At Hidden Valley Forest School, learning is rooted in both nature and strong academics.
Inspired by the Scandinavian philosophy described in No Such Thing as Bad Weather, our program blends meaningful indoor academics with extended outdoor play and exploration. Each day, kids spend hours immersed in nature, building confidence, creativity, and resilience — all while developing a deep love of learning.

Risky play isn’t about recklessness — it’s about giving children the freedom to explore their limits, make choices, and build confidence through experience. Balancing on a log, climbing a tree, or racing down our hill might look like simple fun, but each moment builds judgment, coordination, and courage.

At Hidden Valley, we don’t remove risk — we guide children in navigating it safely. This balance of freedom and support helps them grow brave, capable, and confident — one adventure at a time.

At Hidden Valley Forest School, children learn side by side—older and younger together. The older ones lead with kindness and confidence; the younger ones rise to meet new challenges, inspired by their peers.

This natural mix builds empathy, leadership, and real-world collaboration. It’s how children were always meant to learn—together, not separated by age.

At forest school, children experience the seasons gradually—day by day, rain or shine. This steady exposure helps them adjust to colder weather, build resilience, and discover the outdoors as an incredible playscape. Hesitations about mud or bugs soon give way to curiosity and joy, and before long, kids are asking to go outside every day.

Why do forest schools go outside in all weather—even the cold? Discover how winter outdoor play builds resilience, focus, and a deep connection to nature, and why kids love learning outside with the right gear and support.

Wondering if forest school is the right fit for your child? In this post, we answer the most common questions parents ask about Hidden Valley Forest School—covering everything from daily routines and academics to outdoor play, weather policies, and what kinds of learners thrive in our program. Get an inside look at what makes our nature-based school so unique!