half-day forest school classes for 3- to 5-year-olds
Following your curiosity. Making friends. Getting messy. Learning, playing, and growing in a community that supports and celebrates who you are. Isn’t that what we all want out of childhood?
Our Forest School classes combine the best parts of a high-quality, developmentally appropriate early learning program with the transformative experience of being immersed in nature. Inspired by the burgeoning Nature Preschool movement across the United States and Europe, Firefly Forest School is a true forest school program!
Our very low teacher to student ratio (2-3 teachers for classes of 6-12 students) makes this a truly personal, relationship-based early learning experience. Our experienced teachers create an environment for our youngest learners that allows them to challenge themselves, learn, grow, and build their skills in a supportive and safe environment.
Currently, our Forest School classes take place at two incredible parks—Tenhave Woods and Bauervic Woods. We utilize best practices in early childhood education, Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, and a child-centered teaching practice to create a unique and transformative learning environment for our youngest learners. As a multi-age program, students will have the ability to both stretch themselves and become leaders to those younger than them. As an all-outdoors program, students will learn how to navigate the world confidently, gain essential creative problem solving skills, and develop a deep and abiding connection to nature.
All students in our Early Learning classes MUST BE at least 3 years old and potty trained by the start of the school year they wish to attend.
Our classes for this upcoming school year are full! if you are interested in classes for the 2027-2028 school year, please check back in October/November 2026 for more information. Thank you!
2026-2027 School Year Classes
Foxes
Location: Tenhave Woods, Royal Oak
Class Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Class Times: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Student Ages: 3-5
Class Calendar: September 2026 - June 2027
Fee: approximately $550/month, income-based sliding scale available!
chickadees
Location: Tenhave Woods, Royal Oak
Class Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Class Times: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Student Ages: 3-5
Class Calendar: September 2026- June 2027, no classes in Dec/Jan
Fee: approximately $370/month, income-based sliding scale available!
Coyotes
Location: Bauervic Woods, Southfield
Class Days: Mondays & Wednesdays
Class Times: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Student Ages: 3-5
Class Calendar: September 2026 - June 2027
Fee: approximately $550/month, income-based sliding scale available!
A Morning at Forest School
9:00 am: Arrival and free play time
9:45 am: Morning circle (greetings, opening story, discussion of plan for the day, questions)
10:00 am: Exploration time on the trails
10:45 am: Mid-morning snack
11:00 am: Project-based learning time (art/science/literacy/numeracy focus)
11:30 am: Free play time
12:00 pm: Pick up
*Afternoon classes at Firefly, while slightly shorter, follow a similar routine to our mornings!