History

🌳 The Danish word “Skovbørnehave” means “forest children’s garden” - it refers to an early education setting where children spend most of their time outdoors. Children learn through free play, exploration, and activities. 

Children are outside in nearly all weather; the Scandinavian “there is no bad weather, only bad clothes” gives insight to a philosophy of embracing nature, preparing for the elements, and learning resilience. 

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Forest Schools in the U.S.

American forest schools have been deeply shaped by Waldorf, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia philosophies. Each contributes distinct principles that align beautifully with nature-based learning and child-led exploration. 

Forest Schools originated in Denmark in the 1950s as a grassroots movement by parents who noticed how much happier and healthier their children were outdoors. It began as simply as a Danish mother taking a group of children to the forest every day. People saw the children were calm and imaginative upon return, and the concept grew be recognized by the Danish school system, influencing surrounding countries.

Forest schools spread through Scandinavia, Finland, & Germany (Waldkindergarten), to the UK in the 1990s, and, recently, to the U.S. and Canada, where elements of Waldorf, Montessori, and Reggio are often incorporated. Today, there are over 700 Skovbørnehaver in Denmark, serving thousands of children. Many spend 80–90% of time outdoors, even in snow or rain.