Frequently Asked Questions
What services do you offer?
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We offer a private school program for kindergarten to grade 8 and a licensed before and after school childcare including PD days and School breaks for up to 13 kindergarten aged kids and 13 elementary school aged kids. still keeping our staff to child ratios lower than most childcare facilities for this age group.
When Do I Register?
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We welcome registration at any time during the school year; however, classroom spaces are limited. Registering early guarantees your child’s spot and allows us to prepare the classroom with the appropriate materials to ensure a successful start to the school year..
What to Expect when I register?
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Conversation: We will talk to you about your child and their unique needs.
Connection: You, and your child, if you like, can book a tour of our space.
Comfort: We also offer a complimentary trial day so your child can become familiar with their teacher and classmates and get a feel for things before deciding if forest school is a good fit.
Community and Communication: If you decide to choose Kind Forest School you will receive an invitation to join our online communication platform, Storypark for updates and photos of your child.
Why Choose a Private School Over a Public School?
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Families choose our school for many reasons, including:
Small class sizes that allow for individualized attention and strong relationships.
A close-knit community atmosphere with meaningful family involvement.
Qualified and experienced educators, including certified Forest School Practitioners, OCT Certified Teachers, RECE’s and people with many years in the education and childcare fields.
A calm, quiet learning environment with a low teacher-to-student ratio (approximately 7:1), which allows students and teachers more time to work through difficult concepts and allow for inquisitive learning to happen naturally.
Daily access to the forest and ample unstructured, child-led outdoor play in all weather.
Opportunities for healthy risk-taking, building resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills.
Longer lunch breaks to encourage healthy eating habits (allergy-aware policies are implemented when required).
A commitment to inclusion and accessibility, while maintaining high-quality, hands-on learning materials.
Flexible attendance options, including part-time enrollment.
Regular field trips and community exploration, made affordable through small-group travel using public transit, as well as parent involvement.
Connections to Land, Nature and Community, and the building of long lasting meaningful connections with friends and other families.
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How Much Is Tuition?
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We keep costs manageable by operating a licensed childcare program that shares daily expenses, purchasing high-quality “previously loved” materials, and benefiting from the support of dedicated volunteers.
Our tuition is comparable to the cost of daycare or summer day camp. We do not charge administrative or hidden fees.
Tuition Rates:
Daily: $55* (part-time or full-time)
Weekly: $275*
Monthly: Based on the number of school days in the month
If you do not require care on PD Days, you will not be charged for those days. Statutory Holidays are billed.
Tuition Assistance
If tuition is a barrier, assistance may be available. We will meet with your family to discuss options. Families receiving tuition support are asked to contribute volunteer time to help offset program costs. Please speak with us to explore what may work for your family.
*Prices may be subject to change- current as of July 2026
Is There a Commitment Required?
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What If the Weather Is Bad?
No long-term commitment is required.
While we hope students remain with us throughout their elementary years, we understand that family circumstances change. If you need to withdraw or adjust your child’s schedule, written notice must be provided before the 15th of the month (prior to invoices being issued).
Once an invoice has been issued and payment processed, refunds are not available.
What Are Your Hours?
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We are open as follows Monday to Friday:
Before School Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
School Day: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (flexible arrival and dismissal; no bells)
After School Hours: 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
PD Days, March Break, Summer Breaks: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Closed on Statutory Holidays
We follow the public-school board calendar, including holidays and PD Days. Private School students receive priority placement in our before- and after-school childcare program. Childcare subsidy may be available through DNSSAB.
What Curriculum Do You Follow?
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We follow the Ontario Curriculum while embracing the Forest School philosophy, prioritizing outdoor and experiential learning.
Our mixed-age classrooms encourage peer learning and allow children to develop at their own pace. Small class sizes and low ratios enable us to tailor learning to each child’s strengths, interests, and needs.
We value curiosity and child-led inquiry, helping students discover subjects they love while ensuring a broad and balanced educational foundation.
We believe there is no such thing as bad weather—only inappropriate clothing.
Students go outside daily unless there is thunder, extreme cold (approximately -30°C), or an emergency weather warning. Proper outdoor gear is essential. If needed, we have extra gear available to ensure all children can participate safely.
Children should arrive in comfortable, season-appropriate clothing that can get dirty! We think that learning can be messy!
A labeled spare change of clothes should be kept in your child’s cubby. Indoor shoes are required and must be worn at all times while indoors for safety.