Waldorf + Forest SchooL
Rooted in Waldorf philosophy and forest school principles, our private school inspires creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning.
WELCOME
At Forest Hills Private School & Retreat Center, our mission is to nurture the whole child by creating a meaningful connection between nature, learning and community. Our vision is to provide a safe, outdoor learning experience that serves the spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual gifts of all children.
Rooted in Waldorf anthroposophy and guided by the principles of Forest Schooling, we believe that childhood is sacred, and should be filled with wonder, exploration, creativity, and opportunities for inner growth. We honour each child as an individual, recognizing their unique gifts and supporting their spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual development.
Through meaningful relationships, hands-on experiences, artistic expression, outdoor exploration, and a deep connection to the natural world, we foster resilience, curiosity, critical thinking, life-skills and a lifelong love of learning. We believe that the child is the curriculum, that nature is one of our greatest teachers and that when children are given the freedom, guidance and space to grow, they flourish into confident, compassionate and capable human beings.
Forest Hills Private School & Retreat Center Inc. is a private school (BSID#884992), as well as a retreat center for community gatherings and educational workshops. It is located on a 25-acre privately owned property, located at 316667 31st Line, Embro, Ontario, in the county of Oxford.
We are Forest Hills Hawks!
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge and thank the Haudenosaunee and People of the Longhouse as the stewards of this land, and their traditional territories on which we live, learn, work, play and travel, here in Southwestern Ontario. We are mindful that the Dish With One Spoon Treaty was negotiated here to promote peace and sharing. It is with gratitude that we are invited as a community into this treaty to continue to respect and honor this land.
“ Forest Hills Private school is truly a one of a kind community. It is filled with so much love, passion and dedication. My volunteering experience at Forest Hills was such a heart warming, incredible experience. The staff is so welcoming and the overall school setting is amazing. I loved being able to bond and build relationships with the children and staff, and always felt like my time there was valuable and appreciated. Being outside and exploring nature is very important for my children and I, and Forest Hills does exactly that. They allow the children to explore and learn within nature. They are allowed to be children; running, climbing, exploring, and appreciating Mother Nature are a few values of Forest Hills that I noticed. Witnessing the children explore, learn, cook, dance and moving in their bodies was such a cool experience. My daughter absolutely loves going to Forest Hills school. She is always excited to go and is full of adventurous stories when she is picked up. She feels safe and comfortable with the staff, and they have welcomed her with open arms into their community. Growing up on a farm, my children spend a majority of their time outdoors. Forest Hills allows my daughter to learn in an environment very similar to home. She is allowed to explore nature, go on adventures, help with cooking and baking and explore the world at her own comfort level. I am so thankful that I have found this community and that my children are able to have such an amazing education. Forest Hills Private School feels like Home, and the people there feel like family.”
Madeleine, Volunteer & Parent