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Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Let the children play, and let them play in the richest classroom of all!

Our early childhood program is suspended, but you can find Jessica, our founder, and Dana, one of our past teachers, at the Charlottesville Waldorf School as teachers in their early childhood program and gardening program, respectively.

You can also continue to connect with Jessica through our consultation services


We have been proud to partner with Ivy Creek Foundation, Albemarle County Parks & Recreation
and Charlottesville Parks & Recreation.

At Blue Ridge Forest School, we support the young child's full developmental needs: physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and nature-connection. According to best practices in early childhood education, children need abundant and regular opportunities to move freely outdoors, fill their senses, study natural laws, experiment using open-ended materials, problem-solve, take initiative, collaborate, use their imagination, and develop social skills through child-led play and exploration. Being a part of a consistent community of mixed-aged children in an outdoor setting, facilitated by responsive, highly-qualified adult guides, allows for this whole-child development to occur at this critical period in a person's life. The results are empowered, active learners, rather than passive consumers of information. The results are relaxed and joyful children that take care of each other and the world around them. 

Children with these nature-rich, playful, child-centered experiences learn to manage risks, have better critical-thinking skills, are more relaxed, have better focus, better social skills, and have healthier, more neurologically-integrated bodies (visit the "Resources" section for links to this research).

Becoming connected to a natural place during childhood--to intimately experience it change week by week, season by season--will provide gifts of skill, wisdom, and a profound sense connection and wonder that will last a lifetime. These consistent, quality outdoor experiences are often difficult to provide within the framework of our modern lifestyle. It is such a privilege to be able to help Charlottesville's families meet this need!  

PARENT   TESTIMONIALS

"I believe forest camp has visibly improved our child’s physical, emotional and social well-being. Spending time in nature under the thoughtful, nurturing guidance of Jessica has been a game-changer for our sensitive child. When I pick him up from camp, he’s happy and confident, carrying a joy with him through the rest of the day. We feel so fortunate to be a part of this amazing program."

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Learn all about our history, philosophy, rhythm, and enrollment information

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Meet our past instructors:

Jessica, Dana, & Jennifer

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Consultation services for schools, children's programs, and families

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Site information, gear recommendations, tick-bite prevention, FAQs, and more

research” page on our website (linked in

Learn about supporting research, local resources, and our friends and partners

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Founding member of FSL:

a new nonprofit organization connecting forest schools across VA and beyond 

Connect with us on Instagram!

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