Reggio-Inspired Forest Kindergarten
Roots Class
DETAILS
An introduction to academic experiences through play and nature.
WHAT:
WHO:
Young children aged 4 -6 years
by August 15, 2026
WHEN:
TIME:
3 - 5 days per week
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Kindergarten Experience
A Classroom Without Walls
What if your child’s first school experience was climbing trees, telling stories, solving real problems, and coming home calm, confident, and deeply connected?
What Makes Airie's Kindergarten Special?
At Airie, learning comes from carefully crafted invitations to play and academic concepts gently and meaningfully woven into the child’s natural learning process.
Play-Based Learning invites your child to:
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Choose, move, create, be read to, sing, connect, be outside, ask questions, observe, discuss, reflect, express feelings, make mistakes, and solve problems
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Learn and exercise social and emotional skills.
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Enhance cognitive and process skills.
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Explore forestry and ecology curricular concepts.
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Investigate the world through emergent curricula embedded throughout the play experience.
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Connect with passionate educators who value and understand the learning process.
Small Class Size: With a 6:1 child-to-teacher ratio, children thrive in a supportive community that fosters leadership, cooperation, and confidence.
All-Weather Resilience: Rain, snow, or sunshine, our students learn to adapt to the ebb and flow of the weather. Research supports using this process to cultivate physical endurance, cognitive flexibility, tolerance, and social-emotional skills in young children.
Weekly Thursday Expeditions: Your child may qualify for Airie's Expedition Club. Learn more here.
Children should always arrive dressed for the current weather conditions.
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8:55 a.m. = Parent Play (Welcome & Drop-off)
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9:10 a.m. = Play-based Learning in the Outdoor Learning Laboratories
Morning Meeting
Mindfulness Hike & Forest Exploration
Academic Workshop/Project Work
Collaborative Play
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12:00 p.m. = Farewell
Daily Rhythm
At the Nurture Center
What about food? We respect and encourage the children to listen to their bodies, as every child has different needs. There are designated eating areas to maintain safety at all times. The only times the children are discouraged from eating are during the meetings of the day.
Why Do Families Love our Forest Kindergarten?
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Milestone Meetings: Whole-family meetings to reflect on your child's growth goals.
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Making Learning Visible: Through photos and written reflections, you will witness firsthand how your child learns with intentional instruction and grows from playing with other children of various ages in nature.
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Community & Celebrations: Airie families come together to enjoy exclusive bonfires and campouts as well as celebrations that connect children, families, and educators.
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Readiness for Academics: Our Forest Kindergarten nurtures curious, confident learners through a research-based educational approach that targets your child's skills and abilities, preparing them for more independent exploration in their primary years and beyond.
Airie was not created to replicate traditional school.
It was created because we believe childhood should be filled with mud, stories, curiosity, and the kind of learning that
sticks for life.
What Does a Forest Kindergarten Look Like?
Kindergarten Families
Families that enroll in our Forest Kindergarten are seeking to:
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Provide their child with a gentle start to education.
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Developmentally appropriate instruction is embedded in the learning environment and strategically guided by the Airie Teachers and the Tennessee State Standards.
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Prioritize play-based learning in nature.
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Give their children experiences rooted in wonder, nature, and deep development.
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Cultivate a diverse and supportive space.
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Allow children opportunities to foster responsibility.
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Partner with Airie educators.
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Give back to Earth.
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Slow down and connect with one another.
"Airie's approach to education has provided my granddaughter with an enriching, hands-on learning experience that goes beyond traditional education. The dedicated teachers, the thoughtfully designed environment, and the engaging curriculum have nurtured her growth in profound ways.
Perhaps most importantly, Airie Forest School has fostered a deep respect for nature in my granddaughter. She now has a greater understanding of the environment and the role we all play in its care. The access to challenges and obstacles has nurtured her ability to face adversity with determination and a positive mindset."
— Jackson Grandmother
"Every day, the students are empowered in the decision making about the activities for the day.
Yes, there is a lesson plan; however, the students are active participants in the learning process. These children are actively learning how to
work as a group and all that entails.
They are learning that concessions sometimes need to be
made, what it means, the results of working together, and to not only receive but give others a
place where all ideas are welcomed.
— Pifer Family