Full Educational Program (6-12 Years)

Forest School

September–May | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Forest School is a full-time, nature-immersive academic program for children ages 6–12. It’s school, reimagined outdoors.

Each day, students explore wild spaces to master academic foundations, develop real-world skills, and grow into capable, confident, and curious learners.

Guided by experienced nature educators, they study reading, writing, math, science, and social studies through direct experience—tracking weather, mapping landscapes, testing water, writing stories, and building what they imagine.

click your location to enroll now

Schedule & Holidays

Program Dates:
- Start Week: September 8, 2025
- End Week: May 18, 2026

Holiday Breaks:
- Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
- Thanksgiving Break: November 24–28, 2025
- Winter Break: December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026
- MLK Jr. Day: Monday, January 19, 2026
- Spring Break: March 9–20, 2026
- Good Friday: April 3, 2026

Our Daily Rhythm

Morning Circle – Greeting, gratitude, and daily overview
Sit Spot Journaling – Observation and reflection in nature
Skills Block – Core academic learning tied to the monthly theme
Project Time – Collaborative or independent work in literacy, science, or math
Lunch & Free Exploration – Open play and social connection
Afternoon Challenge – Games, hikes, or applied skill practice
Closing Circle – Reflection and storytelling

Why Families Choose Forest School

At The Wild School, we believe learning should be alive, meaningful, and connected to the real world.

Our full-day outdoor program gives children:

A complete academic education rooted in real-world experience
Hands-on mastery of STEM, literacy, and the arts through exploration
Daily nature immersion that builds focus, confidence, and resilience
Small group mentoring and close teacher relationships
A strong community built on collaboration, curiosity, and respect for the earth

How We Teach

At Forest School, learning begins outside... guided by children’s natural curiosity, the changing seasons, and our local ecology.

We build our curriculum around four core approaches:

Emergent Curriculum — We observe what sparks children’s interest and build on those wonders.
Coyote Mentoring — We guide by asking, telling stories, and prompting kids to develop their own ideas.
Flow Learning — We follow the natural energy arc of children: curiosity, exploration, focus, then calm reflection.
Place-Based & Seasonal Education — We learn directly from the local land, trees, animals, and cycles.

curriculum Focus

Our Forest School Curriculum integrates Texas core academic domains with hands-on ecological and bushcraft learning. Each month introduces a new theme that connects foundational academics to the natural world.

Monthly Themes:

September: Forest School Foundations, Navigation & Map Skills
October: Shelter Building & Nature Art
November: First Aid, Water Safety & Purification
December: Fire Building & Fire Safety
January: Campfire Cooking & Primitive Living
February: Knife Safety & Whittling
March: Tracking, Bird Language & Survival Games
April: Foraging & Plant Identification
May: Cordage, Knots, Primitive Living & Survival Challenge

Every theme is supported by clear learning objectives and outcomes across:

A Full Academic Experience

Forest School builds academic mastery through experiential learning:

Language & Literacy – Reading, writing, journaling, and storytelling grounded in fieldwork.
Mathematics – Measurement, data collection, geometry, and real-world problem solving.
Science & Ecology – Ecosystem studies, experiments, and environmental monitoring.
Social Studies – Local geography, Indigenous land history, and stewardship projects.
Fine Arts – Nature art, weaving, clay, murals, and dramatic storytelling.
Bushcraft – Fire building, shelter construction, knots, foraging, and tracking.
Health & Fitness – Endurance hikes, nutrition, and outdoor physical development.
Technology & Research – Field journals, mapping, and digital documentation.

Our approach meets and exceeds grade-level learning standards while fostering emotional resilience, problem-solving, and creativity.

How to Enroll

Click your preferred location below. This will take you to that site’s specific registration page, where you can see exactly which days are offered each week and the tuition for your chosen schedule.

Steps to register:

Choose Your Preferred Class From Below

The Woodlands
Kingwood/Humble
Cypress/Tomball
West Houston
Mont Belvieu

2. Click Register

3. Choose Your Payment Option

You can choose to pay in full and receive a 10% Automatic Discount, or you can do a 9 month payment plan with a $100 deposit that goes toward your total tuition.

4. Complete your registration.

After you submit your registration and payment, you’ll receive a welcome email with all the next steps.

If you have any questions at any point, please reach out to us at info@thewildschool.org. We’re happy to help!

For the most up-to-date pricing and to secure your child’’s spot, please visit the booking page by clicking your preferred site.

Forest School faqs

Is this a full academic program?

Yes. Forest School is a full-time educational program that integrates academics with nature-based learning. Students meet grade-level standards through hands-on, place-based experiences—without walls or desks.

Is this only for homeschoolers?

No. This is a full school alternative, not a supplement or enrichment program. Students enrolled at The Wild School receive a complete, accredited academic experience.

Is it safe?

Our teachers are trained in risk assessment, CPR, and outdoor safety. Students learn respect and responsibility through structured mentoring and progressive skill introduction.

Is this a good fit for neurodiverse children?

Yes. Our program structure is flexible, multi-sensory, and supportive of different learning styles. Children who thrive with movement, hands-on learning, and space to regulate often find deep success in Forest School.

We offer clear boundaries, consistent rhythms, and predictable expectations while making space for autonomy and creative expression. If you have specific concerns or questions, we’re happy to talk through your child’s unique needs.

What should my child bring each week?

Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, boots, rain gear, etc.)
Backpack with:
- Water bottle
- Snack/lunch
- Journal & pencil (provided at first class)
- Extra set of clothes (especially during wet or muddy seasons)
- Seasonal Appropriate Layers
- Nature Journal

We’ll send a full gear list once you enroll, including seasonal recommendations.

Is it safe for kids to use knives and start fires?

Yes — because they’re taught with great care and supervision.

Our mentors are highly trained in outdoor risk assessment and follow strict safety protocols. Children are only introduced to fire or knife work when they are developmentally ready and have shown consistent responsibility.

We teach respect for tools and fire — not fear — and that makes all the difference.

What happens if there’s bad weather?

Forest School runs in almost all weather — including rain, cold, and mud. These are valuable parts of the learning experience! However, we will cancel or reschedule for:

Lightning
Flooding
High winds
Severe temperature extremes

If a class needs to be canceled due to weather, families will be notified with as much notice as possible and offered a seasonal make-up day.

Can we try Forest School before committing to the full year?

We offer occasional trial sessions (if space allows) to get a feel for the program. That said, Forest School works best as a long-term journey — relationships, rhythm, and growth happen over time.

Please reach out to us at info@thewildschool.org to book your trial today.