Our Story

Hi, I'm Nikki, founder of Woods Forest School. When choosing a learning environment for your child, it's important to understand the values and philosophy behind the educators and the space. So here's my story;

My childhood was marked by constant change, but nature was my steady refuge—climbing trees, exploring fields, and getting muddy grounded me. This early connection to the natural world shaped my path.

Driven to understand my own experiences and support others, I earned degrees in Psychology and Early Childhood Education and began working with children. In traditional classrooms, I saw how overstimulating environments affected both teachers and students.

 A pivotal moment came during a conference when a speaker challenged us to rethink the expectation for children to sit still. His words sparked a transformation in my teaching philosophy. Back in the classroom, I led the shift to a child-led, play-based approach. The results were immediate—children thrived outdoors, immersed in joy, creativity, and freedom. It felt right.

My journey deepened after visiting a forest school in the Santa Ynez Valley. Watching children confidently cross a stream, learn through play, and connect with nature reaffirmed my vision. I began studying forest school models, learning from mentors, and immersing myself in local ecology.

In January 2024, I launched Woods Forest School with three children and a small parent-and-me class. Since then, our community has grown, and we've added a TK/K program. Our all-outdoor, play-based, child-led curriculum supports holistic development—social, emotional, physical, and academic—by honoring children's natural curiosity.

At Woods, children are encouraged to explore, question, and lead their own learning journeys. Our teachers act as guides and collaborators, fostering meaningful connections with nature and one another. We believe this approach meets a deep human need—and helps children thrive.