What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 4pm Tuesday 9am - 12pm Wednesday 9am - 4pm Thursday 9am - 4pm Friday 9am - 12pm

Forest Academy

Home
United States
Lafayette, IN
Forest Academy

We are an outdoor education program that focuses on problem solving, self-control, and social skills.

The mission of Forest Academy is to return a sense of wonder and joy to the young child’s educational experience through immersion in a natural environment that provides opportunities for developmentally appropriate, child-led play. Our program focuses on helping children to develop essential life skills such as problem solving, self-control, perseverance, resilience, and social-emotional skills.

There is a growing body of research that shows how important these skills are to help kids participate more effectively in their education and their lives, as well as how Forest Schools help to develop these skills.

06/03/2026

Every day at Forest Academy, we see the benefits of nature-based learning firsthand. Whether they're building forts, exploring trails, or getting their hands dirty, our students are developing not only a love for the outdoors, but also healthier, stronger bodies.

New research from Finland found that children who regularly played in natural environments developed healthier microbiomes and stronger immune responses. In other words, getting outside, digging in the dirt, and connecting with nature may actually help boost children's immunity.

Nature isn't just a classroom. It's a powerful partner in children's health and development.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/29/soil-sandpit-children-dirty-biodiversity-finnish-nurseries-research-microbes-bacteria-aoe

05/28/2026

The forest has been quiet since the last day of class....but not for long.

We’re busy behind the scenes getting everything ready for a FULLY enrolled summer camp week, and we can’t wait to welcome the students back to all the energy and joy.

As we look ahead, we want to remind you that there are still a few openings for 2026-2027 school year classes. If you’ve been considering joining the Forest Academy community, now is a great time to reach out!

While we are not enrolling for the After-school class or Friday AM class in the school year, we are keeping a waitlist for both classes. We will open them as option if there’s enough interest. If either of those options would serve your family, let us know! You’ll help shape what we offer next.

We’re excited for what’s ahead and grateful for this growing community.

05/21/2026

What makes Forest Academy different?

Our mission is to inspire the development of the WHOLE child. The way we do that is in small multi-age group settings, individualized support, and constantly utilizing the natural environment around us.

Research proves that time spent in forest classes like ours increases mental health, resilience, and focus.

Learn more on in our parent's section on our website at ForestAcademyLafayette.org

05/20/2026

Traditional classrooms are not a good fit for every child.
Read these slides to find out how we bridge that gap.

If this sounds like your child, visit our website to learn about the programs we offer.

05/19/2026

Schooling can look different. At Forest Academy, we believe that learning should be engaging, personal, and connected to the real world.

William Messmer came out to our "Rooted in Resilience" event and put together this great video that shows you what our forest school classes are like.

Follow us to learn more!

05/11/2026

🌿 We still have open spaces in the 2026–2027 School Year! 🌿

Forest Academy enrollment has openings in our classes for the 26-27 school year. Our outdoor learning program gives children the chance to explore, play, and learn in nature while building confidence, curiosity, and real-world skills.

📅 August 10, 2026 – May 20, 2027
📍 Camp Sycamore Valley
We offer small, mixed-age forest school classes for ages 3–11, along with a Pre-Teen/Teen wilderness skills class (ages 11–16). We offer one-day and two-day programs, all designed to foster independence, creativity, and a deep connection to the natural world.
✨ Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
👉 Email us today to register your children! [email protected] and visit our website to learn more! forestacademylafayette.org
Come join us for another year of adventure, discovery, and learning in the forest!

04/30/2026

Some of the hardest conversations are the ones we need to have most.

This week, members of our team participated in a train the trainer program for the Partners in Youth Su***de Initiative. While this is not an easy topic to face, it is an essential one—especially given the current state of youth mental health.

We are incredibly grateful to North Central Health Services and Education Development Center for equipping us with the knowledge and tools to better identify su***de risk, strengthen Forest Academy’s policies, and more effectively support the mental health and well-being of our students.

The youth mental health crisis was one of the driving forces behind the founding of Forest Academy, and we are committed to continuing this work as we strengthen our ability to be part of the solution.

04/29/2026

🌲 Forest Academy Needs Your Help to Put Down Roots at Martin’s Woods 🌲

Because of this community, we’re one step closer to restoring a space where children can explore, create, and truly belong in nature.

But we’re not there yet.

Every donation, every share, and every conversation helps move this vision forward. A permanent home for Forest Academy means expanded access, deeper support for our students, and the ability to serve more families across Greater Lafayette.

If you’ve already given or shared—THANK YOU. Your support matters more than you know. If you’ve been thinking about getting involved, now is the time.

Let’s continue this together. 💚

💚Learn More About Forest Academy: www.forestacademylafayette.org
💚 Donate to our Cause: https://givebutter.com/help-forest-academy-purchase-our-future-home-uwhelx

04/21/2026

Forest Academy has an incredible opportunity to put down roots in a permanent home—and not just any home. Martin’s Woods has a rich history of providing environmental education to students from Hershey Elementary, bringing joy, curiosity, and creativity to generations of children.

We would be honored to carry forward the legacy of this property by restoring environmental education at Martin’s Woods and creating a space where even more children can learn, grow, and connect with nature. With our own space, we can make the adaptations required to offer full-time care and offer many more services for our students.

If you’re able, we would be deeply grateful for a donation of any amount to help us reach our goal. And if you’re willing, please share this video with your network and encourage others to give.

Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of children across the Greater Lafayette area.

04/20/2026

Rooted in Resilience was a great success!! We welcomed over 180 community members, young and old, to learn more about Forest Academy and experience all the joy and wonder that nature brings our students every day! Thank you to all our sponsors, volunteers, this amazing group of teachers and therapists, and Momentum Event Management, who helped us make this a magical evening for all involved!

Address

8439 SR 26 E
Lafayette, IN
47905

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4pm
Tuesday	9am - 12pm
Wednesday	9am - 4pm
Thursday	9am - 4pm
Friday	9am - 12pm

Telephone

+17654140125

Website

http://forestacademylafayette.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Forest Academy posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Forest Academy:

Shortcuts

Address
Telephone
Opening Hours
Alerts
Contact The Organization
Claim ownership or report listing

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Lafayette?