Welcome to Hidden Valley Forest School

Blended Learning. Big Adventures. Whole Child Growth.

Nestled in the heart of Crozet, VA, Hidden Valley Forest School is a nature-based microschool offering a truly unique learning experience for children ages 5–10. Since 2022, we’ve been helping children thrive through our innovative approach that combines the best of traditional academics with the joy, freedom, and wonder of outdoor exploration.

What Makes Us Different?

🌿 Blended Learning at Its Best

At HVFS, we believe the best education happens both indoors and out. Our program blends structured academic instruction with hands-on, experiential learning in nature. On average, our students spend 2+ hours outdoors daily—far beyond the 30-minute outdoor time typical of most schools. We learn from the forest, the creek, the fields, and each other.

👧👦 Mixed-Age Classrooms

We embrace multi-age learning, where younger and older children work and play together. This encourages mentorship, collaboration, and natural social-emotional development. Kids aren’t separated by arbitrary grade lines—they grow and learn at their own pace, supported by peers and teachers alike.

📚 Solid Academics + the Freedom to Play

We believe that play is essential to learning. While we provide a strong academic foundation in reading, writing, math, science, and the arts, we also fiercely protect every child's right to play. Free play is not an afterthought—it’s a vital part of how children build resilience, creativity, and confidence.

👩‍🏫 Deep Relationships, Small Community

With a maximum of 12 children and two full-time educators, every child is truly known. We build meaningful relationships and foster an environment where children feel safe, respected, and motivated to explore their interests and ideas.

🏡 Flexible for Homeschoolers & Full-Time Learners

Families can choose the schedule that fits their needs—whether that’s 1–2 days a week as a supplement to homeschooling or a full-time, 4–5 day academic experience. We’re here to support your child’s learning journey, however that may look.

Why Nature?

We believe nature is the ultimate classroom. It teaches problem-solving, observation, patience, and wonder. Our students hike, track animals, study ecosystems, build shelters, garden, and investigate real-life questions in real-world environments—all while building academic knowledge. Backed by extensive research, time in nature and outdoor learning are essential foundations for a healthy childhood and a bright future.

What Families Are Saying

“He had such a great experience at Hidden Valley! I’m so happy with how much more social and confident he has become since attending your school. You’ve got a really wonderful program there and I’m a big believer in your work.”
— BB

“‘Mushroom!’ is a word that I often hear exclaimed by W as we walk through the woods now. Since beginning at HVFS, his outdoor knowledge and comfortability in nature has grown immensely, and I continue to learn things from my [son] whenever we are outside. Not only has our relationship with the outdoors grown while being cared for by Bianca, or “Miss Anca” as we like to call her, but we have also become a part of the community which Bianca’s family provides. From outdoor play, to mixed-aged play groups, to self-led learning, to muddy clothes, we couldn’t be happier about what HVFS has offered us and how we continue to learn each day.”
— CS

“Since starting B at Hidden Valley we have seen his world explode. He has shown excitement and engagement in school and constantly shares his knowledge with everyone. He has learned better spatial awareness and his confidence has skyrocketed.
He is encouraged to use his leadership skills and has learned to play harmoniously with his peers. Miss Bianca and her school are magical and a great place for any child but especially boys! We couldn’t be happier we found her!”
— AG

“I knew I would love the Hidden Valley program as soon as I met Bianca and saw her unique and beautiful property. Thankfully, P is as happy with his school experience as I was hoping he would be. What impresses me the most is that he’s excited to go to school EVERY school day, and his deeper engagement with nature and desire to share it with us is powerful. Creeking, mud sliding, hiking, finding fox dens and mushrooms of all kinds—crafts and cozy tea times with friends—these are perfect days for children. Bianca’s child-led approach allows the kids so much freedom within a predictable rhythm, and she clearly loves learning right alongside them. A warm teacher who understands children and a truly magical setting. What a special place!”
— PS

Our Programs

🌱 Core Program (Kindergarten–3rd Grade)

Mondays–Thursdays | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
This is our flagship program, offering a blended indoor/outdoor academic experience rooted in play, inquiry, and exploration. We provide a full academic foundation while ensuring ample time for nature-based learning, free play, and hands-on discovery.

Aftercare available until 5:30 PM for enrolled families.

Families may choose a full-time schedule or select specific days that work best for them.

🌟 Forest Friday (Ages 8–11)

Fridays | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
A day of enrichment, friendship, and forest adventure designed especially for older children. This program is ideal for homeschool families or those looking to add a fun, engaging outdoor experience to their week.

Drop-ins welcome for pre-registered families.

⏰ Aftercare

3:00 PM – 5:30 PM | $10/hour
Available to enrolled students and pre-registered families. Parents may opt into aftercare only on the days they need it—perfect for busy or flexible schedules.

📍 Located in Crozet, VA
👫 Serving ages 5–10
🗓️ Founded in 2022
📞 Get in touch to schedule a visit or learn more!
✉️ bhagen@hiddenvalleyforestschool.com
📱 301-642-7022