our school
—
Founded by an early educator and child care advocate, Springwood Forest School exists to provide children with high-quality education and hands-on learning in an outdoor classroom.
We offer a range of outdoor education programs for children between the ages of 2.5 and 11 years old. Groups are small, and guided by qualified teachers who commit to a safe and inclusive experience.
licensed program
—
Springwood Forest School is licensed by Washington State’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families, offering full-day child care and school-age enrichment options.
We follow the Outdoor, Nature-Based (ONB) Child Care Touchstone Standards, ensuring that children are cared for in safe, healthy, and nurturing environments.
Equitable access to the outdoors and high-quality child care is essential for a thriving community. As a licensed program, we are proud to participate in Washington state’s child care subsidy programs available to income-eligible families.
OUR approach
—
We provide students engaging and enriching outdoor experiences. This means we preserve long stretches of time children need to explore, try new ideas, and persist in self-motivated experimentation.
Our full-day format allows children the space and time to learn individually and in small groups, through free play, targeted lessons, and hands-on discovery. This dynamic approach gives children the balance they need to feel supported, confident, and excited while they learn.
View our current programs here.
Our Classroom
—
Nestled in a 50-acre nature preserve on Camano Island, our program offers children a safe and peaceful place to learn, play, and connect with nature.
Our leave no trace approach means we tread lightly on the land, and follow the seasons to reveal opportunities for learning. As an environmental education program, we regularly participate in stewardship activities such as native species identification, trail maintenance, and educational field trips.
Students will learn about ecosystems while developing a range of essential skills, all within a living, breathing outdoor classroom.
Read more about our outdoor classroom here.
Have questions? Please read our FAQs, or feel free to contact us.