THE FOREST PRESCHOOL

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ABOUT FOREST PRESCHOOL
Through hands-on experiences with nature, Forest Preschool provides outdoor learning that is active, joyful and fun! Most of our learning takes place outside, but for inclement weather, we have a classroom space to get cozy indoors.

Taking inspiration from European waldkindergartens, waldkitas, and forest schools, outdoor learning encourages children to explore nature, make friends and engage in active play. Essential foundation skills are nurtured through sensorial experiences, laying the bedrock for future learning.

NATURE-BASED CURRICULUM
The language-rich natural environment abounds with opportunities for storytelling, artistic expression, math ideas, engineering and construction with loose parts, science concepts, and so much more! High and low technology are part of our excursions, although we are thoughtful and intentional about their uses (EX. digital cameras, videos, email, blog; wheels, pulleys, levers, magnifiers, binoculars).

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Our emergent curriculum and project-based approaches encourage creative problem-solving and inquiry, common in child-directed Reggio Emilia-inspired programs. Children make magical outdoor discoveries in every season, rain or shine. We encourage family participation and offer community events throughout the year.

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PROGRAM OPTIONS

Children ages 2-5 are in a mixed-age classroom and enjoy the benefits of learning from children at levels of development than themselves. The tiny tots observe their older classmates play, while older children often take on sweet "caretaking" roles of their smaller friends. Classes are capped at 14 children.

 

Forest Preschool has three program options:

• Monday-Friday (5 days/week)

• Monday/Wednesday/Friday (3 days/week)

• Tuesday/Thursday (2 days/week)

TUITION INFORMATION

Forest Preschool uses a tiered tuition model to determine a family's monthly payments. The values and mission behind tuition linked to income align with our philosophy of education and accessibility: 

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"A sliding scale supports Forest Preschool’s mission of creating diversity and equity within our program. A sliding scale model is not one that maximizes profits, but instead reallocates money generated to contribute to the education of the whole community. The sliding-scale concept was predicated on the idea that a family’s financial commitment should be in equitable proportion to its economic resources. This tuition model means that, as a community, we recognize the central role that class plays in creating obstacles to equity and access. It means that the cost of educating our children is borne by all of us according to our abilities, and that those who either start as or end up as full paying families have no more 'natural' access to the benefits of education than anyone else. It means that our school consists of a range of families united by the commitment to educate any child, not just our own child."

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With this in mind, families are able to choose their tuition based on the suggested tiers below. We ask that families keep in mind their access to wealth and/or privilege when choosing their income, as we prioritize holding spaces for low-income families, families of color, and families who live within Baltimore City.

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Please note that we are able to accept Child Care Scholarships for eligible families.​

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HOW TO ENROLL

Forest Preschool is fully enrolled for the 2025-2026 school year. Our waitlist is currently closed, as it has reached capacity. Please check back in September 2025 to place yourself on the waitlist for the 2026-2027 school year.

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If you have previously completed the questionnaire to be placed on our waitlist, you will still be considered if any current family decides to unenroll. 

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