Hello Hills Forest Learning Program
Pilot Program
We are excited to hold a multi-age forest learning program this year! Inspired by the children and families that we have served in the Bay Area for the past 5+ years, we are rising up to fill a need that has become more urgent during the recent corona-virus pandemic. This is a pilot program geared towards developing an outdoor alternative learning experience in which children ages 5-10 can explore in our natural world. The forest learning program is a 10-month program, running from Fall September 8th, 2020 through Spring June 23rd, 2021.
project, inquiry & Nature based learning
Our emergent place-based, community and social justice oriented curriculum is designed for these times. Guided by constructivist principles, this learning community is co-created, allowing for students to intrinsically access knowledge and understanding through project and inquiry based learning in our local biome. We meet each child at their unique learning style and level. We draw from curriculum we have designed and created in the past as well as from multi-cultural resources and curriculum designed by our mentors and colleagues.
holistic Learning
We believe that exploring in the outdoors not only provides for a superbly holistic and beautifully effective learning experience, it is also our best teacher in harboring deep connection and reverence for diversity. We are excited to help provide a space for children to learn life-skills through their time outdoors and in a multi-age setting. Exploring different ecosystems helps us look at nature as a model for multi-cultural decolonized histories, local ecology, social emotional wellbeing (SEL), conflict resolution, art, dance, music, play, gardening, cooking all in the outdoors.
Multi-Age learning
We believe that small group, multi-age programming is an essential ingredient to a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Our cohort consists of 12 students and two full-time mentors plus an Assistant Teacher. We welcome families with children ages 5-10 years old to apply. Our days flow between multi-age community learning as well as developmentally appropriate breakout groups in order to meet children at their ages and stages accordingly. For example: break-out pods of 5/6 yrs, 7/8 yrs, 9/10yrs are implemented as well as multi-age sessions with student mentor break-out pods.
enrollment
We are currently accepting applications for enrollment for Spring 2021!
If you are interested in applying please click the “apply” button below, and fill out the application form.
location & Tuition
Our programs take place in Parks of the East Bay, as well as local community garden and backyard spaces. Sessions will meet weekly (Monday-Thursday), from 9:00am to 2:00pm.
Monthly program fee is a sliding scale of $1,400-$1,800 with additional financial aid & scholarship options available for low income and BIPOC families.
