Northeast LA Forest School seeks to reverse the indoorification of childhood by providing real-life, inquiry-based explorations in nature. Children are able to indulge their curiosity, let it guide their explorations, and build their scientific thinking through trial-and-error style play. The school creates a space where children can learn through experiences and provides them with teachers they can trust to keep them safe while fostering their curiosity and independence. The hope is that our program fosters a sense of community and a life-long love of the natural world.

Northeast LA Forest School uses an active, experiential learning model, inspired by the European model of the Forest Kindergarten, and set in the urban park landscape of Los Angeles. The curriculum is emergent and is based on the expanding curiosities of the students. Days are centered around hikes and explorations and are rich with opportunities for social-emotional development. Teachers model social behaviors, guide children through conflict, and help children balance their risk assessments. Teachers are present as observers and help to remove hazards that children cannot handle. 

Our student body ranges in age from 2-6. This mixed-age setting allows for the natural development of learners and leaders, and has been found to foster motivation, self-esteem, achievement, and community. As children grow, they can see themselves becoming leaders while discovering empathy for those who are where they used to be. The program breaks up into smaller, age-based groups during inquiries, and teachers are ready with the differentiation skills needed to engage different ages at different stages. 

Forest Schools can build a foundation for academic success. Children who are given the chance to try, fail, and try again learn resilience, how to take initiative, and inventiveness. Problem-solving skills, social competence, and the openness to learn new things come from the freedom of outdoor play. Transitions, participation, empathy, and how to engage in a group learning setting are all necessary skills for kindergarten and skills we practice daily at NELA Forest School.