FAQ for new families
IS FOREST SCHOOL A GOOD FIT FOR EVERY FAMILY?
While everyone benefits from time in nature, forest school isn't the right fit for every child or family. Safety comes first, so we require that every student be able to follow directions and stay with the class at all times. Several factors affect whether forest school will work well for your child - their prior experience in nature, their readiness to be away from family, and more. It's also a bigger commitment for parents, from the drive to our canyon location to consistently dressing your child in proper all-weather gear. Every family and child is different, and needs can change over time (your 4-year-old may not be ready this year, but could thrive next year). That said, we welcome all students and offer a one-month grace period to make sure we're a good fit for each other. If you have any concerns or questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!
HOW DOES this program COMPARE TO A TRADITIONAL SCHOOL EXPERIENCE?
Our programs blend simple, seasonally appropriate lessons with an emergent curriculum - meaning the school day flows based on what the children express interest in. We follow our own Wildwood Way Curriculum, created by Lis Kennedy and Kylie Finlinson. This bespoke, seasonal curriculum weaves together biological life sciences, songs, verses, storytelling, and hands-on activities and crafts that help children integrate what they're learning. We don't hold children to specific academic benchmarks. That said, a day in the forest might naturally include counting flowers, tracing names in the dirt, and other spontaneous learning moments. Our approach is built on the belief that children explore what they're ready for in their own time - and we honor that natural curiosity by following their lead. Giving children a deep connection with nature with relationship at the forefront gives them a foundation of compassion, cooperation, and curiosity - one that can only be built through unstructured, immersive time outdoors.
CAN I STAY WITH MY CHILD?
We are a drop-off program, meaning the only adults present in our "classroom" are the teachers. This policy exists both for student safety and insurance coverage. That said, parents are welcome to stay and gather at the nearby city park while we run our forest school farther up the trail - a great way to meet other families and build our Wildwood Forest School community!
WHEN DOES THE PROGRAM OPERATE?
Our main programs will run from September - May, during the typical school year.  We generally follow the Alpine School District's calendar and are closed for all major holidays, and for Fall, Winter and Spring breaks. Our two summer forest sessions are offered in June and July.
WHAT IF THERE IS extreme WEATHER?
If it is unsafe to be outside for any reason (high winds, extreme cold, lightning, ice storms, unsafe road conditions), we will cancel class, with notice to the parents as soon as possible, at least 1 hour before class time.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN CHILDREN GET COLD?
We're firm believers in the saying "there's no bad weather, only bad clothing!" As an all-outdoor nature program, we'll be outside celebrating every season Utah has to offer - including rain and snow. We require that all parents dress their children in weather-appropriate clothing, which may include long underwear, quality layers, waterproof pants, and snow gear. When properly dressed, children's bodies generate more than enough heat to stay warm. Our full clothing and gear recommendations are outlined in the Parent Handbook for all Wildwood families.
WHAT ABOUT SAFETY?
Your child's health and safety is our top priority, at all times. Our teachers are CPR-trained, carry cell phones and first aid kits, and take a regular head count of all students throughout class. If any incident occurs, we complete a full report and notify caregivers by the end of class, if not sooner. It's worth noting that children with regular outdoor play experience tend to injure themselves less often than those without it. Outdoor play gives kids the space and time to practice real-life risk assessment, build essential gross motor skills, and learn their own physical limits - skills that, when developed early, foster a lifetime of self-awareness and safety outdoors.
WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY FOR SUMMER CAMPS AND SCHOOL YEAR TUITION?
All Summer Sessions and special event registrations are non-refundable. If your child cannot attend, please notify us at least two weeks in advance and we will attempt to fill the spot from our waitlist - though reimbursement cannot be guaranteed. In rare cases where a refund is approved at the school's discretion, a 10% administrative fee will apply. We will issue a prorated refund if Wildwood Forest School has to cancel a summer class/event due to weather, emergency, or unforeseen circumstances. Full school year (Sept-May) tuition is paid on a month by month basis and there are no refunds on the monthly tuition.