Northeast LA Forest School

About this program

Northeast LA Forest School is a nature-based outdoor education program for children ages 2-7 in Northeast Los Angeles. Founded by passionate educators and parents who saw a need for an alternative to traditional classroom settings, it started as a small group of families gathering in local parks and has grown into a vibrant learning community. The school's philosophy centers on child-led learning, connection to nature, play as the foundation of development, and community belonging. Its curriculum draws from Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and traditional Scandinavian forest school methodology, using an emergent approach that follows children's interests while ensuring key developmental milestones are met. With no traditional school building, the program uses local parks, trails, and a dedicated nature campus across Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Glassell Park, and Mt. Washington as its outdoor classrooms.