Course Descriptions

  • All courses are conducted over Zoom with LIVE instructors and REAL-TIME interactions with a cohort of new friends from around the world.
  • Content follows the constructivist and emergent curriculum philosophy -- i.e. digging in the mud.
  • Our courses are customized to meet the needs of individual participants. Each participants receives one-on-one consults as part of the scheduled sessions.

We believe to create community,

you must first experience community.  

Introduction to Forest School 

3 LIVE ZOOM sessions

6:00 - 7:30 p.m. ET


For those who want to learn more about this global movement, the principles that define it, and the benefits it provides.

Click here to download Enrollment Form

Upcoming Dates:   

  • July 24-26, 2023 Online, virtual training via Zoom.
  • September 4-6, 2023 Online, virtual training via Zoom.
  • October 16-18, 2023 Online, virtual training via Zoom.
  • November 27-29, 2023 Online, virtual training via Zoom.
  • 2024 Dates Coming Soon!

Session Content:

Session content will include live discussions, interactive presentations, and virtual forest school visits.  

Session Topics:

Foundational Principles and Key Features of Forest School                              

Benefits towards the Social, Emotional, Cognitive, Spiritual, and Physical Development of the Child

Naturalist Studies: Engaging with Nature through a Child’s Eyes

Prerequisites:

No prerequisites are required for this  introductory level course. It is open to anyone. It serves as a prerequisite to all other Forest School Teacher Institute courses. 

 Introduction to Forest School Certificate of Completion after 4.5 hours of online work and an additional 1.5 hours of work offline. (Six TOTAL Hours)

Fee:  $95

Note: 10% discount for groups of 2 or more colleagues.

Questions?   Contact us at [email protected]

Forest School Teacher Training

9 LIVE ZOOM Weekday Sessions

6:00 - 7:30 p.m. ET


For those who want to deepen their  understanding of child development and hone their teaching skills in nature.

Click here to download Enrollment Form

Upcoming Dates:   

  • June 1 - 3, 2023 LIVE, IN-PERSON teacher certification training in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Special rates apply.
  • June 19-27, 2023 LIVE, IN-PERSON teacher certification training in Chattanooga, Tennessee with the option of graduate credit from Southern Adventist University. Contact us at [email protected] for more details. Special rates apply.
  • July 31 - August 11, 2023 Online, virtual training via Zoom
  • September 14-17, 2023 LIVE, IN-PERSON teacher certification training in Rio Medina, Texas with the option of additional certificate in Social-Emotional Wellness training in nature-based environments. 
  • September 18 - 29, 2023 Online, virtual training via Zoom.
  • October 23-November 3, 2023 Online, virtual training via Zoom.
  • December 4-14, 2023 Online, virtual training via Zoom.
  • 2024 Dates Coming Soon!

NOTE: Nightly online sessions happen on weeknights only. We do not have required meetings on Saturday or Sunday. There will also be a 30-minute consultation session scheduled with you at a time of your choosing at the end of the course. In-person events are held at specific sites and will take place over three consecutive days, including two evening sessions. 

Session Content:

Session content will include live discussions, interactive presentations, and virtual forest school visits.  

Session Topics:

Forest School Observation and Assessment Strategies 

Flow Learning in Forest School

Developing Rhythms, Rituals, and Mindfulness

Integrating Cultural Themes and Activities 

Naturalist Studies

Developing Emergent Learning Frameworks Preschool - 3rd Grade

Developing Emergent Learning Frameworks Grades 4 - 8

Lab: Nature Journaling 

Seminar: Course Synthesis Presentations

Prerequisite:

Introduction to Forest School 

Participant Receives: 

Forest School Teacher Certification upon completion of 14.5 hours of online course work and consultations. Additional course work offline includes reading assignments and course projects. (30 TOTAL hours) 

Fee:  $495 for online course, special rates for in-person courses

Note: 10% discount for groups of 2 or more colleagues.

Questions?   Contact us at [email protected]

Forest School Director Training

9 LIVE ZOOM sessions

6:00 - 7:30 p.m. ET

Sessions meet ONLY on weeknights. No Saturday or Sunday required meetings.


For those who serve or plan to serve as school leaders, heads of schools, school founders, and/or curriculum directors.

Click here to download Enrollment Form

Upcoming Dates:   

  • May 15 - 26, 2023 Online, virtual training via Zoom.
  • June 28 - July 7 2023 LIVE, IN-PERSON director certification training in Chattanooga, Tennessee with the option of graduate credit from Southern Adventist University. Contact us at [email protected] for more details. Special rates apply.
  • July 10 - 21, 2023 Online, virtual training via Zoom.
  • August 21 - September 1, 2023 Online, virtual training via Zoom.
  • October 2-13, 2023 Online, virtual training via Zoom.
  • November 6-16, 2023 Online, virtual training via Zoom.
  • 2024 Dates Coming Soon!

NOTE: Nightly sessions happen on weeknights only. We do not have required meetings on Saturday or Sunday. There will also be a 30-minute consultation session scheduled with you at a time of your choosing at the end of the course. 

Session Content:

Session content will include live discussions, interactive presentations, and virtual forest school visits.  

Session Topics:

Site Development and Assessment I

Site Development and Assessment II

Developing Forest School Culture and Identity

Staff Development and Budget

Marketing

Building Community Partnerships

Providing for Children with Special Learning Rights

Course Synthesis: Proposal Presentations

Seminar: Global Forest School Movement

Prerequisites:

Introduction to Forest School

Teaching in a Forest School 

Participant Receives: 

Forest School Director Certification upon completion of 14.5 hours of online course work and consultations. Additional course work offline includes reading assignments and course projects. (30 TOTAL hours) 

Fee:  $495 for online courses, special rates apply for in-person trainings

Note: 10% discount for groups of 2 or more colleagues.

Questions?   Contact us at [email protected]