Common Questions

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We are thrilled to welcome your family to Walden Peak Forest School! Nestled on 22 acres of diverse terrain, with 18 acres of forest, Walden Peak provides a rich, outdoor classroom for your child to play, explore, learn, and grow.

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Our Mission

To nurture the natural curiosity, confidence, and joy in every child by fostering a lifelong connection with the natural world through child-led, play-based learning in the forest.

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Philosophy

We believe:

• Children thrive outdoors.
• Fresh air and sunshine feed the body and mind.
• Unstructured play in nature fosters creativity, problem-solving, and resilience.
• Connection with the rhythms of seasons and weather deepens gratitude and environmental stewardship.
• Emotional intelligence and social learning flourish when children feel safe, seen, and free to express themselves.

Rooted in the pedagogies of Forest School, Waldorf, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia, our approach supports whole-child development.

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Program Overview

Age Group: 3–6 years
Daily Schedule: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Days Offered:

• Monday–Friday
• M/W/F
• T/Th

School Year: Aligns with the Hamilton County School District calendar
Location: Walden Peak Farm, Signal Mountain, TN

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Enrichment Program Highlights

• Nature Immersion: Daily explorations, hikes, seasonal observations, and wildlife tracking
• Creative Arts: Nature-based crafts, storytelling, and music
• Social-Emotional Learning: Conflict resolution, empathy development, and independence
• Early Literacy & Math Foundations: Embedded in play, games, and storytelling
• Life Skills: Risk assessment, responsibility, caretaking (tools, plants, each other)

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Our Campus

Walden Peak Farm is a 22-acre property featuring:

• Forest trails
• Open meadows
• A nature-play area
• Seasonal creeks
• Outdoor classrooms with tarps and seating
• Two Bathrooms

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What to Bring

Your child should arrive each day with:

• Backpack with water bottle and healthy lunch, and a morning/afternoon snack.
• Weather-appropriate layers (we go out in all weather)
• Rain gear and boots
• Extra set of clothes
• Hat and gloves (cold months)
• Sunscreen and insect repellent (applied before arrival)

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Health & Safety

• Staff are certified in First Aid and CPR.
• Teachers carry radios and first aid kits during hikes.
• Emergency contacts must be current and reachable.
• Severe weather (lightning, high winds) may lead to delays or cancellations.

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Communication

• Weekly email updates include photos, stories, and curriculum highlights.
• Teachers are available for scheduled check-ins.
• Urgent messages or changes will be sent via email and text.

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Attendance & Drop-Off

Drop-Off: 9:00–9:15 AM
Pick-Up: 3:00-3:15 PM
Please notify us in advance of any absences or early pickups.

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Illness Policy

Keep your child home if they show symptoms such as:

• Fever above 100.4°F
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Unexplained rash
• Persistent cough

Children must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning.

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Behavior & Discipline

We take a respectful, restorative approach to discipline:

• Encourage natural consequences and conflict resolution
• Support emotional literacy and boundary-setting
• Engage children in collaborative problem-solving

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Parent Involvement

We believe in building community with our families. Opportunities include:

• Seasonal festivals and workdays
• Parent workshops and volunteer days
• Family hikes and celebrations

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Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates vary by schedule. 

Registration Fee:  $100 – This fee is paid after your child is accepted into our program and secures their spot for the school year. (non-refundable, used for educators’ continuing education)
Tuition Information
Payment Schedule: Monthly, annual, or bi-annual payments accepted

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Enrollment Requirements

• Children must be toilet-proficient.
• Completed application and enrollment forms
• Signed waivers and media release
• Updated immunization record or exemption form

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Our Team

Walden Peak Forest School is led by Ryan Welch and Andrea Zoppo, alongside a team of passionate, experienced educators who combine formal training with a deep love for nature and children.