Nestled in the picturesque Rockbridge County, Virginia, lies a unique educational gem that is redefining the traditional classroom setting. Blue Ridge Outdoor School offers a one-of-a-kind outdoor learning experience for children, taking inspiration from the renowned Scandinavian educational model that dates back to the 1950s.
Its often a misconception that "all the kids do all day is run around outside". While there are opportunities for running, there is so much more that goes into a guided outdoor program.
First off, we hire highly trained and educated individuals that have an outdoor background. They specialize in safety procedures in the outdoors, naming flora, fauna, and species that are found in our local environment. They also create structure and routines for children that keep the "daily rhythm" predictable and important to meet goals of the day.
If you are wondering if Forest School is a good fit for your child, there is a checklist of expected behaviors we abide by and use as a guideline for student success in our program. Some behavior markers include: is the child potty trained; are they able to stay in the given boundary with the teacher; can they treat animals and the space with respect; do they have self-control and won't touch or put unknown plants, berries, and other outdoor items in their mouth? All of these guidelines and rules are taught at the beginning of the year, and the teachers guide students through these scenarios so they know the expectations and how to be safe outdoors. If you have concerns or wonderings, please reach out to the director to arrange a conversation to see if this program is a good fit for your child.
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