A FULL TIME NATURE IMMERSION
1ST-5TH GRADE PROGRAM
2021/22
SESSION
SEP08- JUN10
Ages: 6 - 11 Years Old
Days: M, T, W, TH, F
Time: 9:00am - 3pm
Fri (9am-1pm)
Where: East Bend
Now taking names for:
2022/23 1st/2nd & 3rd/4th grade program


We offer a full time program for children 6-11 years of age, 9AM - 3PM, five days per week. In order to create a safe, connected, trusting, and individualized learning environment, we have a low staff to child ratio of 1:6, with a maximum class size of 12 children. We have one licensed elementary teacher and one assistant teacher.
Inspired by European model, Waldkindergarten (all outside, all weather, early childhood programs), we have created an inclusive nature immersion primary grades program that provides children with the opportunity for adult supported uninterrupted and unstructured play time in nature combined with project based learning with classroom (yurt) time.
As a place-based program, children continually discover their “classroom” as the seasons and environments change throughout the year which inspires play and curriculum throughout the year.
Within our classroom (plus yurt) we:
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Place equal value on the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of students.
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Promote authentic learning with high expectations.
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Provide an open atmosphere for the student's discovery of self, others, and the world around them.
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Encourage an intimate connection to the natural world and surrounding communities through in-depth, integrated study.
Key Programmatic Features
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Nature immersion (w/yurt for classroom time as curriculum and weather require)
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Forest School Skills
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Place-based education (connection w/community)
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Focus on Social Emotional Development
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Grade level learning standards are embedded in project based work
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SEAM (Science, Engineering, Art & Math)
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Spanish
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Individualized Learning
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Project based/integrated learning
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Interest-led/play-based learning
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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
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Small student to teacher ratio of 6:1
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Multi-age classrooms
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Service Work
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Music
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Orienteering
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Acro yoga and slack lining lessons
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Mindfulness
TUITION
Bend Forest School strives to make all the programs we offer as equitable to our community as possible. In doing so, we follow a two-tier tuition model. The cost of tuition is dependent on which tier a family falls within. Applicants will apply through School & Student Services (TADS) in order to determine tier placement. Tuition assistance is also available. View more information about our tuition model and application process here.
Our primary-grades program is a 5 day per week program.
SCHEDULE
Bend Forest School will loosely follow the Bend-La Pine School Districts schedule. We will follow their Inclement Weather Closures.
Following is our 2022-2023 schedule:
First Day: September 19th, 2022
Veterans Day (C):
Thanksgiving Break (C):
Winter Break (C):
MLK Day: (C)
President's Day: (C)
Spring Break (C):
Memorial Day (C):
Last Day: June 22nd, 2023
