Little Forest Explorers

About this program

Little Forest Explorers (LFE) is an innovative outdoor preschool located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach. The program operates as a forest school that takes early childhood education "back to its roots," using nature as the primary classroom environment. Founded by Laura Engel, LFE blends time-tested educational philosophies from Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, and Danish forest schools with cutting-edge neuroscience research. What sets LFE apart is its laser focus on self-regulation as the foundation for all learning. The program positions itself as a "launchpad for lifelong learning and adaptability" rather than simply preparing children for traditional school. Operating with a startup mentality, LFE embraces innovation and flexibility, acknowledging it's not a typical preschool experience. Children spend their days outdoors in all weather conditions, getting dirty and engaging with nature as their learning laboratory. The school's mission centers on cultivating self-regulated, confident, and adaptable young minds equipped to thrive in an unpredictable, rapidly-changing world.