Our Core Principles at Hidden Valley Forest School
Inspired by the Scandinavian philosophy of childhood and learning
Hidden Valley Forest School was born out of both passion and observation — a belief that childhood should be full of movement, curiosity, and joy. Years ago, I read the book No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Swedish author Linda Åkeson McGurk, a Scandinavian mom who noticed striking differences between the way children grow up in the U.S. and in her home country. Her reflections deeply resonated with me — and ultimately helped shape the foundation of HVFS.
In Scandinavia, the belief that children learn best through experience, movement, and connection with nature doesn’t end when formal schooling begins — it simply evolves. In the early elementary years (ages 6–9, or roughly K–3), schools maintain a healthy balance: outdoor learning and nature exploration remain important parts of the week, while more structured academics take place indoors. Teachers weave movement, nature, and real-world experiences into lessons rather than replacing traditional instruction entirely. This approach reflects the Scandinavian commitment to keeping childhood active, hands-on, and connected to the natural world — a philosophy we share at HVFS. Our days include rich indoor academics alongside meaningful time outdoors for play, curiosity, and discovery, giving kids the best of both worlds.
At HVFS, we’ve taken these guiding ideas and built them into our core principles — blending strong academics with the natural rhythm of childhood.
1. A Strong Academic Foundation Rooted in Developmental Principles
We believe that real learning happens when it’s developmentally aligned, hands-on, and meaningful. Our academic program is immersive and engaging — balancing phonics, math, and literacy with project-based learning and real-world application. Every lesson is designed with childhood development in mind: younger students learn best through movement and play, while older ones build independence and mastery through exploration and collaboration. This approach ensures that learning is not only rigorous but joyful and authentic.
2. Extended Time Outdoors for Play and Nature Immersion
The heart of our school day happens outside. Each day, kids spend a minimum of two consecutive hours exploring and playing in nature — climbing, building, creating, and discovering together. This unstructured, open-ended time builds confidence, imagination, and resilience. Scandinavian educators often say, “There’s no such thing as bad weather — only bad clothing.” We embrace that mindset wholeheartedly. Time in nature is not just recess — it’s an integral part of learning. The outdoors provides endless opportunities for problem-solving, collaboration, and sensory engagement that simply can’t be replicated inside four walls.
3. Respect for Every Child as a Unique Learner
At HVFS, we see kids as capable, curious individuals who bring their own strengths and perspectives to the group. Our interactions are deeply informed by the Circle of Security framework, which helps children grow in both resilience and independence. In a school setting, this means providing a secure base — teachers offer a steady, reliable presence so kids feel safe exploring, taking risks, and trying new things. It means being a safe haven when challenges arise — welcoming kids back with empathy, helping them process and try again. It also means recognizing and responding to individual needs, whether that’s comfort, encouragement, or space. And finally, it means encouraging autonomy by giving kids opportunities to lead, make choices, and solve problems collaboratively. Through these daily interactions, we help kids develop strong internal confidence and emotional intelligence — the foundation for lifelong learning.
4. Small Class Sizes for Meaningful Connection
Our intentionally small class sizes allow teachers to truly know their students — their interests, learning styles, and personalities. This close-knit environment fosters trust, strong relationships, and a genuine sense of belonging. When kids feel seen and understood, they’re more willing to take academic and social risks. Teachers can adapt instruction to meet each child where they are, and students learn to value themselves and one another as part of a supportive learning community.
The Heart of Our Approach
At its core, HVFS is built on a simple but powerful idea: that kids thrive when given time, space, and trust. By combining meaningful academics with outdoor exploration and emotionally attuned teaching, we’re not just preparing them for the next grade — we’re nurturing confident, curious, and compassionate lifelong learners.
