A Centre for Hands-On Learning
THE FOREST SCHOOL
Established in 2007
The primary goals are to:
Develop the whole child,
mind body and spirit;Nurture an understanding of the
interconnectedness of all things,
and with that an environmental
and social responsibility;Nurture/inspire an excitement for learning
and an understanding that it can be a
wondrous adventure;Create a community that honours children as individuals, and
that values and respects the similarities and differences in all of us;Facilitate learning that is theme-based and largely learner directed;
Involve the wider community through service, field trips and apprenticeships.
IMAGINE a place where children feel valued and respected, are a part of a community that supports their uniqueness, that is gentle and kind, that feeds their curiosity and love of learning, and that helps develop their self- confidence and self- reliance.
IMAGINE a place that is grounded in a desire to nurture peaceful, creative, intelligent people who truly care about the earth and the people on it. The Forest School is this place.
THE FOREST SCHOOL is an alternative learning centre that believes learning can be a wonderous adventure, and that people learn best by doing. The programs offered are hands-on, and experiential in nature. They combine freedom with form and take place both indoors and outdoors.
““Education is not
the filling of a pail,
but the lighting of a fire””
NEWS
2024/2025
We are currently not offering our semester program. But stay tuned for other Forest School offerings.
Wild things is currently FULL
The Forest School came from a dream of a place where children can learn in ways that are exciting, fun, hands-on and inspiring. It’s name came from it’s location nestled in the forest. It’s curriculum is a blend of student chosen themes, along with outdoor skills and environmental and social awareness themes. While we share many of the values of “The Forest School” movement, we are not affiliated.
WATCH The Forest School CIRCUS MOVIE A different way to learn
Hands-on, educational, interactive and fun- that's our goal. Here's a chance to see what that might look like in action! Collectively the students choose what they want to learn, and this term they chose The Circus Arts— and they chose to make a documentary about it!!
WILD AT HEART
Wild at heart-- sums us up completely. Fourteen years of "wild hearts" running around, exploring, discovering, questioning, imagining… So many “ings”. Through all of them, we have learned so much. My toolbox of resources, ideas, and activities has taken on a life of its own.
My knowledge of ninjas, circus arts, Lake Superior, magic, and survival is 100 times what it was before. Imagine, if I did not have the honour of working with this amazing group of kids, I might not have learned that the life of a Sumo Wrestler is steeped in extraordinary ritual and ceremony, or that fox pee has a very distinct smell, or even that there used to be such things as bug circuses.
At The Forest School- An Alternative Learning Centre, what we learn about is largely determined by the kids. They pick the theme for the term; I do the research and come up with an engaging means of guiding our group in its exploration. I love it!!! It keeps me on my toes. Mixed in with all the different themes we explore, are underlying messages and commitments to environmental and social responsibility. We spend time learning to care about the earth, others and ourselves. We are putting the time into becoming great humans-- it seems to me the most important thing to master. (Although ninja moves are a close second).
W
Wild At Heart is a digital zine, full of hands-on ideas for connecting kids with themselves, each other and the earth. It is my way of passing on what I have learned and continue to learn along the way. I hope you find some gems to share with your people
WATCH
A MOVIE ABOUT ROCK, PAPER and SCISSORS
This term we chose movie making and voila!
Our Rock, Paper, Scissors movie was scripted, filmed and edited by the Forest School students!!! (Be sure to stick around for the bloopers!)
"A World Worth Imagining" is a children's book written by Forest School founder, Sue Holloway, illustrated by Amanda Clark, and inspired by The Forest School Children. It tells the story of a young girl who sees what has become in a world guided by respect and compassion.
This heartwarming tale of hope is for young and old alike.
Buy The Book
Finding Your Way
The Forest School is approximately 45 minutes from Thunder Bay.
Take Hwy #61 to Hwy #608 South Gillies. turn right onto Hwy #608
and continue to the end. Turn left on Hwy #595 (you are at
South Gillies), and then take your first right onto Palisades Road.
We are at fire number 413 (approximately 4km down Palisades). The driveway is 3/4 km long. Keep on the left fork and you will find yourself at The Forest School.
