7 Nature Schools in Singapore for Outdoor Learning

These schools provide space and resources for young children to explore and learn through nature in Singapore! 

Source: @RootsandBoots

More and more schools in Singapore are offering nature-based, Forest School curriculum. Here’s a list of some of the schools where children are free to explore nature! 

1. Forest School Singapore

In Forest School Singapore, there is minimal structural curriculum as the sessions are mainly child-led. The school allows young learners to connect with the world, through nature, at their own pace and freedom. In addition to weekly classes, the Forest School also offers a line-up of monthly workshops for a taste of the Forest School experience. The Forest School Singapore welcomes any child who is independent enough to carry his own backpack and walk without any assistance. 

2. Little Wildflowers

A nature schooling initiative based on the Steiner-Waldorf approach, Little Wildflowers explore and play in the parklands and rainforests of Singapore. They conduct their sessions, which includes storytelling sessions and hands-on art and craft activities, at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. 

3. Nature Explorers School 

Nature Explorers School adopts a holistic teaching approach, imparting knowledge of how things work, developing musical and linguistic skills as well as equipping young ones with survival skills and improving their emotional intelligence through activities like nature walks, outdoor cooking, and nature craft. Here children are encouraged to take the lead to solve nature-based challenges and ask open-ended questions. The school is currently operating at Labrador Nature Reserve. You can be at ease when it comes to the safety of your kids as each lesson is conducted by a certified Level 3 Forest School Leader with valid child first aid qualifications. 

4. Outdoor School Singapore

Outdoor School Singapore aims to cultivate a love for nature and learning in children through experiential and collaborative education as well as inspire them to become global citizens who take initiative and responsibility for the world they live in. The school runs a variety of holiday programs during March, June, September, November, and December each year. Their classes take place at the various parks and nature reserves in Singapore, from the Dairy Farm Nature Reserve to the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. 

5. Roots and Boots

Roots and Boots is an urban forest school with programs that places emphasis on the importance of life skills and experiential learning. Their mission is to build up the next generation of leaders to be resilient and empathetic lifelong learners who will advocate strongly for what they believe in. Roots and Boots offers Mini Outdoor Classroom for tots from 1 to 3 years old while 3 to 8-year-olds can join in the weekly Outdoor Classroom or take part in holiday programs. Additionally, they also offer educator training and workshops for parents. Their classes and holiday programs take place all around Singapore from East Coast Park, Botanic Gardens and Sungei Buloh to Pulau Ubin. 

6. Wildlings

Wildlings provides Forest School-inspired programs in their own nature space at Dempsey as well as at selected public nature spaces across the island. Wildlings programs aim to foster creativity, independence and empathy, build character, values, beliefs and habits which can last a lifetime. Parents can either join in the class or drop off your kids and head to the main building for some workout or a break at the café while you wait for your young ones. In addition to long-term programs, the school also organizes events, workshops, nature play sessions, and holiday programs.

7. Kidz Treehouse

Inspired by the concept of a Treehouse, Kidz Treehouse offers an environment where children can learn, play and imagine in nature. Using nature as a tool to develop confident and independent learners, the Kidz Treehouse Explorers program seeks to nurture learners who are emotionally and socially competent. The program aspires to develop healthy self-esteem through experiential learning.