Hidden Valley

Forest School

Hidden Valley Forest School (HVFS) is a licensed nature-based program featuring both indoor and outdoor elements, for ages 4 through 8. The program was designed to combine a play-based approach to early childhood education with the many benefits of nature immersion.

Our Mission

To offer children a safe, nurturing space where they can develop their highest cognitive, physical, social, and emotional potential, naturally through play and nature immersion.

What We Offer:

Pre-K

  • Hours: 9:00AM-3:00Pm

  • Monday-Thursday

  • Parents can select two day options (consecutive days preferred) or the full-time of option of four days per week

  • Ages 3-5; must be potty trained.

K-2

  • Hours: 9:00AM-3:00PM

  • Parents can select individual days of the week that work for them, depending on availability.

  • Ages: 5-8

Our Setup and Approach

  • 9-acre property that includes a large pond, hills, meadow, trails, creeks, and mature trees. Certified natural habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

  • Indoor classroom spaces.

  • Outdoor learning and exploration all year round, in all weather conditions and terrains.

  • Natural playscape that includes mud kitchen, sandbox, creek, climbing dome, loose parts, and plenty of space for active, creative play.

  • We understand children’s developmental needs, including their right to play freely and learn from play, providing plenty of play opportunities throughout the day, every day.

  • Place-based learning, in which children learn from the local landscape and seasons

  • Individualized attention in a mixed age, small group setting (teacher/student ration: 1/6).

  • No homework. (Let children be children and enjoy their free time for continued child-led exploration and precious family time.)

  • Teacher-student relationships guided by respectful parenting and circle of security principles (based on attachment theory). Our relationships and interactions with our learners are always guided by these foundational principles.