Welcome to Hidden Valley Forest School

Balanced Learning. Big Adventures. Whole-Child Growth.

Hidden Valley Forest School is a licensed, mixed-age microschool in Crozet, Virginia, serving children ages 5–8 in our Core Program and ages 5–11 in our Aftercare Program.

We believe children deserve both an exceptional education and a childhood rich in movement, curiosity, exploration, and wonder.

Our program combines evidence-based academics with meaningful outdoor experiences, creating an environment where children develop strong foundational skills while remaining active, confident, and deeply connected to the natural world.

We believe children shouldn't have to choose between rigorous academics and a joyful childhood. At Hidden Valley Forest School, they experience both.

Each day includes intentional instruction in English Language Arts, mathematics, science, history, and geography, balanced with approximately two hours outdoors in every season.

Strong Foundations for Future Success

At Hidden Valley Forest School, we believe meaningful learning happens when children understand why they are learning something—not simply how to complete an assignment.

Our students receive explicit, standards-aligned instruction while also developing creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, resilience, and independence.

With enrollment intentionally limited to just 12 students per day, we know every child as an individual. We continuously assess each student's progress and thoughtfully design instruction that builds on their strengths, supports their growth, and fosters a lifelong love of learning.

Research-Based Academics, Personalized for Every Learner

Our curriculum is carefully aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning while remaining flexible enough to meet each child's unique strengths, interests, and readiness.

Rather than relying solely on scripted programs, we combine research-based curricula with thoughtfully designed instruction that connects learning to children's interests, everyday experiences, and the world around them.

English Language Arts

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Hidden Valley Forest School proudly uses Reading Horizons as our core literacy curriculum.

Reading Horizons is a research-based structured literacy program grounded in the Science of Reading. Through explicit, systematic instruction, students develop phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, spelling, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills in a carefully sequenced progression.

Rather than encouraging children to memorize words, Reading Horizons teaches students to understand the structure and patterns of the English language, equipping them with the tools and confidence to become independent readers and writers.

Mathematics

Our mathematics program combines personalized instruction with one of today's leading research-based mathematics resources.

Teachers carefully assess each child's readiness, strengths, interests, and learning needs, then design standards-aligned lessons that connect mathematics to everyday life, nature, problem-solving, and children's natural curiosity. Because every child develops differently, instruction is individualized while ensuring steady progress toward grade-level standards.

We also incorporate Mindset Mathematics, developed by Stanford University professor Dr. Jo Boaler. This innovative approach emphasizes conceptual understanding, visual thinking, collaboration, and creative problem-solving instead of rote memorization alone.

Students are encouraged to explore multiple strategies, explain their thinking, and build confidence by understanding how mathematics works—not simply arriving at the correct answer. Our goal is for children to develop both strong computational skills and a genuine enjoyment of mathematics.

Science

Science is taught every week through engaging, inquiry-based lessons designed to spark curiosity while building a deep understanding of scientific concepts.

Our instruction follows the 5E Instructional Model, a research-based framework that encourages students to think and act like scientists.

Each investigation moves through five stages:

• Engage – Spark curiosity with a compelling question, demonstration, or real-world phenomenon.

• Explore – Investigate through hands-on experiments, observation, and discovery.

• Explain – Build scientific vocabulary and deepen understanding of the concepts students have explored.

• Elaborate – Apply new knowledge in new situations and make meaningful connections.

• Evaluate – Demonstrate understanding through discussion, projects, observation, and authentic assessment.

Whether children are studying weather, habitats, life cycles, matter, or forces, they actively investigate scientific ideas rather than simply reading about them. We strive to show students that science is exciting, meaningful, and something they experience every day.

History & Geography

History and geography are taught weekly through thoughtfully designed, standards-aligned lessons that help children better understand the people, places, cultures, and events that shape our world.

Through stories, maps, projects, discussions, and hands-on activities, students develop historical understanding, geographic awareness, and an appreciation for diverse communities while nurturing curiosity about the world beyond their own experiences.

Childhood Matters

One of the defining features of Hidden Valley Forest School is our commitment to protecting children's need for movement, outdoor play, and meaningful experiences in nature.

Today's children spend more time indoors and on screens than ever before. We believe healthy child development requires regular opportunities to move their bodies, take appropriate risks, solve problems with friends, and build a meaningful connection with the natural world.

We intentionally spend approximately two hours outdoors every day, rain or shine.

Outdoor time is not simply a break from academics—it is an essential part of how children learn and grow.

Research consistently shows that regular time in nature supports attention, emotional regulation, executive functioning, creativity, physical health, and overall well-being. Nature also provides the perfect setting for developing observation skills, curiosity, resilience, mindfulness, and scientific thinking.

Children build forts, climb trees, create imaginary worlds, observe wildlife, organize games, explore woodland trails, and experience the freedom that comes from meaningful outdoor play.

After focused academic instruction indoors, children naturally need opportunities to move, reset, and reconnect. By intentionally balancing rigorous academics with abundant time outdoors, we support both intellectual growth and whole-child development.

Mixed-Age Learning

We embrace mixed-age education because children learn best in community.

Rather than separating students by rigid grade levels, instruction is personalized according to each child's readiness and growth.

Older students naturally develop leadership skills by mentoring younger classmates, while younger children benefit from observing more advanced learners and building confidence within a supportive environment.

With enrollment limited to just 12 students per day, every child is deeply known, challenged, encouraged, and celebrated.

Our Programs

Core Program (Ages 5–8)

Monday–Thursday | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM

Our Core Program blends rigorous academics with daily outdoor exploration, creative expression, and meaningful play. Families may enroll four days per week or choose individual days based on availability.

Tuition is based on a $60 daily rate, billed monthly using a four-week month.

Core Program Tuition

Tuition is based on a $60 daily rate, billed monthly using a four-week month. Annual tuition includes an annual non-refundable $100 activity fee.

• 1 day per week: $240/month ($2,500 annual)

• 2 days per week: $480/month ($4,900 annual)

• 3 days per week: $720/month ($7,300 annual)

• 4 days per week: $960/month ($9,700 annual)

• 5 days per week: $1,200/month ($13,000 annual)

Aftercare Program (Ages 5–11)

Monday–Thursday | 2:40–5:00 PM

Our aftercare program is intentionally child-led and rooted in meaningful outdoor play. After a structured school day, children have the opportunity to decompress, move their bodies, and enjoy the freedom that comes from unstructured play in nature.

Children build forts, climb trees, organize games, create imaginative worlds, explore the woods, create nature-inspired art, read books, and spend time with friends in a safe, supportive environment.

Rather than directing every activity, our teachers serve as play workers—creating a safe environment, supporting healthy peer relationships, encouraging independence, and stepping in only when guidance is needed. This approach allows children to develop creativity, resilience, leadership, and problem-solving skills while preserving the joy of childhood.

Children who thrive in our aftercare program are typically self-starters who enjoy spending time outdoors, collaborating with peers, and using their imagination.

Aftercare Tuition

• 1 day per week: $72/month

• 2 days per week: $144/month

• 3 days per week: $216/month

• 4 days per week: $288/month

Drop-in Care: $25/day (based on availability)

Tuition is based on each family's selected weekly schedule and is not prorated for absences.

Aftercare Transportation

HVFS offers transportation to our aftercare program from nearby schools.

Brownsville Elementary: Students may ride the Albemarle County school bus directly to HVFS using an approved Alternate Bus Stop Request Form. There is no additional transportation fee.

Crozet Elementary: Because a school bus route is not available, HVFS staff provides transportation directly from Crozet Elementary. An additional $2.50 per scheduled aftercare day applies for this service.

Licensed for Safety and Quality

Hidden Valley Forest School is licensed by the Virginia Department of Education and meets all state health and safety requirements.

Our teachers complete comprehensive background checks, maintain CPR and First Aid certification, and participate in ongoing professional development throughout the year. Families can feel confident knowing their children are learning in a safe, nurturing, and well-regulated environment.

A Small School with a Big Heart

Founded in 2022, Hidden Valley Forest School is more than a school—it's a community where children are known, valued, and encouraged to become confident learners, thoughtful friends, and curious explorers.

We believe childhood should be filled with wonder, meaningful learning, outdoor adventure, and opportunities to discover each child's unique strengths. Our mission is to provide an education that prepares children not only for future academic success, but also for a lifetime of curiosity, resilience, compassion, and joyful learning.

Schedule a Tour

We would love to welcome you to Hidden Valley Forest School and show you what makes our program unique.

Email: info@hiddenvalleyforestschool.com

Phone: (434) 760-5835