THE FOREST PRESCHOOL

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ABOUT FOREST PRESCHOOL
Far more engaging and enriching than typical indoor preschool or childcare, 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. We would love to grow and learn with your adventurer!

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ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

Enrollment is for the full duration of the program dates listed. All Forest Preschool programs are licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education.

 

To be to eligible for the 2s & 3s Room, children must be 2 years old by September 1, 2025. To be eligible for the 4s Room, children must be 4 years old by September 1, 2025 and to not turn 6 years old before August 1, 2026.

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PROGRAM OPTIONS

There are two classrooms: Room 1 serves children ages 2 & 3, Room 2 serves children ages 4 & 5. Children are placed in classrooms based on their birthday, as well as other factors, such as availability and developmental readiness.

 

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

If you are interested in enrolling your child, please complete this questionnaire. By submitting the questionnaire, you are automatically placed on our waitlist. If you have previously submitted the questionnaire, you are already on the waitlist.

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We begin enrollment for current families in January and enrollment for new families in February. If there is a space for your child for the 2025-2026 school year, we will reach out in Spring 2025 to schedule a tour for your family. 

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