Is this a drop-off program?
Yes! All our programs are drop-off. Families choose a schedule that fits their needs.

Do kids go outside in all weather?
Yes—unless it’s unsafe. We embrace the seasons and teach kids to prepare, adapt, and appreciate the outdoors year-round.

Are children required to be potty-trained?
Yes, all enrolled children must be fully potty-trained and able to manage bathroom routines independently.

Are you licensed?

Yes! Hidden Valley Forest School is a fully licensed child care program in the state of Virginia. We have gone through rigorous inspections and meet all the health, safety, and developmental standards required by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and Department of Social Services.

Our licensure reflects our commitment to providing a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for every child. From staff background checks and emergency protocols to curriculum guidelines and facility requirements, we meet or exceed all state regulations to ensure children can thrive in a secure and inspiring setting. Families can feel confident knowing their child is in caring, professional hands.

Do you provide lunch or snacks?

No. Families pack their own lunches, water bottles, and snacks. We sometimes offer seasonal treats (like tea, popsicles, or garden veggies), but daily meals are brought from home.

What does a typical day look like?
Our day begins with a relaxed drop-off at the schoolhouse, where kids ease into the morning with creative play. At 9:30, we gather for morning circle—sharing, connecting, and playing a fun game—before diving into a hands-on academic lesson in either ELA or math.

By late morning, we head outside for free play in our natural playscape and enjoy lunch together at the picnic tables. Afterward, we hike to the creek for nature exploration—one of the most joyful and enriching parts of our day.

Back at the schoolhouse, we wrap up with a second academic block (math, ELA, or STEAM), balancing movement and rest, creativity and structure.

Each day is full of play-based learning, meaningful connections, and time spent in nature.

How do you handle discipline or behavior challenges?
At Hidden Valley Forest School, we approach discipline through a lens of respect, connection, and growth. Our goal is to support the development of emotional regulation, self-awareness, and empathy—rather than relying on punishment or control.

We use relationship-based practices that help children feel seen, heard, and safe. When challenges arise, we approach them with curiosity, not judgment. We ask: What is this child trying to communicate? What support do they need?

Our educators model and coach conflict resolution skills, help children name and understand their emotions, and encourage reflection through restorative conversations. We prioritize building strong relationships so that children feel a sense of trust and accountability within the group.

We believe that behavior is communication—and that missteps are opportunities for learning. With consistent support, children develop tools to manage frustration, resolve conflicts peacefully, and grow as thoughtful, compassionate members of their community.

Do you offer sibling discounts?
Yes! We offer a 10% discount for each additional sibling enrolled in any of our programs.

Can we tour the school before enrolling?
Absolutely—we encourage it! We love welcoming prospective families for a tour to see the space, ask questions, and get a feel for our program.

Is HVFS a licensed school?
Yes. We are fully licensed through the Virginia Department of Education as a child care and educational program for children ages 5–11.

Is this a drop-off program?
Yes. Hidden Valley Forest School is a drop-off program. Families can choose a 1–4 day schedule that works best for them, though we encourage a minimum of two days per week to help children build stronger connections with peers and the rhythm of the program.

Our aftercare and summer camps are also fully drop-off.

Is there a minimum number of days required?
We ask that K–3 students attend at least 2 days per week to support consistency and connection.

Do you follow a curriculum?
Yes! We offer a nature-integrated, project-based curriculum aligned with academic goals in literacy, math, science, and social studies. We emphasize child-led inquiry, creative expression, and experiential learning.

Do kids fall behind academically in a forest school?
Quite the opposite! At Hidden Valley Forest School, academic growth is deeply integrated into our daily rhythm—but in a way that feels meaningful, relevant, and joyful to children.

Our small group setting allows us to provide individualized support, meeting each child where they are and guiding them forward at their own pace. We use a hands-on, experiential approach to teaching core subjects like literacy and math, often tying them into seasonal themes, nature exploration, and real-world problem-solving.

Instead of worksheets and rote learning, children build foundational skills through movement, storytelling, group projects, games, and inquiry-based learning. This helps them not only master academic content but also develop confidence, curiosity, and ownership of their learning.

We find that children in our program are highly engaged, and many go on to transition successfully into traditional settings or continue thriving in home education. Because their learning is rooted in purposeful play and deep connection, they retain knowledge and apply it in creative, flexible ways.

In short: they’re not just keeping up—they’re flourishing.

Is there homework?
At Hidden Valley Forest School, we intentionally do not assign homework—especially in the early elementary years, when children are still developing foundational skills, self-regulation, and a love of learning.

After a full day of active, hands-on exploration, we believe kids need time to unwind, relax, and simply enjoy being children. Afterschool hours should be a time for connection—with family, with friends, and with themselves—not additional academic pressure.

We believe that the growing push toward overly structured time and achievement—especially in the earliest grades—is contributing to the rise in mental health challenges among children. Our approach prioritizes balance: time in nature, space to play, opportunities to create, and the freedom to rest.

We want children to come back each day feeling fresh, confident, and excited to learn—not burned out. Childhood should be joyful, meaningful, and developmentally appropriate—and that’s exactly what we aim to offer at HVFS.

What should children wear?
At Hidden Valley Forest School, outdoor play happens in all seasons and all weather. To ensure children are safe, comfortable, and able to fully engage in our program, families are required to provide appropriate outdoor gear.

A full seasonal gear list is provided upon enrollment, but here’s a general overview of what’s expected:

☀️ Warm Weather:

• T-shirt and shorts

• Closed-toe shoes such as water shoes or sturdy sneakers (no sandals or open-toe shoes)

• Sun hat (optional, if your child is willing to wear one)

• Two full changes of clothes (children typically get wet)

❄️ Cold & Wet Weather:

We require a three-layer system to keep children warm and dry:

1. Base Layer: Non-cotton (synthetic or wool) top and pants

2. Mid Layer: Fleece or wool

3. Outer Layer: Reima brand waterproof coat and pants
   (Required for consistency and quality. Must be 1–2 sizes up to allow for layering and free movement.)

Additional cold-weather items:

• Reima waterproof mittens (required)

• Warm hat that covers ears

• Wool or thermal socks (no cotton)

• Insulated, waterproof boots

All gear must be purchased and provided by parents. Proper clothing is essential to a successful experience outdoors, and we’re happy to help guide you in finding what your child needs to stay warm, dry, and ready for adventure.

Do you go outside in bad weather?
Yes—unless conditions are unsafe (e.g., lightning, extreme wind, or temperatures below 35°F). Rain, snow, and mud are part of the experience and are embraced with the right gear.

What do kids do all day?
Days include a mix of structured and unstructured time: morning circle, outdoor academics, nature play, indoor creative projects, lunch, and hikes or forest time. Each day has a rhythm, but we stay flexible and responsive to the group.

What’s the student-teacher ratio?
We keep our groups small to ensure meaningful relationships and individual support. Our typical ratio is 6:1 or better, with two fulltime educators and a maximum of 12 children per day.

How do you communicate with parents?
We believe strong family-school communication is key to a thriving learning community. At Hidden Valley Forest School, we stay in close touch with families through a mix of channels:

• Email: For important announcements, updates, and reminders

• Text messages: For quick, student-specific communication such as pick-up changes or daily needs

• In-person check-ins: At drop-off and pick-up, we’re always happy to share how your child’s day went or answer any questions

• Instagram: Follow us @hiddenvalleyforestschool for a daily glimpse into our adventures, learning moments, and special activities

Our goal is to keep you informed, connected, and confident in your child’s experience with us—whether they’re hiking to the creek, building fairy houses, or learning math around the picnic table.

Can I tour before enrolling?
Absolutely! We strongly encourage families to schedule a tour before enrolling. Visiting in person is the best way to get a feel for our program, meet our teachers, and determine if Hidden Valley Forest School is the right fit for your child and family.

During your visit, we’ll walk you through our cozy schoolhouse, natural playscape, and forest trails, sharing more about our curriculum, daily rhythm, and philosophy. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions, see where learning happens, and imagine your child thriving in our unique setting.

We’d love to meet you—reach out anytime to schedule a tour!

What are your school hours?

• Core Program: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Monday–Thursday)

• Forest Fridays: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Aftercare: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM (Monday–Friday)

• Summer Camps: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (optional pickup at 3:00 PM); June and July

Do you offer financial assistance?
We strive to keep our tuition as accessible as possible for families, while maintaining the quality and integrity of our small, nature-based program. We offer a 10% sibling discount to help support families with multiple children enrolled.

While we do not currently have a formal scholarship fund, we understand that every family’s financial situation is unique. We’re always open to thoughtful, respectful conversations about possible flexibility. If tuition is a concern, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to explore options and see if we can make it work together.