Northeast La Forest School

Northeast LA Forest School uses an active, experiential learning model, inspired by the European model of the Forest Kindergarten, and set in the urban park landscape of Los Angeles. Our curriculum is emergent and is based on the expanding curiosities of our students. Our days are centered around hikes and explorations and are rich with opportunities for social-emotional development. Our teachers model social behaviors, guide children through conflict, and help children balance their risk assessments. At Northeast LA Forest School we seek to reverse the "indoorification of childhood" by providing real life, inquiry based explorations in nature. Children will be able to indulge their curiosity, let it guide their explorations, and build their scientific thinking through trial-and-error style play. Early literacy and math skills can be seen throughout our meaningful play. Our group play requires empathy, listening skills, and learning different forms of conflict resolution thus building social-emotional skills. Through play our children begin to discover their sense of self and others. Our group circle times are a time for reflection and conversation about our daily adventures. In addition to explorations, our daily structure allows for snacks and lunch, songs, and diving into a few good books.