Pros and Cons of Forest Schooling, A New Way to Educate America's Youth

Forest schools are on the rise, nearly doubling in size each year. In 2020, there were 585 registered in the United States. By the 2022-2023 school year, there were over 800. This increasingly-popular style of education primarily serves preschoolers and primary-age students, mostly white, mostly middle-class. Many schools cater to students with learning challenges for whom being in a "traditional" classroom can prove difficult. Parents, students, and teachers alike cite studies regarding the benefits of outdoor play for children, including better sleep, increased concentration, and boosted confidence. So, what is forest school? Forest school has six guiding principles, including long-term practice and the setting being in a natural, preferably wooded environment. The other principles are: aiming to promote holistic development; offering the opportunity to take supported risks; using learner-centered processes; being run by a licensed Forest School teacher. These principles are in place to ensure a quality ed