What are the opening hours?

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

Forest Academy

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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.

06/16/2026

Three days left until our first Family Forest Day ⏳
Miss Tabitha has been busy finalizing our hike trail and getting supplies for our educational activity.

Register today at https://form.jotform.com/261587663376168

06/12/2026

Come visit us tomorrow, June 13th at the Tippecanoe Amphitheater from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm for Outdoor Explore! We're excited to share the benefits of Nature Journaling with our community, as well as to learn more about the many great outdoor activities in our area!

06/10/2026

If you missed the announcement at our End of School Year gathering; one of our head teachers, Miss Tabitha has recently been appointed as Assistant Director.

She's passionate about supporting our students and connecting with the community on a deeper level. Her current projects reflect that.

Introducing Family Forest Days - guided outdoor gatherings, taking the Forest Academy experience on the road. Fill out the interest survey -> https://form.jotform.com/261587261052153

06/05/2026

🌎 Happy World Environment Day! 🌿

We are thrilled to be participating in GreenFest tomorrow, an annual celebration of the Greater Lafayette Climate Action Plan. This local event brings together people of all ages to explore creative ideas, hands-on projects, and local initiatives that help make Greater Lafayette a healthier, greener place to live.

We’re excited to spend the day connecting with community members and joining so many incredible organizations that are working to promote sustainability, environmental stewardship, and positive community action. We hope you'll join us for a day of learning, inspiration, and fun as we celebrate the many ways we can care for our environment together.

See you at GreenFest! 💚

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!

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/

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