FERN GULLY
FOREST SCHOOL
WELCOME FERN GULLY FOREST FRIENDS!
We provide Waldorf and Montessori-inspired holistic outdoor education for kids ages 3-6.
We focus on experiential learning in nature with stories, singing, music, art, puppetry, and imaginative play. We learn through exploring on our mini-farm and Fern Gully Forest in East Olympia.
We create a nurturing environment where children can develop the resilience, creativity, confidence, social skills and emotional intelligence needed to thrive in school and life.
Hours: 9 am - 1 pm Monday - Friday
We partner with the Community Nature Foundation, a local nonprofit for Environmental Conservation, Education, and Regenerative Community Projects.
OUR MISSION
We were founded by a collective of mothers and professional educators with a mission to nurture the whole child in all areas of development, including physical, social, emotional and spiritual, as well as intellectual.
We cultivate a community that respects and cares for each other and the environment. We encourage a connection to the wisdom and medicine of nature that will last a lifetime and contribute to a better future.
Kids get to learn important life skills, make friends and feel a sense of belonging and confidence to be themselves.
DAILY ACTIVITIES
The children’s day is organized into activity sessions with lunch and snacks in between. Learning includes homesteading skills, environmental education, reading and story time, interacting with and caring for animals, tending the garden, imaginative play, nature observation, social emotional skills, as well as yoga and mindfulness practices and plenty of time for artistic and musical expression.
For more details check out the Program Info page here.
CONTACT US
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IMPORTANT DATES
Ongoing Enrollment
We follow the Olympia School District Schedule for Start/End Dates, Holidays & Weather Closures:
Fall Quarter Begins Sept 4, 2024
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November 11 - Veterans Day - No School
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27-29 - Thanksgiving Break - No School
December 23-31 - Winter Break - No School
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January 1-2 - Winter Break - No School
Winter Quarter Begins January 6, 2025
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January 20 - MLK Day - No School
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February 17 - Presidents Day - No School
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Feb 18 - Mid-winter Break - No School
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March 31 - April 4 - Spring Break
Spring Quarter Begins April 7
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May 26 - Memorial Day - No School
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June 17 - Last Day of School
Summer Quarter June 30 - Aug 22
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July 4 - Independence Day - No School
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Summer Break Last Week of August
Fall Quarter Begins Sept 3, 2025
WHAT PARENTS SAY
AMY
Thoughtful programming nestled in a beautifully forested area! There are also various play structures and toys for the kids to enjoy. My kid attends once a week and loves it:)
GINA
We love Fern Gully Forest School! Our 5 year old goes here full time and loves it! The teachers are loving and supportive and provide a great curriculum as well as plenty of free play.
REBEKA
Great environment for active little ones that love dynamic play and for parents that have read Peter Gray.
The teachers facilitate social and emotional skills that our little ones need to practice and the land the school is on offers a natural atmosphere for exploration and curiosity.
