Connecting Children with Nature in Southern California
Explore, learn, and grow in the great outdoors.
About SoCal Forest School
Our Story
At SoCal Forest School, we believe in the power of connection to the natural world. Rooted in the rhythms of nature, our program invites children and families to explore, discover, and grow together in outdoor spaces that spark curiosity and wonder.
Our story began with a deep commitment to honoring childhood, community, and the earth. Founded on the principle of celebrating Mother Earth, SoCal Forest School was created as a space where children and families are free to play, learn, and connect—both with each other and with the living world around them.
Through hands-on exploration, meaningful connections, and joyful discovery, we nurture a love for the outdoors that lasts a lifetime. Whether hiking beneath the trees, watching birds in quiet observation, or creating art from nature’s gifts, each moment is an opportunity to deepen our sense of belonging to the land and to each other.
At SoCal Forest School, we welcome you to come as you are—and grow with us in nature.
Field Expeditions
At SoCal Forest School, our field expeditions are a cornerstone of our nature-based learning approach—bringing place-based, experiential education to life across Southern California’s rich and diverse ecosystems. From the coastal trails of regional and state parks to the shaded canopies of local forests, each outing invites children to engage deeply with the living world around them.
Our adventures take us to botanical gardens, nature centers, zoos, arboretums, and beyond—transforming these spaces into vibrant classrooms where curiosity leads and learning follows. Children observe seasonal changes, explore native habitats, and experience the interconnectedness of all living things, building a profound sense of place and stewardship.
Through hands-on discovery, storytelling, and guided exploration, our expeditions foster wonder, resilience, and a lifelong relationship with the land. Every outing is a new opportunity to learn with nature, in nature. SoCal Forest School, we are committed to helping our students achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
Curriculum Implementation
At SoCal Forest School, our approach lives at the intersections of Reggio Emilia philosophy, nature-based learning, and emergent, inquiry-driven education. We believe that children are capable, curious learners who thrive when given the freedom to explore their interests through meaningful, hands-on experiences in the natural world.
Learning experiences are intentionally designed to reflect the interests of the children and the rhythms of the seasons, while aligning with California’s Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Quality Counts California. By weaving together place-based exploration, project work, and reflective documentation, we create a rich and responsive learning environment where children construct knowledge through play, observation, and discovery.
Rooted in relationships—with nature, with community, and with self—our approach nurtures lifelong learners and compassionate stewards of the Earth.