Forest Program

A Reimagined Classroom

  • Ages 4 & 5
  • 5 Day Program
  • Core Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Drop-in Options
  • Extended AM & PM Hours
Children are given the time and space to explore, wonder, investigate, and build meaning together. Learning unfolds outdoors, in relationship with peers, educators, and the living environment around them.

Forest Program at SHED Children’s Campus is a full-day, five-day-per-week kindergarten experience rooted in social and emotional development, collaboration, empathy, and deep connection to the natural world. Designed for children who thrive through movement, exploration, and hands-on learning, Forest K uses the surrounding forest, fields, and yurts as primary learning environments.

Backed by Science
Curiosity
Environment
Community
Expression

Registration & Scheduling Options

Choose from full-time, part-time, or drop-in care that suits your family’s needs.

Tuition is billed in 10 equal monthly payments during the school year.

30-day notice needed for all scheduling adjustments 

  • $75 Registration Fee per Child
  • $300 Yearly Facility Fee per Child

Full-Time Preschool

8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Days per Week Monthly Tuition
5 Days
$1,914
4 Days
$1,556
3 Days
$1,214
2 Days
$836
1 Day
$424

Part-Time (Half Day)

8:30 AM – 12 PM

Days per Week Monthly Tuition
5 Days
$957
4 Days
$778
3 Days
$607
2 Days
$418
1 Day
$212
Days per Week Early Drop Off (8 AM) Extended Day (3:30 PM - 6 PM)
5 Days
+$185/month
+ $683/month
4 Days
+ $148/month
+ $556/month
3 Days
+ $111/month
+ $424/month
2 Days
+ $74/month
+ $293/month
1 Day
+ $37/month
+$156/month
Drop-in Options Cost per Day
Full Day 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
$114
Full Day + Extended Hours 8:30 AM – 6 PM
$155
Half Day 8:30 AM – 12 PM
$57
backed by science

Why Choose Nature-Based Learning?

  • Improved attention and self-regulation - Studies on Attention Restoration Theory demonstrate that natural environments reduce cognitive fatigue and improve focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation in children.
  • Deeper creativity and problem-solving – Open-ended natural materials invite imaginative play, tinkering, experimentation, and innovation, supporting flexible thinking and cognitive resilience.
  • Enhanced physical development – Moving across uneven ground, climbing, lifting, and exploring builds strong bodies, balance, coordination, and confidence. Regular outdoor learning is also linked to healthier vision, stronger bones, and improved endurance, helping children develop physical skills that support long-term health and learning.

Inside the Classroom

Children learn in the forest, fields, and yurts, where their curiosity guides exploration and discovery. Inspired by Reggio Emilia principles, educators create experiences that encourage creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving through daily learning in nature.

What Forest Learning Looks Like

Meet our Forest Program Teacher

Elizabeth
She/Her

Hi, I’m Elizabeth. I am a Forest educator who believes deeply in the power of nature, curiosity, and social-emotional learning. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, I embrace the outdoors as a teaching partner and create learning experiences rooted in exploration, creativity, and connection. I feel grateful to spend my days supporting children as they discover the world around them and grow with confidence at SHED.

Curiosity in Action

Facilitating learning one question at a time.

A fleeting moment of curiosity becomes something more when a teacher recognizes it, nurtures it, and builds from it. This is where the work of Reggio comes to life. Our educators listen closely, observe intentionally, and respond with purpose. What starts as a simple wonder becomes a meaningful, child-led investigation that unfolds over time.

Explore how wonder turns into meaningful projects.

Life-Sized Shadow Portraits

A fascination with shadows grows into self expression.

Why Nature-Based Learning Works

Learn more about the research and insights behind the Forest Programs approach to learning

Parents Welcome

Join Us in the Classroom

Families are an integral part of the Forest Program community.

  • Parents are welcome in learning spaces
  • Daily communication between educators and families
  • Two formal parent conferences per year
  • Ongoing documentation shared to support transparency and connection

The Forest Program is built on trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility for each child’s growth.

Parent Experience

What our parents are saying about their experience at SHED Children's Campus
5/5

I cannot speak highly enough of SHED

The overall culture of the staff and administration fosters an amazing (and rare) sense of independence, curiosity, creativity, community, and kindness. So grateful to have a program like this in Andover - I wouldn't leave my girls anywhere else!

5/5

I am very happy with SHED/Kids club.​

Our kids use the bus to go from school to SHED. They are able to choose the activity they would like to do in the afternoon and they love it. The management goes above and beyond to help. We have had a wonderful experience at SHED

5/5

Our son loves SHED and so do we.​

The clinic offers top-notch services and a welcoming atmosphere. The doctor took the time to explain everything in detail and offered practical solutions to improve my health naturally. My only suggestion would be to reduce wait times, but overall, it was an excellent experience.

5/5

My daughter absolutely loves spending time at SHED.​

The people who take care of the kids are amazing. The activities are endless, and the rest of the staff are very welcoming and helpful.

2026 SHED Children's Campus Calendar

Find upcoming events, program drop-in days, school closures, and special activities all in one place. Events that require an RSVP or ticket purchase will be clearly marked.
Calendars
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SHED Campus 2026 Calendar

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Discover the Forest Program for Yourself

Rooted in curiosity, community, and creativity, Monarch is where children grow into confident, joyful learners.
Schedule a campus tour today and see what joyful, curious, and child-led learning looks like.