Who We Are

ONE FOREST SCHOOL IS AN ACADEMICALLY ACCREDITED PRIVATE SCHOOL OFFERING PRESCHOOL THROUGH EIGHTH GRADE CLASSES. WE ALSO OFFER ACADEMIC SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN AGES 2-12.OFS IS AN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FOREST SCHOOL. FALL SEMESTER BEGINS AUGUST 31ST. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT OUR ENROLL PAGE FOR DETAILS OR CALL TO SCHEDULE A TOUR!

ONE FOREST SCHOOL'S mission is to give those who come to Deerhead Nature Preserve an Organic Nature Experience by providing authentic learning opportunities to engage in nature, in a meaningful, lasting and holistic manner. We strive to instill a positive regard for nature and responsible stewardship. We foster a sense of community and a shared learning experience. Our Forest School program builds resilient, confident, and independent learners.

Our Mission Statement

The role of ONE Forest School is to play an integral part of every child who comes, regardless of his or her ability, background, religion or ethnicity. By developing in children a solid foundation of character, compassion and respect, they will be better equipped to handle obstacles in later school years and life.


Children will learn through playing with all the loose parts the forest has to offer as well as play in our sand or mud pit, create culinary surprises in our mud kitchen, build shelters and forts, play acting and dressing up, work in our vegetable or herb garden, participate in our weekly fire ceremonies and share their reflections during daily circle time. They will also better understand nature through different craft projects, identifying the different aspects of a living forest like the birds and the trees and the bugs and the rocks. This is all done through play as it’s been shown to be more beneficial to children. The forest is their classroom.

Our Role


In a time when childhood learning deficiencies, obesity, and school violence have become the norm, Forest schools are stepping in to provide our children with what they are lacking today, authentic learning experiences in nature. With society's focus on IQ, grades and state mandated assessments, our children are missing the most important part of their education: spending time in nature.


Forest schools have become the holistic building blocks for creating happy, healthy, well rounded people. They instill a yearning for learning and creativity in children while providing a safe, outdoor environment in the woods where children can spend the day, year round, in all weather. By enabling the children the freedom to explore and play, ONE Forest School will create a growth mindset in your child where they will be fully open to learning with no pressure.

Non Discrimination Policy

ONE Forest School does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, student enrollment, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, student body, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors. ONE Forest School is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.



INDIVIDUALS


Mr. & Mrs. Sutherland

Joseph Bird

Dr. Danielle Bird

The Sullivan Family Foundation

Heidi Sutherland

CORPORATE SPONSORS


The Friends of the Blue Ridge

Southside Electric Cooperative

Bartlett Tree Services

Bedford Welcome Center

Heidi O'Connor, Realtor ©

New College Institute

Watt Foster Family Foundation

City Electric Co.

Toler Insulation

Capp's Home Building Center

The Powers Tractor & Equipment Co.

Wanda Delong of H&R Block

Jacob Lewis, Rocky Mount State Farm Insurance

WE COULDN'T DO IT WITHOUT OUR SPONSORS!