Have Nature with You:

My child has been a student at Portland Forest School since kindergarten and has thrived in the nature-based setting, intimate class sizes, and nurturing community. She loves going to school and during breaks, counts the days until her return. Learning to be outside in all kinds of weather has instilled her with robust confidence and comfort in changing environments. I see this resiliency touching many other areas of her life as well. 

I love that once when I pulled a leaf and small twig out of her hair after school, she happily remarked “I always have some nature on me!” And can we talk about the fact that she kept pet moss and rocks in her backpack for two weeks? That's dedication! She has such a deep connection to nature and animals, it's truly inspiring.

My daughter delights in learning traditional curriculum as well, because it’s all rooted in connection to nature. Every day brings a new adventure, both in learning, but also in traveling to beautiful outdoor spaces with her cohort. Even at seven years old, she has learned to practice personal responsibility in caring for her gear and packing her lunch. She knows that plant identification and shelter building from found nature, hold importance in her life, as do skills such as reading and writing. 

Watching her deepen her bond with nature has been such a beautiful journey. I can see how her time at Portland Forest School has really shaped her perspective and will continue to have a positive impact on her life for years to come. I can't wait to see where her love for the outdoors takes her as she grows. - Parent (all pics below are from the Forest School)