Ashdown Forest School

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Ashdown Forest School Outdoor preschool in Minnesota We believe in intentionally slowing down to promote mindfulness, kindness, social connection, and self-empowerment.

Ashdown Forest School follows The Cedarsong Way Nature Pedagogy, distinguished by a commitment to nature immersion, flow learning, and authentic play. We aim to stimulate children’s innate curiosity, foster compassion and empathy for the earth and all living beings, and allow space for emergent curriculum to unfold organically each day. Teachers’ roles are as guides; actively modeling engagement in nature by using inquiry-based teaching strategies, making observations, and documenting learning. Diversity & Inclusion
We are mindful of creating a welcoming space for children and families of any race, ethnicity, socio-economic background, religion, gender identity, and ability. We believe in celebrating the uniqueness of each family, while actively broadening children’s perspectives. Land Acknowledgement
We are located in Mni Sota Make (Minnesota), the traditional homeland of the Dakota and the Ojibwa (Anishinaabe or Chippewa) People. We recognize that words are not enough, but we express gratitude and appreciation for this land, and we honor the Dakota and Ojibwa People as its original protectors.

This morning, a group of neighbors and Ashdown families gathered to give this trail at Lowell Wildlife Management Area a...
10/11/2026

This morning, a group of neighbors and Ashdown families gathered to give this trail at Lowell Wildlife Management Area a little TLC 🤎

Thank you, all, for volunteering your time and enjoying nature with us! 🌿🍂🦺🍩☕️

A few more beautiful Friday gatherings to share! Leaf Man 🍁🍂, October birthday celebrations 🌞🍰, and a group hike to the ...
10/09/2026

A few more beautiful Friday gatherings to share!
Leaf Man 🍁🍂, October birthday celebrations 🌞🍰, and a group hike to the farm to meet John and Velvet! 🥾🐓🫛🐾

10/09/2026

The spontaneous Feral adventures make childhood magical! 🌲✨

Every day brings a fresh opportunity to connect, play, and learn together outdoors. Alongside our friends at , who empower children to embrace nature in every season—building confidence, curiosity, and lifelong resilience through outdoor play.

The Feral is crafted to support that journey every step of the way. Designed to give growing feet full room to move naturally, it keeps young explorers warm, dry, and ready for whatever the trail brings.

Featuring .shoes new Active Grip Sole for confident traction on wet terrain, a 100% waterproof, and a cozy virgin wool lining that keeps toes comfy during hours of shared outdoor discovery.

Join the adventure! Explore natural movement made for cold days at the link in bio. 🥾🍂

Starting out October with a few extra layers, pine needle rides, lots of good quality play, and costume planning 🧦🌲🎨We’v...
10/09/2026

Starting out October with a few extra layers, pine needle rides, lots of good quality play, and costume planning 🧦🌲🎨

We’ve also been reflecting on our program philosophy lately and feeling SO GOOD about where we’re at this year. It’s taken years to fine tune every detail, fully settle into our space, and find a flow that works for us. The hard work has paid off and we’re filled with gratitude 🙏🏼

We wrapped up September with a birthday celebration, fall colors, and rainy days 🌧️Fall in Minnesota can pass us by quic...
10/02/2026

We wrapped up September with a birthday celebration, fall colors, and rainy days 🌧️

Fall in Minnesota can pass us by quickly, so we intend to soak up every last second of it 🍂

We can’t wait to see what October has in store for us!

Our little school in the woods is HIRING! 🌲📋We’re looking for a substitute teaching assistant beginning November 2026.🍄‍...
09/29/2026

Our little school in the woods is HIRING! 🌲📋

We’re looking for a substitute teaching assistant beginning November 2026.

🍄‍🟫 Must be familiar with nature-based teaching and have some experience working with young children

🍄‍🟫 Must have the flexibility to work occasional Mondays - Thursdays given short notice (may bring along 1 child if needed)

Could be an ideal position for a stay at home parent or someone looking to gain outdoor teaching experience. Will be required to complete a background study and training hours upon hire.

For more information, please email Rachel at [email protected]

Apple taste test with our Friday families this morning… Honeycrisp was the clear winner! 🍎
09/25/2026

Apple taste test with our Friday families this morning… Honeycrisp was the clear winner! 🍎

The cool fall air came in right on cue this year 🌬️ This week, we ventured deeper into the woods and our new friends dis...
09/25/2026

The cool fall air came in right on cue this year 🌬️

This week, we ventured deeper into the woods and our new friends discovered the sunny field and the farm! 🌞🌾 At the farm, we spread milkweed seeds, admired John’s zinnia flowers, harvested green beans from the plants our summer camp kids grew, and hiked as far as our little legs could carry us 🌸🫛🥾

Back at the nature playscape, we worked hard on self-portraits, had a rainy birthday celebration, played musical instruments, split firewood, and collected beautiful maple, oak, and poplar leaves 🎨🎶🍁🪕🌧️ What a perfect week!

Address

Breezy Point, MN

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 3pm
Tuesday 8am - 3pm
Wednesday 8am - 3pm
Thursday 8am - 3pm

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