WELCOME TO NORTHWOODS!
Northwoods Forest School is a non-profit micro-school located in North Central MN.
​
We offer our school year program as well as summer options for a full year-round experience for your child.
​
What does Northwoods Forest School offer?
We offer a nurturing environment that is bully-free and low-stress for your child. We offer social experience for children as well as connecting parents with other families who also school at home. We offer guidance and practical supports to homeschooling families. We offer a "school" experience so that the routine of "school" is learned and your child knows what to expect when leaving for higher education institutions.
​
Why a Forest School foundation?
Forest School believes outdoor activities in all weather conditions are good for children, it develops inner strength, resilience, and gratitude/mindfulness. A forest school is an outdoor, student-led, play-based teaching style. An important aspect is long-term (year-round) outdoor play so your child gets to know the local environment. This foundation offers strengthening of the inner character, which lasts a lifetime.
Nature immersion has been proven to be beneficial both physically and mentally. For more about the benefits behind forest and nature-based learning you can click HERE.
​
Northwoods combines forest school methodology and nature-based learning with creative and nurturing Waldorf-Inspired academics. Being a micro-school means your child will have individualized attention and support; and that all our families will be heard and their voice valued.
​
Why choose Northwoods Forest School?
While we are a micro-forest school, we also offer homeschool support to families who choose to educate at home. We offer Waldorf-Inspired blocks each month to supplement core academics which can save a family thousands over the course of a childs' education. We are an Enrichment Program, not only a forest school, that provides opportunities in arts and movement, as well as music! We believe strongly that families should have the support and resources needed to feel confident to educate their child, and to cultivate a life long love of learning and connection to nature for the whole family! We take great care to be consistent, heartfelt, and hold the highest standards to give our families the best experience possible.
​
Where we are located
Northwoods Forest School is located 7 miles north of Pine River, MN
Bordering Lizzie Creek, and in the heart of lake country, Northwoods Forest School is able to offer nature study of many different types of plant life, wildlife, forest, prairie, and wetland areas.
Our facility
Northwoods offers a dedicated building for our program - this will serve up to 18-20 students. This is important in MN weather to have a refuge and a home base for learning resources & supplies. It will offer indoor nature learning in inclement weather as well as serve us for many areas of our school day.
The forest school is on 17 acres of mixed forest, open prairie, and wetland - as well as ample creek shore. This is our permanent campus, so students will truly get to know this area.
​
All of Northwoods' nature trails are clearly marked and have active game cameras for safety and observation. Our policies are based on safe and positive nature learning so all students have the opportunities to explore, create, and reflect.