Fern Gully Forest School
Holistic Early-learning for children ages 3 - 6 from 9am-1pm Mon-Fri.
Kids learn through play, curiosity, observation, experimentation and exploration! We focus on the development of social-emotional skills, with academic learning integrated into environmental education, body awareness and mindfulness practices. We use whole-brain teaching, child-centered, inquiry-based and self-directed learning approaches. We follow daily, monthly (lunar), and seasonal rhythms with celebrations to connect to the cycles and wisdom of nature.
We are Waldorf and Montessori inspired using nature-based songs, creative stories, rhythm time, yoga, artistic expression, cooperative games, and of course PLAY make up our unique curriculum.
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We are a full nature-immersion program so we will be outside, rain or shine, although we do have covered areas to warm up, eat, read books, do yoga, dance, music, art, and other activities.​
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Sample Daily Rhythm:​​
Drop-off - Free Play
Circle Time: Agreements & Mindfulness Game
Snack Time: read aloud
Nature/Forest/Garden Adventures
Lunch Time: read aloud
Art, Music or Activity
Team Clean-up: Game/Song
Pick-up - Free Play
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Small groups with a 6:1 child to teacher ratio. Our mixed age classes teach social skills, emotional awareness, compassionate communication, gratitude, and respect for self, others, and the natural world. We are cultivating a culture of kindness!
Children in these programs recognize and celebrate the authentic expression of their own instinctive nature, as they help each other grow more capable, resilient, creative, and confident.
RATES AND REGISTRATION
Thank you for your interest in joining our adventurous forest school family!​ We are currently accepting applications for enrollment. Email to inquire about availability.
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We follow the Olympia School District schedule for holidays & start/end dates.​
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All students must be able to communicate their needs and be able to use a toilet with minimal assistance.
What to bring: a water bottle, sack lunch, snacks & appropriate all-weather gear, including a waterproof rain suit, rubber boots, and warm layers.
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An in-person tour or phone interview is required before registering. Please contact us to schedule a time to meet and see if we currently have availability or a waiting list.
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RESERVE YOUR SPOT
There is a sliding scale $55/$75/$95 registration fee per child that is non-refundable and used for supplies and administrative costs for each new child.
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Enrollment Deposit: There is a $200 deposit required upon enrollment. Enrollment Deposits are refundable only with a 30 day cancellation notice.
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The registration fee and deposit can be submitted online to SAVE YOUR SPOT HERE.
Please include a note with your kid(s) name(s) and the day(s).​
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TUITION
We believe that life is abundant and there are enough resources to go around for everyone in our community to THRIVE. Because of this, we use a sliding scale three-tiered pricing model that helps those with a little extra to support those with a financial need.
Thank you for your honesty and for supporting all those in our community to have access to high-quality outdoor education.
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THREE TIERED PRICING MODEL:
Supported (Families who are Financially in Need)
Sustained (Families who are Financially Stable)
Supporting (Families who are Financially Abundant and able to pay more to support others in need)​
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Monthly Tuition
1 Day per week: $200 / $225 / $250
2 Days per week: $400 / $450 / $500
3 Days per week: $550 / $600 / $650
4 Days per week: $650 / $700 / $750
5 Days per week: $750/ $800 / $850
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There is a 10% sibling discount on sibling tuition and 5% OFF IF YOU PAY IN FULL FOR THE YEAR.
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Payment Arrangements
Tuition is due on the first of each month. If needed, we can set up payment arrangements to pay bi-monthly or on a different schedule than the first of each month. Please let us know what works best for your family.
We know that providing the best quality education for your child represents a financial commitment. We also believe that every child and family should have equal access to our programs and services. If you would like to apply for financial assistance, please contact us.
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We were founded by a collective of mothers and professionals with a mission to nurture the whole child and cultivate a community that respects and cares for one another and nature. Families who enroll in our school are encouraged to share their talents and contribute throughout the year through volunteering for community events and work parties that give back to the environment through our community garden and forest protection and restoration efforts.
Contact Us for More Information
Drop us a line and we'd be happy to answer any questions you have and set up a tour for a meet and greet!