The Forest Learners Elementary School Program is an immersive two-day-per-week nature-based program which can be combined with another two-day program run by a public Online School blended program. More information about this program will be provided upon registration.

The Soaring Eagle Nature School days allow children to learn life, naturalist, and survival skills. The program sets learners up for a life of deep nature connection, resiliency, positive learning, and total comfort in the natural world. Each year, the students continue with their same cohort, and the curriculum adapts to the kids’ ages as they grow older.

Mission

To deliver outdoor education that prioritizes embodied nature connection, social-emotional support, and experiential learning in the delivery of BC curriculum.

Values

• Teaching to the whole child and meeting learners where they are at
• Creating meaningful connection to the natural world, community, and others
• Encouraging play, imagination, and a sense of awe in all we do
• Fostering a community where mentors, teachers, and parents are all involved in the learning of a child

See the Forest Learners Info Session Recap and Q&A (Some information differs for the 2024-25 program).

Schedule

Monday and Thursday: These days are under the direction of Soaring Eagle Nature School, offering in-depth nature-based education and skill-building sessions at Capilano River Regional Park.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Run by a public Online School blended program. More information about this program will be provided upon registration.

Please Note

• No fees are charged by the Online School- Any fees pertain solely to the Soaring Eagle Nature School programming.
• Students who enroll in the Soaring Eagle Forest Learner Program are also enrolled in the Online School and assigned a BC-certified teacher who collaborates with the family to create a Learning Plan. This plan includes:
  • Classes once or twice a week led by their teacher
  • Classes with Soaring Eagle Nature School
  • Other classes or support in the community
  • Learning at home

To join the Forest Learner Program, fill out the form to register your interest. We will contact you based on your preferences to have a conversation about what you are looking for in your child’s education program and determine together if we are the right fit. Then, your child can join an in-person visit week, and if everything is seamless, we will take a deposit upon acceptance.

Program Highlights

• Two full days of Soaring Eagle Nature School programming in the forest, providing deep learning of naturalist and survival skills, as well as math, reading, writing, science, and more
• Two indoor/outdoor days at Camp Capilano with large and flexible common areas, a kitchen, fireplace, fire pit and nature trails at our doorstep. This day is also mixed with academic study, with a BC Certified teacher.
• Small class size (14-15 kids) and high adult to child ratio (1:7)
• Project and passion-based learning approaches to the BC core curriculum 
• Field trips to explore different ecosystems and habitats
• A focus on crafting, such as weaving, sewing, making cordage, and more
• Survival skills such as carving, shelter building, navigation, wildlife tracking, mammal ID, bird language, and edible and medicinal plants
• Song, theatre, music, and art
• A non-coercive, gentle, and feelings-based approach to communication and play
• Emphasis on emotional awareness, compassion, and gratitude

Program Details