Welcome to
Forest Preschool
A gentle childhood rooted in nature, wonder, and meaningful play.
Forest Preschool is a small, nurturing outdoor learning community where children build a deep connection with nature, themselves, and others. Our days flow through free exploration, imaginative play, collaborative games, storytelling, movement, observation, and hands-on discovery. We believe children grow best when they have space to wonder, experiment, create, and simply be children. With a small group setting and a calm rhythm, we create an environment that supports emotional intelligence, confidence, curiosity, and joyful learning. This is a place for harmonious growth — where both soul and skills can develop naturally.
Bilingual Russian-English curriculum
Our Philosophy
Heuristic Learning: Discovering the World Through Experience
At Forest Preschool, we follow a heuristic approach to learning.
We believe children learn most deeply when they are given the opportunity to explore, investigate, test ideas, and make meaning for themselves.
Rather than providing ready-made answers, we offer thoughtful materials, meaningful experiences, gentle guidance, and open-ended questions. We observe carefully, support individual interests, and softly scaffold each child’s journey of discovery.
Through this process, children develop independence, problem-solving skills, emotional awareness, creativity, and trust in their own abilities.
We don’t rush learning — we cultivate it.
Location
Camp Ireland, Hillsboro
Our program takes place at Camp Ireland in Hillsboro — a remarkable pocket of peaceful forest just minutes from the city.
Surrounded by towering trees, natural trails, open spaces, and the quiet beauty of the outdoors, children experience the magic of an authentic natural environment without traveling far from home.
It is a rare place where childhood can unfold slowly, freely, and close to nature.
Schedule
Program Days & Sessions
Program Schedule
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Session 1 — Fall / Winter 2026
September 8 – December 7, 2026
Session 2 — Winter / Spring 2027
March 1 – June 7, 2027
Small group program for children seeking a calm, nature-centered learning experience.
Daily Rhythm
Our days follow a gentle and predictable rhythm that balances freedom, exploration, connection, and restfulness.
While each day naturally changes with the seasons, weather, and children’s interests, our core flow remains familiar and grounding.
Arrival & Soft Landing
Children arrive, settle into the space, reconnect with friends, and ease into the day through open-ended exploration and morning invitations.
Morning Circle
Songs, stories, movement, seasonal themes, gratitude, and connection. We gather to build community, prepare for the day, and spark curiosity.
Forest Exploration & Play
The heart of our program. Children roam, build, climb, observe, invent, imagine, collect, create, and investigate. Through free play, guided activities, and spontaneous discoveries, children develop resilience, collaboration, confidence, and a deep relationship with the natural world.
Heuristic Invitations & Projects
Teachers thoughtfully introduce materials, questions, tools, nature observations, creative provocations, and hands-on experiences that encourage children to explore ideas in their own way.
Snack & Connection Time
We pause to nourish our bodies, share conversation, practice independence, and enjoy being together outdoors.
Stories, Reflection & Closing Circle
We slow down, reflect on the day’s discoveries, share stories, songs, observations, and prepare for a calm transition home.
