At Wildwood we believe children are the building blocks of a community, its future, and the foundation. They are the ones who will grow up to shape, lead, and contribute to society in countless ways. As the next generation, children embody the potential for innovation, creativity, and progress. By investing in their well-being, education, and development, a community invests in its own future, ensuring a strong foundation for years to come. By nurturing and supporting its children, a community can foster a sense of belonging, resilience, and hope, ultimately strengthening the fabric of society as a whole. This is why we are so excited to not only support our community through our farm, but also through the children that join us.

At the heart of Salita Del Sol lies a profound understanding of childhood development - that fostering a love of learning is paramount. Rather than merely conveying information. Here at salita del sol we prioritize igniting curiosity, creativity, and a sense of wonder in children. By immersing ourselves along with the children
in the natural world.

Wildwood at Salita Del Sol provides a unique opportunity for hands-on learning, where children can engage with their surroundings, explore, and discover at their own pace. This approach not only deepens their connection with nature but also cultivates essential skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. Hands-on learning is a fundamental aspect of forest schools, allowing children to learn through direct experience and sensory exploration. By working with natural materials, building shelters, and navigating the outdoors, children develop a tangible understanding of the world around them. This approach acknowledges that learning is not just about abstract concepts, but about embodied experiences that engage the mind, body, and spirit. When children are given the freedom to explore and learn through hands-on activities, they develop a sense of agency and autonomy, becoming active participants in their own educational journey.

Child-led learning is another crucial element of forest schools, recognizing that children are capable and curious learners who thrive when given the freedom to follow their interests. By allowing children to take the lead, forest schools empower them to become self-directed learners, capable of pursuing their passions and interests without unnecessary adult intervention. This approach acknowledges that children are not blank slates, but rather active constructors of their own knowledge and understanding. When children are given the autonomy to learn at their own pace, they develop a sense of confidence, self-motivation, and creativity, essential qualities for navigating an ever-changing world.

Being in nature has a profound impact on our health, well-being, and education. The natural world has a way of regulating our nervous system, calming our minds, and focusing our attention on what truly matters. As children spend time in the forest, they begin to develop a sense of awe and respect for the intricate web of life that surrounds them. This, in turn, fosters a deeper sense of responsibility, empathy, and compassion. By engaging with nature in a meaningful way, children are better able to manage stress, build resilience, and develop a stronger sense of self. Here at Salita Del Sol we offer a holistic approach to education, one that recognizes the interconnectedness of human well-being, learning, and the natural world. By prioritizing nature-based learning, hands-on experiences, and child-led exploration, we can help children develop into confident, curious, and compassionate individuals, equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Wildwood forest School
at Salita Del Sol

Our programs

Homeschool or shared school enrichment
Tuesday and Thursday 9-3:30, ages 5-10

Here at Salita Del Sol Forest School, we offer homeschooled students a unique and enriching experience that complements their home-based learning. By participating in nature-based activities, students can engage in hands-on learning, exploring and discovering the natural world while developing essential skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. Forest school groups provide a supportive community where students can connect with peers, build relationships, and learn from experienced educators. This enriching experience can help homeschooled students deepen their connection with nature, foster a sense of wonder and curiosity, and enhance their overall educational journey.

Wildwood Forest School
monday through thursday 9-3:30, ages 5-10

At Wildwood, we invite children to embark on a journey of discovery and exploration in the natural world. Our main goal is to help children return to and connect with nature, fostering a deep sense of respect, wonder, and awe for the land and its inhabitants. Through interest-based learning, we allow children to follow their curiosity and passions, using nature as our classroom and guide. Whether it's observing the intricate details of a leaf, tracking the movements of a wild animal, or creating art with natural materials, our aim is to nurture a sense of connection and stewardship for the natural world.

As children explore and learn in the forest, they'll develop essential skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity, all while cultivating a sense of confidence and self-directed learning. Our role is to support and facilitate their journey, providing a safe and nurturing environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and growth. By immersing themselves in nature, children will develop a deeper understanding of the world around them and their place within it, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning and a strong connection to the natural world.

What we are NOT-We are not a public school. We have chosen to step outside the walls in more ways than one, in order to step into what drives a child to become a lifelong learner/seeker of knowledge. If you are looking for test taking skills and memorization of facts…Wildwood will not be a good fit. While we believe there is a time and place for the aformentioned skills, we are holding this age group in a sacred bubble and providing a safe space to just be and learn while doing.

Details

Wildwood runs from September through May. With community at the heart of our mission, we will have several family education nights, seasonal celebrations as well as other opportunities for our families to join their children here at Wildwood.

All children need to come with a snack and lunch as well as a refillable water bottle. We ask that you remove wrappers and so on from as much as possible in order to avoid pollution. .

While we aim to spend our time together, outdoors, if the weather is extreme/unsafe, we have several areas we can go to cool down or heat up. Parents/guardians are responsible for providing weather appropriate clothing, water, food, snacks and sun protection. Children will need a comfortable backpack in which to carry their things, and weather-appropriate shoes and layers in order to participate.

Extra clothing is definitely suggested along with something to put dirty clothes in. please send your child with a sun hat and protective clothing or suncreen that they can apply (we will give reminders)-NO spray suncreen and it needs to be reef safe as we play in water with lots of pond life.

Who is Wildwood for (This list is not exhaustive)

  1. Children who love the outdoors and don’t mind getting dirty!

  2. Children who thrive on interest based learning

  3. The out of box thinkers

  4. The movers and shakers

In order to maintain our program and our staff we require a full year commitment along with a 175.00 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit upon registration. Please note that we understand things happen in life- Make sure to touch base with us if you find your family facing a hardship.