TOCA

TOCA Urban Forest School in Prospect Park - Brooklyn.
-- where learning happens through play --

Spring 24 - March 4th - June 21st
Summer 24 - July 1st - 31st

There will always be plenty of responsibilities, homework, and lessons later on. But at this age, kids need to be just k...
08/26/2026

There will always be plenty of responsibilities, homework, and lessons later on. But at this age, kids need to be just kids.

We believe in giving children the freedom to play, make mistakes, and grow at their own pace, without the pressure to "achieve." We’re flexible with plans, we let them lead the way, and we keep them safe so they can fully enjoy the freedom of childhood.

Let kids be kids.

Love,
TOCA

08/24/2026

Yes, you might want to pack an extra t-shirt.

The best memories are often the messiest ones. There’s something special about earth, sticks, rocks, and genuine laughter when kids get together.

Doesn't that sound like the best parts of your own childhood?

Discover more about TOCA. Check our profile for upcoming events.

Humans are social animals at every stage of life.Growing up, many of us remember the freedom of playing in the street — ...
08/21/2026

Humans are social animals at every stage of life.

Growing up, many of us remember the freedom of playing in the street — a place where neighbors, family, and community all came together. At TOCA, we’re bringing that feeling back.
Surrounded by nature, at Prospect Park, our groups play away from screens, without the constraints of uniforms, and with plenty of space for real creativity and connection to flourish.

Have you met your kids' new friends yet? You might just make a few new ones yourself.

The days are getting shorter and the sky is changing, which means one thing: Fall is here! As the seasons shift, we’re g...
08/19/2026

The days are getting shorter and the sky is changing, which means one thing: Fall is here! As the seasons shift, we’re getting our new groups ready to explore, play, and learn.

🍃 Morning Group: 4 hours/day (9am–1pm)
🍃 Extended Hours: 2 hours/day (1pm–3pm)
For children 22 months and up.

🍃 After School Hours: Monday and Thursday (3pm-5h30pm)
🍃 School Holidays: Special Dates (9am-3pm)
For children ages 3 and up.
Note: Children 3–4 must be fully potty trained.

Learn more and read our FAQ at toca.nyc. Spots are limited, so save yours today!

When was the last time you really took a moment to look at a tree? Not just a quick glance, but actually observing its t...
08/17/2026

When was the last time you really took a moment to look at a tree? Not just a quick glance, but actually observing its texture, patterns, and lines?

No two branches are the same.

There’s something incredible that happens in the brain when we reconnect with nature and its ability to reinvent itself. While traditional classrooms are often square, with white walls and rigid layouts, the forest offers a new surprise around every corner.

At TOCA, we believe there’s magic in giving kids the time to simply connect with the branches, the leaves, and the changing seasons. The best learning happens out there.

Explore our philosophy at toca.nyc.

08/14/2026

TOCA is a forest school where learning happens through play. And honestly, what could be better than that?

Fall & Full-Term registration is now open, but spots are limited.

Fall | September 14th - December 18th, 2026
Full-term | September 14th - June 18th, 2027

Secure a spot for your little one at our website.

I love when at the end of the day I see their feet like this. And I love that at some point we naturally go to rest our ...
07/23/2026

I love when at the end of the day I see their feet like this. And I love that at some point we naturally go to rest our feet from running, climbing, swinging, and sit to make beautiful things with what we’ve collect earlier in the day.
Healthy childhood❤️
Pics by Riley❤️

.Small children learn all the time. Once outside, they lie on the ground to look and discover things about what they hav...
07/08/2026

.
Small children learn all the time. Once outside, they lie on the ground to look and discover things about what they have just found, and there they connect with the energy of the earth.

When we put a small child in a classroom for hours, this precious contact is cut and this way of learning through discovery is lost as well.

A child doesn’t need anything else but another child and nature to grow up healthy, happy and in balance.

11/15/2025

The beauty of having an older friend to take you by the hand, walk you to places you’ve never been, showing you “secret passages” and making you feel safe.
At TOCA we care about friendships and we believe kindness is one of the most important things in life and it’s what children should be learning at early ages. We learn kindness by watching other people, by receiving and by practicing.

We were all under the Magic Tree and J stood up and said he wanted to see the blackberries. I watched him running there,...
07/03/2025

We were all under the Magic Tree and J stood up and said he wanted to see the blackberries. I watched him running there, but in the middle of the way he threw himself on the ground and stayed there. I walked fast towards him to see if he was ok, knowing already he was fine. Got next to him and all I saw was a sweet boy enjoying the freedom, rolling on the tall grass, feeling the sun, the grass, the warmth…… I can relate to the feeling. I often feel it too and I know how restoring it is. I sat with him, he smiled at me, and with no words we went to see the blackberries.
It seemed nothing happened, but something did happen. And it was as big as the universe. ❤️
Thank you, J. !

Address

Brooklyn, NY
11215

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 1pm
3pm - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 1pm
Wednesday 9am - 1pm
Thursday 9am - 1pm
3pm - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 3pm

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