The Forest School
About the Business
Welcome to The Forest School, located at Waiwera on the beautiful Hibiscus Coast Highway in New Zealand. As an establishment, point of interest, and school, we offer a unique and transformative educational experience for children.
In today's increasingly digital world, The Forest School serves as the antidote by reconnecting children with nature and each other in a real, face-to-face way. We believe that when children frequently engage with te taiao (nature) and build meaningful connections, they experience positive social and personal development.
At The Forest School, students attend One Day School, where they spend one day every week immersed in nature. Through hands-on experiences of touching, moving, listening, and observing, your child will grow as a strong individual. Our dedicated staff understands the power of combining nature, relationships, and meaningful connections to foster authentic growth and learning that lasts a lifetime.
In addition to One Day School, we also offer Into The Wild Holiday Club, a large, private, and free play environment for children. Whether it's exploring The Forest, The Beach, The Farm, or The Garden, there are always a variety of different opportunities and experiences on offer. Children have the freedom to choose activities that interest them, promoting their autonomy and passion for learning.
We are proud to offer scholarships through The Forest School Charitable Trust - Te Rongotaiao, allowing families who truly need it to still enjoy everything The Forest School has to offer. If you are a parent, caregiver, agency, or school interested in applying for a full or part scholarship for a child who would benefit from attending The Forest School, please enter your details, and we will send you an application form.
As Richard Louv once said, "Time in nature is not leisure time; it's an essential investment in our children's health." At The Forest School, we are committed to engaging children in real-life, nature-based learning that empowers them to grow healthy, confidently, and with an authentic sense of place and belonging.
Join us at The Forest School and witness your child come to life in the embrace of nature and meaningful connections.
Photos
Location & Phone number
605 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Waiwera, Auckland 0994, New Zealand
Hours open
Monday:
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday:
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday:
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday:
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday:
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday:
Closed
Sunday:
Closed
Reviews
"What a wonderful experience and opportunity! My oldest son first attended and he thrived in natures classroom, grew and obtained many life skills, all while enjoying it & having fun. Now my second son has been attending since around the time he turned 5 years old and it is 100% the highlight of his week! He struggles with formal learning, so this is the one place he can excel, progress and achieve. If only more children could have this exposure and these experiences in childhood!"
"Forest School is amazing! Both my kids have attended for 3 years. They love going. It's a beautiful environment for them to just be kids. I love how they learn through play. Often in the rest of their lives, my kids are inside buildings or have very structured activities or schedules. But at Forest School, it's like time slows down and they can do things in their own time, their own way. There is no time pressure or digital devices. It's just relaxing and having fun in nature. They are always coming home with things they've found or made. It feels really wholesome. The teachers are amazing. So caring and genuinely interested in each child. My kids get to cuddle chickens and play on tree swings in the forest. And who doesn't love roasting marshmallows on the campfire? I wish every child could go to Forest School."
"My child has been attending the forest school in Hatfields for a year and a half. Since attending he has advanced in all areas of his life. I can not thank the staff enough for this incredible experience they offer. It is extremely beneficial for kids to connect to nature and learn through play. I highly recommend this school !!"
"Do your kids a favour and send them to Forest School. The growth in confidence that I have seen in my daughter is just phenomenal to watch. The teachers are amazing and the space the kids have to work in is just epic. Each session is designed for the kids to be able to take the reigns and follow their curiosity. Forest School really has been one of the most life changing things to happen to my daughter."
"My son loved The Forest School from the moment he arrived. Many adventures every week: all different and all building his own independence and character. We have been very impressed with the care, imagination, energy and dedication of the staff. A fantastic place for exploration...I wish all schools were made like this. Much more personalised and he has grown so much in 1 term. He'll be staying as long as he can. His words were " I wish I could go to Forest School everyday"."
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