About Us

About Forest School

Welcome to Portland Forest School, a private school where education meets nature in a thriving community dedicated to creating lifelong learners built on the strength of our relationships and our diversity. Established in 2016 under Trackers Earth, we began this adventure with a single Kindergarten class. Since then, the Portland Forest School has blossomed into a full K – 8 outdoor academic school, reflecting our commitment to fostering a deep connection with the natural world.

In 2023, we proudly transitioned to a non-profit organization, driven by our unwavering dedication to providing an enriching educational experience for our students. Our roots extend beyond traditional classrooms; we have cultivated locations through out the greater Portland metro area and beyond.

At the heart of the Portland Forest School is a community built on the strength of our relationships and diversity. We celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and values that each individual brings. Our students learn what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves as the familial relationships we foster include academics, students, families, staff, plants, animals, and places. We cherish the myriad backgrounds, perspectives, and values each member contributes, recognizing that our interconnectedness fosters growth and flourishing.

Forest school elementary student drawing in sand at the nonprofit, private school, alternative school, nontraditional school in Portland, OR with community based, multiage education, low ratios and open enrollment
Forest school elementary student outside at the private school, alternative school, independent school, nonprofit school in Portland, OR with a community based, alternative education, nontraditional school approach that is community based, has low ra
Forest school elementary students outside in the winter at the private school, nonprofit school, nontraditional school, alternative school in Portland, OR with a multiage classroom approach to alternative education in a community based, low ratio, op
Forest school elementary student outside at the private school, nonprofit school, alternative school, nontraditional school in Portland, Oregon with a community based, alternative education, low ratio, open enrollment approach