Outdoor learning where kids take the lead
The Birch School’s Forest School program, for children ages 6 – 14, is held outdoors two afternoons per week. Children ages 9- 14 meet on Monday and Wednesday and ages 6 – 11 meet on Tuesday and Thursday. (Students between the ages of 9 and 11 are welcome to come to join both groups).
Guided by experienced and enthusiastic teachers, children learn through discovery and cooperation. Activities include Outdoor Exploration, Nature Crafts, Wilderness Survival Skills, Nature Observation and Journaling, Ecology and Science Exploration, Cooperative Games, Community Building and Group Skills, and more! Each session leaves time for free play. Each day an outdoor adventure awaits!
12:30 – 3:30 Monday & Wednesday: Ages 9 – 14
12:30 – 3:30 Tuesday & Thursday: Ages 6 – 11
A balance of individual exploration and group work with others
Students have opportunities to explore, build, run, climb, discuss, plan, and more. We honor each student’s individual needs and how each one approaches the challenges of new experiences. With attentive and thoughtful teachers encouraging children to be their best selves, and to expand their ever-growing awareness kids can do what kids do best. And parents can relax knowing their children are being cared for and are safe in a community of kindness.
Part-time program for homeschoolers or hybrid learners
Session 1 Fall/Winter 2022: September 15 – December 15
Session 2 Winter/Spring 2023: February 15 – June 15
Tuition is $1250 per session. There is an annual $250 registration fee.
The Forest School program follows the academic calendar for The Birch School, in observance of any public holidays or school cancellations that fall on Forest School days.
Location
The Forest School day will begin and end at The Birch School. During program time children have a variety of outdoor areas to explore and spend time in.
At the site of The Birch School there are outdoor classrooms, tents, canopies and a tipi available for use. There is a wooded area as well as fire circle on site.
Across Route 207 is the 6000 acre NY-state owned Stewart Preserve, which offers a multitude of opportunities for exploration. Sometimes the group will walk across the street into the preserve, and other times they may take our school van and drive to another entrance to the preserve to access a different area.
In the event of extreme weather, there is a classroom available at The Birch School for use by Forest School at any time it is needed.
