Preschool Mission
At The Sanctuary Forest School, we nurture a lifelong love of learning through curiosity, play, and joyful discovery. Rooted in the values of kindness, compassion, and community, we create an inclusive and respectful environment where every child feels safe, seen, and celebrated. Through nature-based experiences and meaningful connections, we foster confidence, self-expression, and a deep sense of belonging. Our mission is to guide children in becoming compassionate, curious, and confident individuals—growing together in harmony with the world around them.
Core Principles
Nature is Our Classroom
Forests, fields, and streams offer endless opportunities for discovery, creativity, and connection. We use open-ended tools and toys—often made from wood, stone, or found materials—to inspire creativity, problem-solving, and sensory exploration.
Play is the Heart of Learning
At The Sanctuary Forest School, we use emergent curriculum in combination with our knowledge of each developmental stage to create meaningful experiences and learning opportunities. Through open-ended, imaginative play, children build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
All Seasons, All Weather
Rain, snow, sun, or mud, children learn resilience, adaptability, and self-care by experiencing nature in every season. Safe Risk-Taking Builds Strength and confidence. Climbing, balancing, exploring—children are encouraged to take appropriate risks. This nurtures problem-solving, self-awareness, and courage.
Whole-Child Development
The educators at the Sanctuary Forest School support every aspect of a child's growth—physical, emotional, social, and cognitive—through hands-on, real-world experiences.
Growing Earth Stewards
By forming meaningful relationships with the land and animals, children learn to love and care for the planet, developing a deep sense of environmental responsibility.
Community and Connection
Students and teachers work together to build supportive relationships with peers, teachers, animal caregivers, families, and the natural world. We foster a culture of kindness, empathy, and inclusion, which builds a strong community of support for all.
Kindness and Compassion
In keeping with Unity Farm Sanctuary's mission, we ask that everyone on Sanctuary grounds consume plant-based foods when they eat meals and snacks here.
