River Farm Forest School

About this program

River Farm Forest School is a parent-owned, teacher-led cooperative school located in Alexandria, Virginia, serving the Northern Virginia area. Founded in 2013 by parents seeking an alternative to large class sizes and test-focused education, the school combines nature-based learning with mixed-age classrooms and a strong community foundation. Named after George Washington's River Farm, the school embodies innovative thinking and a deep connection to the natural world. What makes River Farm Forest School unique is its cooperative model, where families contribute 80 hours of service annually and participate in school governance through a parent Board. The school operates from the historic Hollin Hall on the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church campus, providing students with ample space for books, musical instruments, and a dedicated garden plot. As an all-weather school, students learn outdoors year-round, from starting campfires in winter to studying streamflow in rain boots during spring. The school's philosophy centers on child-centered learning, experiential education through civic engagement, and fostering compassionate, resilient, curious children who thrive in an ever-changing world.