What families are saying

This past year is exactly what our family needed! Shaker Forest School was the absolute best start into education for my son. We love that his days were filled with curiosity, wonder, friendship, and the most wonderful teachers. The play-centered approach offered our son room to develop at his own pace with the appropriate guidance along the way. The teachers are so knowledgeable, kind, and experienced. The friendships he has developed are very bonded. I think it’s because the students share such meaningful experiences like discovering the natural world that is their classroom on a daily basis. That awe and wonder of flowers blooming, birds flying overhead, seasons shifting is embedded in the preschool experience. The outdoor classroom has so much strength in what it offers and we are so grateful to be apart of it! 

— Emily B.

“Shaker Forest School was an amazing experience for the entire family! Our daughter came away with beautiful outdoor memories (and an impressive collection of sticks). Mommy and daddy made new, like-minded friends. And baby brother has something to look forward to when he's old enough!”

— Stephanie A.

Forest preschool was a magical experience for our son (age 3 1/2). We live in a world where children spend most of their lives indoors “protected” from the elements. There are kids nowadays who will never have the experience of squelching through mud, climbing trees, cooking with snow. There is no better way to build resilience, an appreciation of our earth and a fearless sense of imagination and exploration, than being outside, and the wonderful teachers of Shaker Forest School made the experience even more magical. We are so happy with our experience with forest preschool - we only wish it could continue in elementary school! 

— Barbara C.

“Our daughter attended Shaker Forest School for two years. We absolutely LOVE this preschool and are so thankful for everything that it has provided for our daughter! The teachers are amazing. They are kind, warm, knowledgeable about child development, and responsive to each child's needs and interests. My daughter loves attending Forest School, even in the cold winter months! Thanks to Forest School, our daughter has learned to become an independent and strong individual who is at ease in any weather and environment and who can entertain herself  for hours with just the natural world around her. The parents and families we have met through Forest School have become close friends. We enthusiastically recommend Forest School to all families!”

— Jessica N.

“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.