Who We Are
Welcome to PDX Forest Preschool!
PDX Forest Preschool is a vibrant, nature-based learning community dedicated to nurturing young minds through play, exploration, and discovery in the great outdoors. Our mission is to provide a child-centered, emergent curriculum that fosters the development of the whole child. We believe that children learn best when they are free to explore their natural environment, ask questions, and engage in hands-on activities that spark their curiosity and creativity.
In an exciting new chapter, PDX Forest Preschool has merged with EdenAcres Nature School. This partnership brings together two organizations with a shared vision for holistic, nature-based education. EdenAcres Environmental Education, founded in 2015 by Fallon Harris and a group of enthusiastic community members, has grown from a small initiative into a comprehensive program offering educational opportunities from preschool through middle school. Together, we are committed to enhancing our offerings and creating even more enriching experiences for our students.
Our programs take place at three unique campuses:
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Forest Campus: Designed for children aged 5-15, this campus offers a variety of outdoor learning experiences in a beautiful forest setting.
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Gales Creek Farm Campus: Home to our Little Wonders Nature Preschool for children 3-5 yrs old and Farm School with classes for children aged 5-12. This campus provides a hands-on farm experience combined with nature exploration.
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Urban Forest Preschool in Washington Park, Portland: Our urban forest preschool brings the wonders of nature to the city, offering young children the chance to learn and play in one of Portland's most beloved parks.
Our Values
At PDX Forest Preschool, our core values guide everything we do:
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Emergent Learning: We create a responsive curriculum that builds on children's natural curiosity and interests, making learning meaningful and engaging.
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Emotional & Physical Safety: We provide safe spaces where children can thrive and engage in reasonable risk-taking during play.
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Family Engagement: We honor the diversity of families and encourage their involvement through celebrations, volunteering, and community events.
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Excellence: Our practices are evidence-based and supported by quality data, ensuring a high standard of education.
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Nurturing Individuality: We embrace each child's uniqueness, offering varied experiences to inspire and nurture their individual growth.
Equity in Education: We strive to create an inclusive environment where every child can reach their full potential, supported by a multi-tiered fee model that ensures access for all families.
Join Our Community
We invite you to join the PDX Forest Preschool family and be a part of our mission to provide high-quality, nature-based education. Whether you are a returning family or new to our community, we look forward to embarking on this journey with you. Together with EdenAcres Nature School, we are committed to fostering a love of learning and a deep connection to the natural world in every child.
For more information, please contact us at portlandforestschool@gmail.com or (440) 479-4813, or visit our campuses to see the magic of outdoor learning in action. Welcome to the adventure!
Mission
Fostering the development of the whole child through emergent and child-centered learning, play, exploration, and discovery in the natural world.
Vision
We envision a world that cares for the Earth and its people, is equitable, and exists within the limits of the ecosystems that provide for our needs. We understand that fostering environmental literacy will help us to realize that vision. Ecological literacy and having a connection to place will be key components to creating a sustainable future for all. There are many access points to addressing a changing climate, to increasing academic achievement, and improving the lives of children and families. We have chosen education as our focal point because we believe that education is the means by which we pass culture from one generation to the next.
