Welcome to Free Haven Forest School!
A forest school dedicated to preserving childhood and creating a child-led educational experience in the best learning environment in the world: nature.
Our mission is to create a nature-based learning environment where children can explore their innate quest for knowledge through the wonder and magic of the outdoors.
“Something about being in nature is magical. It calms us down, helps us focus, and provides endless learning opportunities.”
— Rachel, Founder of Free Haven Forest School
Meet our Founder + Director
Hi, I’m Rachel
After growing up homeschooled and free range, I loved learning and was so excited to share my love of learning with my students when I became a teacher. I started pursuing my degree in education at age 16, and began my teaching career when I was 20. I quickly realized that working in a traditional school wasn't a good fit for me. Being forced to give unhappy kids worksheets and make them sit still and behave made me heartbroken. When I finally learned about the forest school teaching philosophy, it resonated with me and the freedom I had in childhood as an unschooled homeschooler. I knew I had finally found a way to teach children that also honored them and their childhood. As an educator, I always want to do what's best for my students and help them achieve a love for learning that will help them be successful in everything they do.
Something about being in nature is magical. It calms us down, helps us focus, and provides endless learning opportunities. As my students' curiosity grew, they bloomed. They were so hungry for knowledge and excited to learn. I vowed I would never teach indoors again. I had finally found my true calling: preserving childhood through outdoor education. My passion for forest school led me to found Free Haven Forest School in the fall of 2021. I am currently pursuing my graduate degree in outdoor education and am set to graduate in December of 2022. My students have taught me so much about how to teach effectively, and help them love learning. I look forward to continuing to grow, and using my knowledge to be the best educator and advocate I can be.
Our Values
At Forest School, we believe spiritual education is essential in schools because it nurtures the growth of the whole child—mind, body, and heart—guiding them toward self-realization and equipping them to become compassionate, creative, and responsible citizens. At the heart of each child lies an innate capacity for spiritual and moral development, a deep center from which their sense of meaning, purpose, and connection to the world flows. By fostering heart-centered growth, students learn to live in harmony with themselves, others, and the greater community of life, grounded in empathy, love, and a sense of sacred purpose. This supports the full development of a child's intellectual, emotional, social, and ethical capacities, laying the foundation for thoughtful and moral decision-making. Integrating head and heart in education promotes not only individual well-being but the collective good, nurturing wise and compassionate leaders who can contribute meaningfully to society and a revitalized democracy. At Free Haven Forest School, our programs are taught from a Biblical-based Christian worldview that honors the intrinsic value of each child and their spiritual potential. Our daily pledge reflects our core beliefs as we commit to being kind to ourselves, others, and God’s creation. Children may engage in activities that include the memorization of Bible verses, prayer before meals, and lessons rooted in character-building traits. These practices, woven into nature immersion, the arts, and rich dialogue, create a learning environment where spiritual awareness is nurtured and children grow in wonder, gratitude, and a deep sense of belonging.
