Ann Arbor Forest School

Every day is a beautiful day at forest school. Children learn to appreciate the outdoors in all weather and learn to cope with the conditions—one hot day I told my 3yo we needed to go in because I was too hot. Instead, she suggested with rest under a shady tree and drink some cool water. It did the trick and we continued playing outside.

The educators are warm, nurturing, and model a kind and inclusive environment.

We could not love this school more.

My 3 YO son has been attending Forest School for a year and has gained endurance, a sense of self-efficacy, confidence, problem solving skills, and a general love of the outdoors. Tara is thoughtful about the children's experience and takes extreme care with their well-being.

My daughter attended their summer camp last year. She's normally a very shy girl, and takes a while to warm up to new places or to new people, but Tara's welcoming, warm demeanor has helped her became a part of the group immediately. She loved spending time outdoors, and oftentimes when I picked her up, she'd come out barefoot, couldn't wait to tell me everything she's done and everywhere she's been to. On the way out from Tara's, she'd just randomly pick berries from the garden to munch on, which is the kind of childhood I longed to provide to my daughters.
Tara is great with children. She's calm all the time. My daughter, even though she was only with her for one summer, adores her and asks to visit her all the time.
After spending the summer outdoors, my daughter has become more independent, more assertive, and in general, much more capable and confident. She seems much more comfortable being outdoor, exploring in the woods. She also learned to be curious and to respect plants and all living beings, which I hope to continue nurturing.

Fantastic experience, highest recommendation! Our daughter flourished with Tara and we continue to see the benefits more than 2 years later - she will forever more be our Nature Girl! Since attending Ann Arbor Forest School our daughter is more confident, able to show respect and empathy for others, more patient and kind, and has greater resiliency. She learned fine motors skills, safety skills, listening and communication skills, plant identification, and more! From the small group to the wonderful homemade food that Tara serves up daily, the near-daily trips to parks and woods, visits from local musicians and nature experts, and all the outdoor time any kid could want, Ann Arbor Forest School is a real gem and inspiration. We're truly grateful and humbled by Tara's enthusiasm and unending kindness, and wish all children could have such an amazing experience with early childhood learning and development.