The Forest School

The Forest School Inspiring minds. Enriching lives. The Forest School are the founding pioneers behind nature-based one-day schools in New Zealand.

After decades of specialised teaching in mainstream education and at one-day schools for Gifted learners, in 2016 we paved the way by advocating for an alternative education option to be available for all children, regardless of learning abilities. The Forest School was brought about so that any child could learn, play and discover in a setting that enabled them to thrive through schooling- not ju

st survive. Welcome to The Forest School | Te Rongotaiao

We are a Registered Charitable Trust dedicated to meeting the individual social, emotional, well-being and learning needs of children between the ages of 5-12 years. Our campus is a 10-acre coastal property surrounded by native trees, a farm and a beach. The learning environment is student-led, passion-driven, and open to each child's interpretation. Childhood is highly valued and fostered. We enable opportunities for greater curiosity and creativity and see a REAL love for this develop in children. We get mucky, take risks, challenge ourselves, and solve problems together; all while being immersed in the beauty and wonder of our natural world.

Mountains to Sea school trip 2026! 🌿🌊🏔️What an incredible week of learning outside the classroom!!The children had a fan...
30/08/2026

Mountains to Sea school trip 2026! 🌿🌊🏔️

What an incredible week of learning outside the classroom!!
The children had a fantastic time exploring our beautiful coastline as part of our Mountains to Sea school trip. We took on beach scavenger hunts, searching for different birds and shells, and worked together to give back to our beaches by collecting litter. Along the way, we discovered some pretty interesting things!

We also got hands-on with macro-invertebrate identification, spotted eels and learnt some seriously cool facts about the creatures and environments around us.

It was a week full of exploring, discovering, teamwork and plenty of muddy hands. The children showed so much curiosity and enthusiasm, making it a trip to remember.

Term 4 enrolment now available for our Charter School years 0-6! Get in quick as our spaces are limited. Thanks 💚🌲
28/08/2026

Term 4 enrolment now available for our Charter School years 0-6!
Get in quick as our spaces are limited.
Thanks 💚🌲

There’s no one way to enjoy the Forest School. 📸🎨Some children love getting stuck into drawing and creating, while other...
26/08/2026

There’s no one way to enjoy the Forest School. 📸🎨

Some children love getting stuck into drawing and creating, while others are happiest behind the camera, capturing little moments with their friends.

At The Forest School, we make space for all the different ways children explore, create, connect and express themselves. Whether they’re sketching what they see, taking photos, building, climbing, chatting or simply noticing something new, their interests lead the way.

Because every child has their own way of discovering, creating and connecting. 💚

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25/08/2026

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Counting the stories inside the trees 🌲Last week, we explored the chopped down pine trees and counted their growth rings...
24/08/2026

Counting the stories inside the trees 🌲

Last week, we explored the chopped down pine trees and counted their growth rings to estimate how old they were. Some of the trees had been growing here for more than 80 years.

Each ring represents another year of growth, giving the children a chance to look closely at the history hidden inside the tree and wonder about everything that may have happened while it was growing.

Can the forest cook an egg? 🥚
23/08/2026

Can the forest cook an egg? 🥚

Our book week dress up today has been so much fun! We’ve had Mary Poppins, Harry Potter characters, Star Wars characters...
21/08/2026

Our book week dress up today has been so much fun! We’ve had Mary Poppins, Harry Potter characters, Star Wars characters, The Gruffalo, The Paperbag princess, where’s Wally, Spider-Man, beautiful butterflies, princess Belle, Matilda, and soooo much more. Everyone looked outstanding. 📚

I can help!
19/08/2026

I can help!

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18/08/2026

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Our mud kitchen is a popular station at the Forest School. 💚 here are some benefits of it!
17/08/2026

Our mud kitchen is a popular station at the Forest School. 💚 here are some benefits of it!

Address

Orewa
0931

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 8:30am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+64224686184

Website

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