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Admissions at Northwoods Forest School

School Year Programs

Pre K Registration

Welcome to Northwoods Forest School PreK! 
We’re excited to offer a nurturing, nature-inspired PreK program for ages 3.5 -5; (children must be potty trained.) Our program is designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and connection while embracing Scandinavian simplicity and forest exploration.

Seven thematic programs are offered each school year; September, October, January, February, March, April, May. 

Program Details:

  • Days: Mondays, Tuesdays + (Spring) Wednesdays

  • Hours: 9:30-10AM Drop-Off; Program 10 AM- 2:00 PM

  • Tuition: $30/day

  • Materials Fee: $150 per family (non-refundable, annual fee)

 

Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather each day, as our program takes place outdoors in all seasons. Families are asked to provide a healthy lunch for their child. Whole foods and organic snacks will be provided by Northwoods Forest School to keep your child fueled and energized throughout their day of exploration and learning.

K-7 Registration

K-7 Learning at Northwoods Forest School 
Our K-7 program fosters independence, critical thinking, and a love for the natural world.

Seven thematic programs are offered each school year; September, October, January, February, March, April, May. 

General Program Details:

  • Days: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays

  • Hours: 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM

  • Tuition: $30/day

  • Sibling Discount: 50% off for each sibling

  • Materials Fee: $150 per family (non-refundable, annual fee)

Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather each day, as our program takes place outdoors in all seasons. Families are asked to provide a healthy lunch for their child. Whole foods and organic snacks will be provided by Northwoods Forest School to keep your child fueled and energized throughout their day of exploration and learning.

8-12th Registration

Thursday's are designed to foster leadership, independence, and life skills for our 8th-12th grade students.

Our Upperclassman program offers a dynamic experience tailored to the unique interests and growth of 8th-12th graders. Each month features either a field study or engaging guest speaker, hands-on activities designed to inspire leadership and life skills. Students will enjoy at least two full Forest School day on campus every month, providing opportunities to deepen their connection with nature, practice practical skills, and participate in collaborative projects. Every session is designed to foster independence, resilience, and a sense of community.

Entire Program consists of Sept, Oct, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, 3 days per month for a total of 21 days per school year.

  • Days: Thursdays

  • Hours: 10 AM - 1:00 PM

  • Tuition: $30/day

  • Sibling Discount: 50% off for each sibling

  • Materials Fee: $150 per family (non-refundable, annual fee)

Summer Programs

Roots + Shoots Gardening Group

Ages: 3.5-13

Tuesdays

  • June 4, 11, 18

  • July 9, 16, 23

  • Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

  • Details: Discover the joy of gardening with this hands-on group for young nature enthusiasts! Each session offers opportunities to plant, weed, harvest, and learn about the science behind seeds, soil, and sustainability. Children will connect with nature, learn teamwork, and take pride in their growing skills.

  • Cost: $20 per session (Discounted package: $50 for all three sessions in a month)

Twilight Camps

Ages: 5-13

Wednesdays

  • June 5, 12, 19

  • July 10, 17, 24

  • Times: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

  • Details: Experience the magic of the forest as the sun sets and the evening air fills with the glow of fireflies and the whispers of twilight. Each camp features themed activities such as nature hikes, golden-hour crafts, stories by the fire, and hands-on exploration. A hearty, kid-friendly dinner is included, with meals like warm soups, fresh fruit, and sandwiches to keep little adventurers fueled.

  • Cost: $45 per session (Discounted package: $120 for all three sessions in a month)

Nordic Days

Ages: 6-14

  • Dates: Saturday, June 15 + Saturday, July 20

  • Times: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

  • Details: Celebrate Nordic culture with traditional crafts, games, and snacks. Activities include making Scandinavian folk art, playing Viking-inspired games, and enjoying a picnic lunch.

  • Cost: $40 per child 

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January 2025

Fireside Wisdom: Cooking and Survival in Winter. 

Pre K - 7th, 10am-2pm

13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29

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April 2025

Earth’s Palette: Wildflowers, Trees, and Conservation

Pre K - 7th, 10am-2pm

7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23

Girl in Daisies Field

Twilight Camps

Twilight transforms the woods into a golden, magical haven. Join us for enchanting evenings filled with laughter, discovery, and a sprinkle of firefly magic! Wednesday, Ages 5-13, 4:30 - 8:30pm

June 5, 12, 19

July 10, 17, 24

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Twilight - Family

Twilight sets the forest aglow with golden light and firefly magic. Bring the whole family for an evening of stories, crafts, and stargazing by the fire.

Friday, June 7, 2025
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

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February 2025

Nordic Apothecary: Herbal Lessons and Forest Folklore -Pre K - 7th, 10am-2pm

3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19

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May 2025

Bloom & Belong: Gardens, May Day, and Community

Pre K - 7th, 10am-2pm

5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21

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Roots + Shoots

Dig into the wonders of nature with hands-on gardening fun! Watch your little ones bloom with confidence and curiosity as they nurture their green thumbs. Tuesdays 10am - Noon, Ages 3.5-13

June 4, 11, 18

July 9, 16, 23

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November 2025

Forest Builders & Woodland Crafts (6-14y); 11/11/25 

Nordic Gnome-Making & Candle Creations (family)

11/12/25

Evergreen Elegance: Wreath Crafting (15+)

11/15/25

*Dates are tentative

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March 2025

Seeds of Renewal: Welcoming the Spring

Pre K - 7th, 10am-2pm

3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 24, 25, 26

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8 - 12th Program

Lifeskill topics, guest speakers, and monthly Forest School days. 7/8th - 12th ; 10am - 1pm

Jan: 16, 23, 30, Feb: 6,13,20 , Mar: 6, 13, 27, April 10, 17, 24, May: 8, 15, 22

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Nordic Days

Ages 6-14, 10am - 2pm

​Step into a Scandinavian wonderland for a day of creativity and cultural fun!

Saturday, June 15

Saturday, July 20

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December 2025

Winter Wonder Workshop

(6-14y); 12/02/2025

Nature’s Holiday Treasures (Family); 12/4/25

Scandinavian Table (15+)

12/06/2024

*Dates are tentative

Join Our Northwoods Adventures

We’re excited to welcome your family to Northwoods Forest School! To ensure a great fit and smooth enrollment process, please follow these steps:

  1. Submit Your Application
    Complete the registration paperwork and submit it for review. We’ll carefully review your application to ensure our program is the right fit for your child.

  2. Await Approval
    Once your application has been approved, you’ll receive an email with next steps, including payment instructions for the registration fee.

  3. Secure Your Spot
    Pay the registration fee to confirm your spot. Once the fee is received, we’ll send you a link to select your preferred days and class based on availability.

Important Notes:

  • Registration is not complete until the fee has been paid and class selections have been finalized.

  • Spaces are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis after registration is complete.

Have questions? Contact us at northwoods.forestschool@gmail.com for assistance.

Waitlist
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Tours

Waitlist

All pods have openings. (updated 12/4/2024)

Tours

Discover the Magic of Northwoods Forest School

Embark on an exclusive journey to explore the heart of Northwoods Forest School. Whether you're seeking inspiration or considering creating your own nature-based program, our guided tours offer an opportunity to experience the wonder, simplicity, and connection that define our space.

December 16th: Holiday Special
Step into the warmth and magic of the season with a cozy winter tour. Experience the enchantment of Northwoods as it glows with holiday cheer.
One-time fee: $60

May 24th: Spring Awakening; 11am
Join us as Northwoods bursts into life with the energy of spring. Walk the trails, hear our story, and witness how we bring the Scandinavian-inspired forest school dream to life.
One-time fee: $150

August 2nd: Sunset Tour; 7pm
Experience Northwoods as the summer sun sets, casting a golden glow over our forest and meadow. A serene and inspiring evening awaits as we share insights into our philosophy and practices.
One-time fee: $150

 

Each tour includes a guided walk through our school grounds, an overview of our unique approach to learning, and a heartfelt Q&A session to connect and inspire.

Spaces are limited to preserve the intimacy and magic of the experience. Reserve your spot today and discover how nature, simplicity, and community come together to create something extraordinary.

No photography and NDA required, thank you for your understanding! 

Our Address

Contact Us

P.O. Box 240

Pine River, MN 56474

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  • © 2025 Northwoods Forest School. All rights reserved.

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