What families are saying

“Our family loves Shaker Forest School.  Watching each of our three children who attend discover the world with their forest friends and their warm and talented teachers has been incredible.  The children spend their mornings climbing trees, reading books, hiking through the forest, and having myriad adventures.  They have developed great imaginations, do not give up easily, are better able to work through interpersonal issues, and have improved their fine and gross motor skills.  They can identify and appreciate many plants and animals, and they are prepared for all sorts of weather.  Besides being able to spend a significant amount of time outdoors, one of the things that attracted us to Shaker Forest School is the low student/teacher ratio.  Our children feel like their voices and ideas are important, and they feel connected to their teachers and classmates.  We will miss this school when we graduate preschool!

— Noelle C.

"Shaker Forest School has been the most beautiful, soul-filling experience for our son and even us as parents. It was the perfect transition from being cared for by parents and other family members... a gentle, invigorating, caring environment in which he could explore, play, and investigate his surroundings. As both a mother and someone with a Masters in Education, I know that there is nothing more important than being out in the fresh air, in a space where children can practice cooperative learning and connect with nature... especially in those early years of life. Shaker Forest School fuels children's natural curiosity to learn, bolsters their confidence, and encourages students to be active and engaged in the present moment. The teachers are all kind, loving, and warm. We'd recommend SFS to anyone looking for an alternative route to the traditional daycare and preschool options."

— Stephanie T.

“Shaker Forest School has been the most nurturing, valuable, and beautiful experience we could ask for for our young son outside his family. We have such immense gratitude for his teachers, who focus on the development of social-emotional and self-regulation/leadership skills with so much kindness and grace. SFS fosters a strong sense of kinship and community with fellow classmates and nature as the kids develop resilience through witnessing (and interacting with) the magic of the changing seasons. Being outside a "classroom" has not slowed his acquisition of fine motor, reading, math, or writing skills. Somehow, after a year and a half in the forest, we have yet to hear a complaint about the day's weather at pickup! We are so grateful he's gotten to spend his early years with SFS, and that his little sister will get her turn next year.”

— Rebecca R.