Welcome to Greenwood Trail Forest School
Where Nature Nurtures
Learning
WHO WE ARE
Greenwood Trail Forest School
At Greenwood Trail Forest School, children ages 2–5 spend their days outdoors—exploring, climbing, digging, and discovering the natural world. Guided by the Scandinavian approach, our teachers nurture curiosity, empathy, problem- solving, and resilience. With small teacher-to-child ratios, every child is supported to grow at their own pace. This isn’t just preschool—it’s a place where independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning take root in nature.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide the experiences parents value most: safety, supportive teachers, meaningful learning, and time in nature. Research shows that over 70–80% of families prioritize these values. At Greenwood Trail we built our program around these values, making them the foundation of everything we do.
Safety First
Safety is the #1 priority for parents — and for us.
1:4 teacher-to-child ratios ensure attentive care.
All teachers are CPR & First Aid certified, background-checked, and complete full site checks before children arrive.
Caring, Qualified Teachers
Nine out of ten parents say teacher quality makes the biggest difference.
Our educators are trained in early childhood education and bring warmth, curiosity, and deep respect for each child.
CHILD-LED learning
Two-thirds of parents look for a strong curriculum.
We offer a child-led approach that nurtures social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.
Learning happens naturally through storytelling, exploration, and discovery in the forest.
The Gift of Nature
More outdoor time. Less screen time. A stronger connection to the earth.
Children build resilience, confidence, and creativity every day in the park.
Nature isn’t just the backdrop — it’s the classroom.
CHILD-LED LEARNING
Every child is unique. We follow their curiosity and give them the space to ask questions, make choices, and take ownership of their learning.
Connection to Nature
Time outdoors is not an “extra” — it’s the heart of everything we do. Children develop a sense of wonder and care for the world by playing, exploring, and observing nature every single day.
Supported Risk
Climbing logs, balancing on rocks, and exploring the forest all carry small challenges. With caring guidance, children learn to assess risk, trust themselves, and grow stronger.
Confidence & Resilience
Children are supported as they take safe risks and try new challenges. By learning from both successes and setbacks, they build the confidence to keep exploring and growing
Holistic Growth
We nurture the creative, social, emotional, physical, and cognitive sides of every child, making sure learning touches every part of who they are.
our philosophy
Kindergarten Ready
While we are a 100% forest, child-led program, Greenwood Trail also blends academics into play — helping children explore math, literacy, science, and art, while building the foundation and confidence they need for kindergarten.
MATH
Children explore math through counting and sorting leaves or rocks, comparing sizes, exploring shapes, using simple maps, and organizing their discoveries with drawings and charts.
EARLY
LITERACY
Children build early literacy by reading books, creating their own nature journals, and expanding their vocabulary through our diverse lesson plans.
SCIENCE
Science comes alive as we study soil, insects, rocks, and plants — asking questions, comparing discoveries, and using simple tools to learn about the world around them.
art
Children express their creativity through nature art, using materials found in their surroundings to make unique, hands-on projects.
Celebrating Diversity
At Greenwood Trail, we celebrate diversity in all its forms. Every child and every family brings unique traditions, cultures, and beliefs, and we see that as a gift to our community. Whether it’s a holiday, a family tradition, or a meaningful story, we welcome you to share it with us. By honoring each family’s celebrations, children learn that every voice matters and that our differences make us stronger. Together, we create a joyful, inclusive environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and celebrated.
One platform for communication, progress, and billing
At Greenwood Trail, we value connection and transparency as much as play and learning. That’s why we use Brightwheel to give families real-time updates, photos, and progress notes throughout the day. We also log attendance and nap times, so parents always know how their child is doing.
ATTENDANCE
Brightwheel tracks daily attendance and arrival/pick-up times.
Parents receive updates, notes, and photos of their child’s activities — capturing learning moments, nature play, and special memories throughout the day.
DAILY PROGRESS & PHOTOS
Tuition and fees are billed through Brightwheel. You can set up automatic payments or pay directly in the app.
BILLING & PAYMENTS
Teachers and staff share updates, reminders, and announcements through the app, so you’re always in the loop.
COMMUNICATION
Enrollment paperwork and required forms are completed and stored securely in Brightwheel.
ENROLLMENT & FORMS
Daily check-in/check-out is quick and secure using Brightwheel’s digital system.
SIGN-IN & SIGN-OUT
Is a Certified Lead Teacher with specialized Forest School Training. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Sustainability and brings years of experience in early childhood education, both in traditional classrooms and outdoor programs. Her work has shown how nature-based learning strengthens confidence, resilience, and problem-solving, shaping her commitment to creating nurturing spaces where children can grow through exploration.
Director of Greenwood Trail school
Maddy Sienicki
Join us and help children discover, learn,
and grow in nature!
We’re hiring passionate and caring educators to join our Forest School family!