
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.