School is outside

Forest Kindergartens, or Nature Schools, trace their roots to Europe in the early 20th century, inspired by educators like Friedrich Froebel in Germany, who introduced the concept of "kindergartens" as “children’s gardens.” The model evolved into forest-based preschools in the 1950s in Scandinavia and Germany, with children spending entire school days outdoors, with a focus on greater health, resilience, problem-solving, and environmental stewardship.

Forest School programs began in the UK in the 1990s. English Forest Schools blend structured outdoor activities with free play, aiming to foster self-confidence, social skills, and respect for nature. The British Forest School Association now supports schools and educators, showing the model's growth and adaptability across varying landscapes and climates.

These European models have collectively influenced the spread of nature-based preschools worldwide, emphasizing the benefits of year-round outdoor learning. The philosophy is that nature itself is a co-teacher, guiding children’s curiosity and supporting skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and physical coordination.

This approach only started gaining ground in the United States in the 2000s, spurred by increasing concerns over children’s disconnection from nature, a concept Richard Louv called “nature deficit disorder” in his 2005 book Last Child in the Woods.

The first recognized U.S. forest kindergarten, Cedarsong Nature School, opened in 2007 on Vashon Island, Washington, led by Erin Kenny. It became a model for American nature preschools, which have since grown rapidly, with estimates of nearly 600 such programs by 2020. These schools focus on outdoor, play-based learning and support physical and mental health benefits, including improved social skills, critical thinking, and stress relief. Nature-based preschools have shown resilience and popularity, especially post-2020, as outdoor environments were recognized as safer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This movement's expansion is facilitated by organizations like the Natural Start Alliance, and the Forest School Teacher Institute founded by Dr. Jean Lomino which promotes environmental education and accreditation, helping connect nature-focused early childhood programs nationwide, highlighting the growing value of outdoor learning environments for young children in the U.S. today.