where every explorer who enters our forest will find a calling that will change the world
Monday-Thursday 8:30-3:30
+ optional Friday
>>> attend 4 or 5 days a week <<<
extended hours are available from 7:30am-5:30pm
explorers elementary overview:
Our multi-age elementary classroom is an affiliate of the Acton Academy. As an Acton affiliate, we believe:
↟ each child has a gift that can change the world in a profound way.
↟ in a closely connected family of lifelong learners.
↟ in learning to learn, learning to do, and learning to be.
↟ in economic, political, and religious freedom.
Your child will be a part of our multi-age cohort of up to 15 elementary learners. Programming will focus on:
↟ Challenging, self-paced math, literacy, and writing skills
↟ Project-based learning opportunities in science, the arts, and social studies
↟ Outdoor learning (3-6 hours per day in Fall/Spring, 2 hours in Winter)
↟ Leadership + Character Development
↟ Meaningful community field trips ~once a month
↟ Opportunities for project presentation
a maximum of 15 children per cohort ensures individualized education and support
explorers schedule overview
(subject to change with the seasons and as we learn + grow)
7:30 - 8:30am Early Bird Drop-Off
8:30 - 9am Regular Day Drop-Off + Free Play
9 - 9:30am Spark : Morning Gathering
9:30 - 10:30am Core Skills : Math or Language Arts
10:30 - 11:30am Outdoor Free Play
11:30am - 12pm Core Skills : Math or Language Arts
12 - 12:35pm Lunch (brought from home)
12:35 - 1pm Group Read-Aloud
1 - 2pm Science/Social Studies/Nature Studies/SEL
2 - 2:30pm Specials: Spanish/Art/Music/Life Skills
2:30-2:45pm Ember : Afternoon Clean-Up and Send-Off
2:45 - 3:30pm Outdoor Free Play
3:30pm Regular Day Pick-Up
3:30 - 5:30pm Night Owls (Free Choice)
5:30pm Final Pick Up Time
Curriculums we use include: Math with Confidence, Lexia Literacy, NOEO Science, Waseca Reading, + more.
FAQs
Are you a homeschool co-op?
No. We are a small, secular private school providing individualized, nature-based learning for ages 3-8+. We are registered as an independent non-public school through the MN Department of Education.
How do students learn in a mixed-age cohort?
We strongly believe in the power of mixed-age learning. Each student in our cohort is placed on their own level for math, writing and literacy. While we are a nature-based school, we understand the value and need for technology and utilize adaptive education programs including Lexia Literacy, Symphony Math and Khan Academy. Students engage in 1-2 20 minute blocks of tech time during daily core skills for math and literacy. This allows them to move forward at their own pace, soaring quickly through material they know and providing support for material they do not. Guides monitor progress and provide screen-free 1:1 and small group learning opportunities for each student in all core skills areas.
Science, Social Studies, Nature Studies, Social Emotional Learning, and more are taught in the afternoon through project-based, multi-grade curriculums that challenge each learner.
Are students tested?
Students are required by the State of MN to complete standardized testing each spring. We utilize the IOWA test with all learners. Testing is provided on site by our classroom guide as an untimed paper and pencil test. Test scores are only shared with school staff and each learner’s individual family and are not submitted to the state.
We believe in mastery learning, and learners show mastery of all material before moving on, but they are NOT tested in a traditional manner outside of the yearly requirement. Learners show work completed in a given subject area to demonstrate mastery.
what will my learner do when they age out?
Our Explorers program currently serves learners ages 6-8+ (or Grades 1-2/3 in a traditional school system). We plan to add a 3rd-6th grade cohort in the Fall of 2026. We anticipate serving learners through graduation by the year 2032.
Can my homeschool child attend?
Homeschooled learners are welcome to attend our Forest Fridays program. Explorers enrolled Monday-Thursday must attend all 4 days, complete all academic requirements at Roots and Wings Forest School, and be registered as private school students with their home district. We do NOT offer part-time options for our Explorers cohort at this time.
Enrollment is open for the 2024-2025 school year.
PLEASE EMAIL LEONA@RWFSMN.ORG OR CALL 218.325.0234 IF YOU have questions BEFORE APPLYING.
Further Readings that Guide and Support our Philosophy:
Courage to Grow How Action Academy Turns Learning Upside Down by Laura A Sandefer
Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life by Peter Gray
Let the Children Play: How More Play Will Save Our Schools and Help Children Thrive By Pasi Sahlberg and William Doyle
Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv
Let Them Eat Dirt: How Microbes Can Make Your Children Healthier by B Brett Finlay, PhD and Marie-Claire Arrieta, PhD
Teach Like a Finlander by Timothy D. Walker
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character by Paul Tough