Oakwood Forest Preschool is a play-based, place-based, emergent learning program that is almost exclusively outside on the 22 acres of the Dunwoody Nature Center. There is no set curriculum. Our day is set by the season, the weather, the animals and plants. The children will naturally learn through wonder and curiosity.
OAKWOOD FOREST PRESCHOOL
Oakwood Forest Preschool at the Dunwoody Nature Center
Our first year of Oakwood Forest Preschool will consist of just one inaugural class of twelve students. Interested in having your child participate? Fill out the application below!
Forest Preschool Fast Facts
$ 500
Month for Members- Cost: $500/month for DNC Members, $550/month for Non Members
- Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
- Dates: September 10, 2024 through May 16, 2025
- Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Ages: 3.5-5 year old children
- Ratio: 12 students to 2 teachers
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the origins of Forest School?
Forest kindergartens started over 150 years ago in Germany, based on the philosophy that every child should spend the majority of their school time outside playing in nature and learning about the world around them. Today, there are thousands of nature based educational programs around the world that have evolved from this basic forest kindergarten idea.
Who are the Forest School Staff?
Our Program Director and teachers have been trained by the Forest School Teacher Institute, based in Chattanooga, TN and other reputable training programs. They are dedicated to providing a safe environment that allows them to lead their experience in nature each day.
What are the benefits of sending my child to Forest School?
Gross and fine motor skills, endurance and balance, communication and expression, independence, risk-taking, cooperation with others, increased social skills, increased confidence and perseverance, enthusiasm for learning, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
What are the physical requirements to send my child to Forest School?
Children must be able to follow directions, be able to communicate effectively, show respect for other children and teachers. Children must be toilet proficient in order to attend.
How should my child dress for Forest School?
Proper clothing is very important for this class. We are outside almost all of the time, so dressing appropriately is integral to your child’s experience. Waterproof rain pants and boots are an everyday requirement. Layering for colder weather will be expected and necessary. A change of clothes will be needed in their backpack everyday. More information on clothing will be provided in our parent handbook. Your child will get dirty everyday! Isn’t that fantastic?
Oakwood Forest School operates under the Bright From the Start exemption category #6 which states: Nursery schools, playschools, kindergartens, or other educational programs for children two (2) years through six (6) years of age that operate for no more than four (4) consecutive hours per day.
Meet the Teachers
Mattie Howie
Mattie Howey grew up in Cherokee County, and studied Early Childhood Education at Georgia Highlands College. Mattie has taught at several Forest Kindergarten programs including Root to Rise, and has been an outdoor educator at the Dunwoody Nature Center teaching My Chickadee and Me, Camps, and weekend programs. She enjoys gardening, training in martial arts with her husband of ten years and their four sons, and baking an assortment of recipes from quiche to carrot cake cupcakes in her free time!
Rachel Dodd
Rachel graduated from Covenant College in 2015 and received a Masters in Environmental Science from UT Chattanooga in 2018. She has been an environmental educator for 10 years in camps, forest schools, traditional elementary schools, and nature centers. Her hobbies include gardening, reading, dog snuggling, and visiting National Parks (31/63 so far). Any day that she sees a snake in the wild is the best day ever.
