrollment.
Applications for 2026-2027 Open February 11th
Step 1: Submit an Application
Families begin by completing an online application for their child.
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A $50 non-refundable application fee is required at submission
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Families select primary location and preferred schedule
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The application includes short intake questions to help us understand your child, your family, and your goals for this year
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You can apply on or after February 11th by clicking APPLY NOW Buttons Above
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Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance, but it allows us to begin the review process.
Step 2: Review & Prescreening
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Our team reviews each application carefully, looking for alignment with our program values, structure, and outdoor learning model.
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Families who meet initial criteria will be invited to the next step of the process.
Step 3: Play Date & Site Tour
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All applicant families must attend a combined play date and group site tour at their preferred location.
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Each location offers two play date options (Late February and Early March)
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Families must attend one play date
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Children participate in a guided outdoor play experience
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Parents receive an overview of the program, expectations, and daily rhythms
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This step allows families to experience the program in action and gives our staff the opportunity to observe children in a group setting.
Step 4: Admission Decisions
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First-round admission decisions are sent on March 27th.
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Families will receive one of the following:
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Acceptance
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Waitlist
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Step 5: Registration & Enrollment
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Families who are accepted will be invited to complete enrollment.
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A $250 registration and supply fee is required to secure a spot
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(This reflects the standard $300 fee, with the $50 application fee applied)
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Registration fees must be submitted by the stated deadline to hold a space
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Spots are not held without payment.
Additional Enrollment Rounds
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If spaces remain after the first round, additional application rounds may open in April for select locations or schedules. These will be communicated directly to interested families.
Important Notes
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We do not offer private tours or individual trial days for new applicants after the application phase begins
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Admission is based on overall group balance, program fit, and availability
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This process helps us protect the rhythm, culture, and experience of our learning communities
Click your location below to Apply
Buttons Below Will Be Enabled On February 11th
Forest Kindergarten FAQs
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Is this a full kindergarten program?
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Yes. Forest Kindergarten is a full private kindergarten program that runs Monday–Friday from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, September through May. Children receive daily instruction in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies, aligned with kindergarten learning standards.
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Is Forest Kindergarten fully outdoors?
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Yes. Forest Kindergarten is a fully outdoor program. Children learn, play, and explore outside in all seasons and most weather conditions. Each site has shelter plans for safety, but outdoor learning is central to the experience.
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Is this a drop-off program?
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Yes. Forest Kindergarten is a drop-off program only. Children must be able to separate from caregivers and participate in a full school day independently. Parents do not stay on-site during class hours.
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How much academic focus is there?
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Forest Kindergarten follows a 40% academics / 60% exploration and project-based learning model.
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Mornings focus on structured academic instruction in literacy, math, and inquiry.
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Afternoons emphasize hands-on projects, nature exploration, bushcraft skills, and applied learning.
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This balance mirrors a high-quality homeschool day and supports deep understanding, focus, and joy in learning.
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Do you teach reading, writing, and math?
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Yes. Children receive intentional instruction in:
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phonics and early reading
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handwriting and writing
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number sense, counting, measurement, and problem-solving
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These skills are taught using hands-on materials, real-world contexts, and outdoor experiences rather than worksheets or screens.
6
How do you ensure children are academically prepared for first grade?
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Our curriculum aligns with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for kindergarten. Children demonstrate learning through journals, projects, observations, and teacher documentation. The goal is strong academic readiness paired with confidence, independence, and curiosity.
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What kind of child thrives in Forest Kindergarten?
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Forest Kindergarten is a good fit for children who:
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enjoy being outdoors
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are curious and active
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are ready for a full school day
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benefit from hands-on learning
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are developing independence and problem-solving skills
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Children do not need to already read or write, but they should be emotionally ready for a full-day program.
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What if my child has never been in a full-day program?
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That’s common. Our consistent daily rhythm, small group setting, and experienced educators support children as they transition into longer days. However, children should be able to manage basic self-care and participate independently.
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What is bushcraft, and is it safe?
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Bushcraft skills are taught in a developmentally appropriate, safety-focused way. Activities may include shelter building, knot tying, tool awareness, and problem-solving. All skills are closely supervised, introduced gradually, and aligned with safety protocols.
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What happens in bad weather?
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We run in rain, cold, and muddy conditions. In cases of severe weather such as thunderstorms, unsafe wind, or extreme conditions, class may be delayed, modified, or canceled for safety. Each location has a detailed weather plan.
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Do children go into deep water or swim?
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No. Children may splash or explore shallow water when appropriate, but they do not enter water above ankle depth.
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Is Forest Kindergarten a licensed program?
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The Wild School is a recognized private educational facility operating under Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) guidelines.
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As a nature-based, outdoor education program, Forest Kindergarten operates under HHSC’s exemption provisions for private educational programs rather than traditional childcare licensing. We maintain all required documentation, follow state-recognized safety and operational standards, and are happy to provide additional information upon request.
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This structure allows us to deliver a full academic kindergarten program in an outdoor setting while meeting state requirements appropriate to our educational model.
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How do you communicate with families?
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Families receive regular communication including:
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updates about learning and projects
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photo documentation
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periodic observations and progress summaries
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scheduled parent-teacher conferences
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Can my child attend part-time?
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No. Forest Kindergarten is a full-time program. Consistency is essential for academic progress, group cohesion, and long-term projects.
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Can I request a specific teacher?
No. Children build relationships with multiple educators, which supports flexibility, trust, and community.
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What supplies does my child need?
Families receive a detailed gear list before the school year begins. Supplies focus on outdoor clothing, weather readiness, and personal items rather than traditional school supplies.
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What is the application process?
Forest Kindergarten follows a structured application process to ensure the right fit for each child and learning community. This includes:
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online application
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group play date and site tour
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admission decisions based on fit, readiness, and availability
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How many children are in a class?
Classes are intentionally small to support safety, relationship-building, and individualized instruction.
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What if Forest Kindergarten isn’t the right fit after enrollment?
Forest Kindergarten is a significant commitment. We encourage families to carefully review program expectations and attend play dates before enrolling. Tuition and cancellation policies are outlined clearly during the enrollment process.
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How do I know this is the right choice for my family?
Forest Kindergarten is ideal for families who value:
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strong academics without worksheets and screens
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outdoor, experiential learning
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independence and resilience
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meaningful childhood experiences
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education rooted in curiosity, connection, and purpose
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What is your cancellation and refund policy?
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Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
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30 days or more before the program start date: Full refund of tuition (minus registration fee).
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Fewer than 30 days before the start date:
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Paid in full: Refund minus the equivalent of one month’s average tuition.
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Payment plan: Responsible for paying the first month’s installment.
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First day through 30 days into the program:
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Paid in full: 75% refund of total tuition.
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Payment plan: Still responsible for 25% of total tuition.
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31 to 60 days into the program:
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Paid in full: 50% refund.
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Payment plan: Responsible for 50% of total tuition.
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61 to 90 days into the program:
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Paid in full: 25% refund.
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Payment plan: Responsible for 75% of total tuition.
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After 90 days: No refunds. Payment plans must continue until tuition is paid in full.
How to Cancel:
Email us at info@thewildschool.org. We’ll guide you through the process and answer any questions.