Pinewood Trails Forest School

Outdoor play is crucial for childhood development and offers a multitude of benefits.

Did you know Michigan does not have a regulation, or state law requiring recess for students? Many schools implement recess time into their schedules, but limit it to 20 minutes, or less. When added up, this would equal approximately 50 hours outdoors, each school year.

In less than a month, our learners have surpassed this number.

Flexible, child-initiated play is at an all-time low. Exposure to the outdoors is limited. Children today are being deprived of sunshine, risk-taking, socialization, and an appreciation for nature.

Pinewood Trails Forest School was founded by two educators, who wish to offer more to the children we serve. We are a licensed program, providing Place-Based Education to the families in our community.

Early Learners & K-3 Homeschool Spots Available, Apply Today!---

Early Learners & K-3 Homeschool Spots Available, Apply Today!---

History of

Forest School

The roots of Forest School have been traced to Denmark, Sweden, and Germany starting in the mid-twentieth century. Each country’s founder had the same goal: to immerse children in nature, whatever the weather, to play, explore, and learn.

A common feature of Forest Schools is the use of natural materials for learning and play rather than manufactured toys. This approach fosters language, imagination, and creativity in ways that traditional classrooms cannot.

Our Story

Click Read More below to discover how a pair of colleagues became a strong sisterhood of women who put their dreams together and created Pinewood Trails Forest School.

Looking to the future, both public school educators saw the need for children to spend more time outdoors. The benefits of nature, learning about the world around us, and taking extra time to support children in their social, emotional, and cognitive growth are the foundations of Pinewood Trails Forest School.

Enrollment Process

If Forest School sounds like the best fit for your family and child(ren) here is a snapshot of what’s next:

-Application & $30 Application Fee*

- A family tour of Camp Lael and Forest School space.

  • - $100 Registration Fee* & completed Forest School enrollment forms

-Home Visit & Child History Conference

Upon completion of the enrollment process, your child(ren) is ready for their first day!

*Forest School fees are non-refundable, and cover administrative expenses, reserving your child’s place in our program, and an OAKI trail suit.

K-3 Homeschool Forest Program

Pinewood Trails Forest School is excited to help bring nature, stewardship, and science to homeschool children ages 6-10.

While attending our twice-a-week class, learners will take an in-person look at how the world evolves around them.

Our homeschool program is guided by a Michigan licensed K-5 educator, with a 1:6 ratio ensuring learner safety and inclusive peer and adult conversation.

Forest School

Are you interested in your child learning beyond walls?

Pinewood Trails Forest School is composed of one certified Forest School Teacher for every six explorers. Our small session size allows 1:6 peer and adult interaction while staying true to the 6 principles of Forest School.

We offer Forest Preschool and 2-day-a-week Forest Preschool for ages 3-5. All explorers must be fully potty-trained.