WNC's First Nature Preschool
Growing Wild Forest School is a nature-immersion Preschool and Summer Camp located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Founded in 2016, the school serves as the region's first and only not-for-profit early childhood education program that nurtures child-led nature connection and whole-child development across the changing seasons.​
Operating year-round, GWFS offers half-day programming for ages 3-6, and a memorable forest camp experience in the summer months for ages 3-6. Review our FAQs page for more information on our talented team of educators, our instructional philosophy and the one-of-a-kind enrichment experiences we can offer your child, inside and out.
(My child's) independence, confidence and emotional resilience have noticeably increased in a short time, and I can tell from the observations her teachers have shared that they are able to give her the individual support and attention she needs.
- Ellie J., Asheville, NC
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Contribute to Our Forestship Fund!
How many of your favorite childhood memories take place outside? We're betting a lot of them, because the natural world is the best place for young children to grow and learn. More and more science shows that young children need plenty of time spent in free play and gently guided nature connection in natural settings for optimal health and development. Our nature connection school seeks to provide space for just that, and we need your support to help advocate for our most marginalized communities.
Just $49 a day covers a child's entire tuition. Choose a one time donation or make a monthly commitment. When you pledge to cover a child's access to forest school, you invest in not only their future, but OUR future.