In the fall of 2014, Painted Oak Nature School became the first preschool in Mercer county, NJ to offer a nature immersion program inspired by the waldkindergartens of Germany. In our 10th year, and having expanded dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, we became registered as a private school, PONS was the first elementary and middle school in the state to include a Forest School model at the heart of its work. Research continues to support that connecting children to the natural world benefits their bodies, minds, and spirits.
During the time our classes spend in the forest, any, or all, of the following is enjoyed:
- climbing trees - creating Earth arts - listening to birds - tracking animals - nature journaling - building shelters - playing games - wild edible snacks with pine needle tea
**Forest School welcomes children who are age 3-7 and who are 'potty proficient'.
GENERAL RHYTHM:
- Drop off at Knox Grove for free play on the field
- Morning Gathering with songs, intentions, forest game(s)
- Bathroom, wash hands, top off water bottles before hike
- Hike to our destination spot for the day, set expectations,
present materials...explore!
- Reflection Circle with songs + journals
- Hike back to picnic pavilion for lunch + stories + playground
- Pick up from Knox Grove
Forest School Pop-Ups
No school? Come spend the day in the woods!
Forest School Pop-Ups give school-age children a chance to trade the classroom for outdoor adventure, with plenty of time for exploration, play, creativity, and connection with nature.
Homeschoolers welcome!
Upcoming Dates:
9am-12pm, or 9am-3pm
at Washington Crossing State Park, NJ
Thursday, November 5
$50, morning only - $100, full day
Afternoon Forest School
A six-week series designed for younger children who thrive with a slower, nature-filled afternoon. The rhythm of Forest School encourages outdoor exploration, imaginative play, hands-on discovery, and time to simply be in nature. Each week is shaped by the season, the weather, and the children’s curiosity.
Fall Series:
1:30pm-4pm
at Washington Crossing State Park, NJ
September 22 - October 27
$275, 6-weeks
Summer Forest School
THANKS FOR ANOTHER GREAT SEASON
OF ADVENTURES IN NATURE ~
SEE YOU NEXT SUMMER!!
Please note: All of our programs utilize The Painted Oak Approach. This method puts the children's interests and curiosities at the forefront of our teaching. We will present topics, materials, and resources from questions the children pose and what observations they make. Therefore, we don't have predetermined themes for the week - each day's learning could be different, or we might have a topic that lasts the whole week.