Forest School in San Francisco

Building Confident, Kindergarten-Ready Children Through Outdoor Play

Where Nature Nurtures Learning

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WHO WE ARE

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Greenwood Trail Forest School

We are an all-outdoor forest school for children ages 2–5 in Golden Gate Park.

Through hands-on projects, child-led learning, and daily exploration, children build confidence, independence, and a strong connection to nature.

California Association of Forest Schools logo, recognizing Greenwood Trail Forest School in San Francisco as a member.

Why Families Choose Us

Why Families Choose Us

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We focus on what matters most to families: safety, caring teachers, meaningful learning, and time in nature. Everything we do helps children grow with confidence and curiosity.

Safety Preschool

• 1-4 teacher-to-child ratios for close attention

• CPR-certified staff and daily safety checks

Safety First

• Low teacher-to-child ratios for close attention

• CPR-certified staff and daily safety checks

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Qualified Teachers

• Warm experienced educators who truly care

• Focus on each child’s growth and individuality

Illustration of a pine tree, sun, and plants with a decorative border in green.

The Gift of Nature

The Gift of Nature

• Daily outdoor play and real-world experiences

• Builds confidence, creativity, and resilience

Illustration of a girl and a boy standing on the ground with plants, holding a sun over their heads, symbolizing nature and happiness.

Child-Led learning

• Learning through play, exploration, and curiosity

• Supports emotional, social, and cognitive growth

• Learning through play, exploration, and curiosity

• Supports emotional, social, and cognitive growth

• Daily outdoor play and real-world experiences

• Builds confidence, creativity, and resilience

Safety First

Child-Led learning

Qualified Teachers

• Warm experienced educators who truly care

• Focus on each child’s growth and individuality

We focus on what matters most to families: safety, caring teachers, meaningful learning, and time in nature. Everything we do helps children grow with confidence and curiosity.

Five principles of Greenwood Trail Forest School in San Francisco: child-led learning, connection to nature, holistic growth, supported risk, and confidence and resilience.
Five principles of Greenwood Trail Forest School in San Francisco: child-led learning, connection to nature, holistic growth, supported risk, and confidence and resilience.

our philosophy

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Children build confidence and independence by taking thoughtful risks, overcoming challenges, and exploring safely.

Children follow their curiosity, ask questions, and take ownership of their learning through exploration and choice.

connection to nature

Children grow socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually through play and shared experiences.

Children practicing balance and taking supported risks during outdoor forest school play.

Children grow more confident and resilient by facing new challenges and gaining meaningful experiences.

supported risk

Children build lasting relationships with nature through daily exploration, discovery, and outdoor play.

confidence & resilience

Holistic growth

Child exploring nature barefoot on a fallen tree at Greenwood Trail Forest School in San Francisco.

Child-led learning

Our Approach to Learning

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A thoughtful blend of play, hands-on learning, and real preparation for kindergarten.

Explore Our Curriculum

Stay Connected to Your Child’s Day

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From photos of daily adventures to updates on meals, naps, and activities, families can stay connected to their child's day through Brightwheel.

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Meet the Team

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A woman standing outdoors under a large tree on a sunny day with a blue sky and some clouds in the background.

Maddy Sienicki

Lead Teacher

outdoor preschool teacher

Al Voulfson

Teacher

A woman with short brown hair, wearing sunglasses on her head, smiling outdoors in a sunny park with green trees and grass.

Jayce Ross

Teacher

Kiley Maloney

Teacher

A group of young children with backpacks and rain jackets sit on a blanket outdoors, listening to a woman reading a book in a foggy, green forest setting.
Children playing on sand dunes overlooking a beach with waves, distant mountains, and a clear blue sky.
Group of children playing outdoors on a grassy field, bending over with their hands on the ground, with trees and a dirt path in the background. In golden gate park
Person working on a cardboard cutout of a face, laying on a blue cutting mat on a wooden table, with children observing, outdoors with leaf-covered ground, wearing gloves and a patterned coat. In golden gate park
A child in a teal jacket and navy pants climbing on a large pile of sticks and logs in a forested area.
Four children standing by a pond, with some kneeling, surrounded by trees and grassy area.
Children playing outdoors on large tree logs in a park, surrounded by trees and blue sky.
Three young children playing in the sand at the beach, with one child digging and the others observing. In golden gate park
A group of children and adults having a picnic in a wooded forest, sitting on a tarp with backpacks and lunchboxes, with a woman reading a book to the kids.
Firefighters kneeling and speaking to young children sitting on the grass in front of a fire truck. The fire truck has 'San Francisco Engine Co.' written on the side, and the scene is outdoors with trees and parked cars in the background.
A group of children and an adult are by the edge of a river, some pointing and looking at the water, surrounded by trees and greenery. In golden gate park
Children sitting inside a canvas teepee tent outdoors on a sunny day.