Programs

Through hands-on experiences, we foster a deep connection to the natural world, helping children develop resilience, curiosity, and a love for the environment. Our programs are inspired by nature, encouraging children to explore the outdoors in any season, regardless of the weather.

"Children bloom when nature is their classroom."

Outdoors, children are free to breathe deeply, run wild, climb high, explore endlessly, create freely, learn naturally, connect meaningfully, and thrive in ways that only nature can nurture.

Nature is not just a backdrop; it’s the vibrant, ever-evolving classroom where growth happens organically.

In today’s technology-driven world, where emotional and spiritual connections are increasingly rare, there is a critical need for programs that prioritize authentic human bonds. Sadly, many educational initiatives overlook these essential elements. We believe that learning must be rooted in nature, embracing a holistic approach that nourishes every part of a child—intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.

At Sapling Woods, we are driven by the belief that every child, like every seed, holds the innate potential to flourish in an environment where love and respect form the foundation. Nature—wood, water, earth—guides us on our shared journey, offering unique daily experiences that align with the natural rhythms of each child, fostering a sense of individuality and community.

We passionately advocate for children to spend their time in tranquil spaces that support meaningful connection, energizing physical activity, and the holistic renewal of their entire being.

Private forest school students exploring woodland trails, engaging in sensory play, and developing motor skills through unstructured outdoor learning in a nature-based early childhood program.

Nature Preschool

It begins early.

Our youngest explorers, ages 30 months to 4 years, are introduced to the world with a focus on building relationships and fostering confidence. At this stage, the child’s primary goal is to connect with the land and the outdoors, spending 50-75% of their day outside, where every experience strengthens their bond with nature.

Forest Pre-kindergarten Children participating in wildschooling, farm-based learning, and outdoor STEM activities at a child-led nature preschool focused on holistic development, mindfulness, and hands-on discovery

Forest Pre-Kindergarten

For children ages 4 to 5 ½, our program immerses them in a nature-rich environment where 90% of their day is spent outdoors, fostering a deep connection to the natural world. The focus is on play, inquiry, and creativity, allowing children to explore and learn at their own pace. We introduce foundational skills in phonics and numeracy, integrating them into real-world experiences. This approach supports the development of essential cognitive, social, and emotional skills, all while cultivating a lifelong love for learning and the outdoors.

Alternative education at an outdoor kindergarten children are engaging in Geometry and in inquiry-based discovery, small group learning, and nature play while developing emotional intelligence and confidence.

Kindergarten

Designed for children ages 4 years and 6 months to 6. About 50-75% of the day is spent outdoors. Our Kindergarten program balances play with academics, introducing core skills through Fundations and Illustrative Mathematics. Daily school weather reports, along with enrichments in visual and performing arts, sports, social-emotional learning, textiles, and Spanish immersion, provide a well-rounded educational experience.

Children practicing fire-building and bushcraft at a nature-based school, engaging in hands-on wilderness education, survival skills, and outdoor STEM learning in a forest school setting.

Primary School

Curated for children grades 1st and up, the focus is on fostering independence, stamina, and mindfulness. Literacy is nurtured through the multi-sensory Fundations approach and Guided Reading. The Illustrative Mathematics program encourages strategic inquiry, supported by leveled small group instruction. Children engage in collaborative projects aimed at answering driving questions, while end-of-day journaling and classroom chores promote personal reflection and responsibility.

Children at Sapling Woods Nature School in Hopewell Township, NJ, using a magnifying glass to explore a log in an outdoor classroom, engaging in hands-on STEM and inquiry-based learning.

Homeschool Supplement

Part-time families are expected to provide instruction in core skills like literacy and mathematics at home, allowing parents to tailor teaching to their child’s learning style and family values. When homeschooling children are at Sapling Woods, they benefit from our flexible, movement-based educational model, engaging in daily enrichment classes and using our instructors as resources to explore their interests.

Our Homeschool Supplement offers a part time schedule, offering 2, 3, 4 or 5 half day schedules with the option to add a full day on Friday’s for our school wide Forest School.

A child at Sapling Woods Nature School in Hopewell Township, NJ, dressed in waterproof outdoor gear, selecting a stick for hands-on nature exploration and forest school learning in an outdoor classroom.

Oak & Acorns Class

Toddlers and their caregivers, parents or guardians will embark on fun, nature-based adventures, exploring the outdoors in a safe, nurturing environment. Designed for children ages 18 months to 3 years, this class offers a mix of outdoor play, sensory activities, and learning moments. Each week, little ones will enjoy singing songs, creating simple crafts, and listening to a nature-themed story during snack time. With a focus on fostering a love for nature and building early social skills, this class provides a joyful, interactive experience that strengthens the bond between child and caregiver while introducing the wonders of the natural world. Classes begin in Fall 2025.

This is a small group class and spots fill up quick! If interested, sign up below to receive more information.

“It all begins with an idea—an idea that children thrive when immersed in the natural world, where every tree, rock, and stream becomes a teacher, and the outdoors is their classroom. In nature, learning is not confined to four walls; it’s alive, dynamic, and limitless. Each leaf that falls, each bird that sings, and each breeze that blows carries lessons that nourish the mind, body, and spirit.

Nature school is more than just an educational experience—it’s a journey that fosters curiosity, resilience, and a deep, unbreakable connection to the world around us."