EdenAcres Environmental Education
Education · Environment · Community
440-479-4813
"EdenAcres is hands-down my son's all-time favorite homeschooling activity. Every day he asks if it's an “Eden Acres” day, (he attends twice per week) and eagerly counts down the days until he can return. Fallon (aka “Falcon”) Harris is the director, whose mission is to provide a unique full-day multi-age environmental education program specifically for homeschoolers.
Fallon, along with her competent staff, facilitate fort and wigwam building, fire-making, plant identification, knife-safety and whittling skills, bow and arrow making, and nature journal observations, among other activities. They learn community-building through group games and discussions, that extend even to economic models put into practice through the exchange of wood-chip “currency” for the acquisition of bows, arrows or wood for building, and even property and land management for future fort construction.
My son has ample opportunity to apply his engineering and math spatial skills to design and execute the building of multi-story forts and climbable structures. He is always eager to start his day and comes home proud of his accomplishments. This program is great for boosting self-confidence and competence.
His only complaint is that he cannot attend Eden Acres every day of the year."
- Lara & Zeke
Enrolling Now
for the
2023/24 School Year
FOREST SCHOOL
Ages 8-12
Forest school is open to all who are interested in giving their child a nature immersion experience at a fully outdoor program. At the heart and soul of forest school is engagement with the natural world. We spend our days engaging with the forest environment while building confidence and leadership, provoking a sense of awe, and inspiring feelings of stewardship. Through hands-on projects, journaling, play, and exploration children learn how to overcome adversity, work alongside others, and develop a deeper relationship with nature while having fun and learning outdoors.
Each day children will move between instructor-directed activities and self-directed play, both of which play important roles in the holistic development of a child’s hands, heart, and mind. Our place-based curriculum integrates reading, writing, math, social studies, and the arts through hands-on projects, games, and activities.
Daily Rhythm**
9:00 - 9:15 Drop-off
9:00 - 9:30 Forest Exploration
9:30 - 10:00 Morning Circle/Stretching & Breathing/Teambuilding Activity
10:00 - 10:30 Game/Movement Activity/Exploration
10:30 - 11:30 Snack & Free Play
11:30 - 12:30 Exploration/Ancestral Skills/Project
12:30 - 1:30 Lunch & Free Play
1:30 - 2:30 Exploration/Ancestral Skills/Project
2:30 - 2:45 Clean-up & Closing Circle & Reflection
2:45 - 3:00 Pick-up
**The daily rhythm described above is an example of the flow of the day. Instructors practice emergent and child-centered learning, meaning that we adjust and modify with the changing needs and interests of the children while incorporating in whatever the forest or farm has to offer on that specific day.
Our Staff
Our Nature Educators come from a variety of backgrounds including Waldorf education, natural sciences, outdoor education abroad, and more. No matter their educational background, all are experienced and passionate about sharing nature with children. Instructors are certified in CPR/First Aid and epipen administration. Staff ratios for Forest Explorers are no larger than 8 students with 1 teacher. All adults in the program have passed full FBI background checks.
When:
Fall and Spring Semesters
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
9:00 am-3:00 pm
We offer flexible enrollment options to meet your family's unique needs. Whether you are using our programs as a supplement to your homeschool adventure or as a primary part of your child's learning, we have an option for you. Enroll in 1, 2, 3, or 4 days per week.
Dates:
Fall Semester: 9/11/23 - 1/25/24
First day of fall semester: Monday, September 11
Spring Semester: 1/30/24 - 5/23/24
First day of spring semester: January 30, 2024
View the School Calendar here!
Where:
Hillsboro Forest School Campus @ 16528 Johnson Road, Hillsboro, OR 97124 (use this link for forest school entrance)
How Much?
This year, we will offer a Choose-Your-Tuition model that includes three models to choose from: Sliding Scale; Standard Rate; and Pay-It-Forward. Click here to learn more!
We are choosing to shift towards a sliding scale model because Equity in Education is one of our core values. We are using this model as a means of increasing access to alternative education and as a tool of economic justice. We invite you to join us in this vision of a better, more equitable world!
Questions? Send us an email at naturedays.edenacres@gmail.com
.png)