Our Mission & Curriculum
A Message from
our founder
As the Founder and Director, it has been a lifelong dream to create a space where children can learn, grow, and connect deeply with nature. I truly believe that the outdoors holds immense power to inspire curiosity, foster confidence, and nurture a sense of wonder in the hearts of our children. Every day, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to bring this vision to life, and for the trust families place in us to guide their children's learning journey.
What we do here at Northwoods is not just about education—it's about creating a sense of belonging, stewardship, and mindfulness. I am passionate about developing a space where children feel whole, happy, and supported in becoming critical thinkers who can navigate the world with both heart and mind.
It's been a beautiful experience watching our school community grow, and I am so thankful to be able to share this journey with families who value nature, creativity, and the simple joys of life. Together, we are not just learning; we are building connections to the earth and to each other.
Thank you for being a part of our Northwoods family.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Sara
Founder and Director, Northwoods Forest School
Our Mission
Northwoods Forest School is a micro-school offering enrichment and forest school skills to local families of the Central Lakes region, Minnesota.
Our academic foundations are Waldorf-inspired, integrated with the health and developmental benefits of Forest School methods, providing a mindful, nature-centered learning experience.
Our mission is to give confidence and support to homeschooling families by helping them build and implement their curriculum, while also guiding students through obstacles. We aim to provide a foundation that nurtures critical thinking, problem-solving, artistic development, music appreciation, and social connection while fostering a deeper connection with nature.
At the heart of Northwoods is a commitment to mindfulness and Scandinavian simple living, encouraging students to develop emotional resilience, confidence, and inner strength. Our focus on minimalism, sustainability, and a peaceful rhythm of life helps students engage with the world in meaningful, balanced ways.
We treat each student as a whole and worthwhile individual, fostering their independence and nurturing the valuable bond within their family structure. By embracing mindful living and nature’s simplicity, we guide families toward a more intentional and fulfilling homeschool journey.
Our goal is to serve as a resource for families choosing home education, enriching their academic and life experiences through nature, mindfulness, and community.
Our Curriculum Foundation
Nature-Based Learning
Nature is seamlessly integrated into daily activities, using the outdoors as a classroom to foster environmental stewardship and practical skills.
Waldorf-Inspired Blocks
We follow Rudolf Steiner's principles, emphasizing rhythm, holistic learning blocks, and natural arts to nurture creativity and imagination.
Holistic Development
Our approach focuses on the social, emotional, and cognitive growth of each student, promoting self-discipline, mindfulness, and community involvement.
Student Outcomes
Our programs aim to achieve a comprehensive set of outcomes for each student, including:
-
Academic enrichment
-
Connection with nature
-
Development of self-discipline and inner discipline
-
Enhancement of creativity and artistic skills
-
Social and community development
-
Cultivation of gratitude and mindfulness
Our Blocks
Our curriculum is divided into thematic learning blocks, each designed to provide deep, immersive experiences in a variety of subjects, all while fostering mindfulness and connection to the natural world.
These blocks integrate core educational philosophies:
-
Waldorf: Emphasizing rhythm, creativity, and holistic learning, we support the development of the whole child—body, mind, and spirit.
-
Nature-Based: The natural world serves as our primary classroom, guiding students through hands-on, experiential learning that builds a deep understanding of ecology and environmental stewardship.
-
Forest School: Rooted in outdoor exploration, this approach promotes resilience, independence, and problem-solving through direct interaction with nature.
-
Mindfulness & Simple Living: We weave mindfulness into all aspects of learning, helping students cultivate self-awareness, emotional balance, and a deep respect for the environment. Inspired by Scandinavian simplicity, our teaching fosters a sense of calm, intention, and connection to the essentials of life.
We are proud to be accredited by the POE network, with additional certifications that support our commitment to nature-based, mindful education:
-
Forest Leader Level 3
-
Nature-Based Teaching Certification
-
MinistrySafe & SafeSport Certifications
-
First Aid/CPR
-
Wilderness First Aid
-
Mindfulness Certification
-
Archery Level 1 Instructor Certified
-
Herbology Certification
-
Waldorf Teaching License (in progress, to be completed in 2026)
Accreditations and Credentials
