Frequently Asked Questions
There are always a number of questions our prospective families have for us when they are considering enrolling their student for one of our programs. We decided to compile a list of Frequently Asked Questions and our answers to make it easier for you to find the information you are looking for. If the answer to your question is not here, please feel free to email us or call any time and we would be glad to answer any questions you may have!
Is the Outdoor Woodland Learners Program a licensed program?
Yes! The Outdoor Woodland Learners forest school program is licensed in good standing through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).
Are all of your staff members CPR Certified?
Yes! All members of the Outdoor Woodland Learners program are CORI/SORI checked, adult and pediatric CPR and First Aid Certified, and registered with the Background Record Check system for childcare settings in the state of MA.
What is your teacher to student ratio?
The Outdoor Woodland Learners program maintains small teacher to student ratios to ensure each student has the opportunity for individual and small group instruction. Most classes keep a 7:1 student/teacher ratio.
Can I sign my student up for one day only, or choose my own schedule?
No. At this time we have our classes separated into different schedule options (2 day, 3 day, or 5 day programs). This is the way our classes must be structured to ensure each student has fair and equal access to the curriculum we teach. We are unable to accommodate custom scheduling at this time.
Do you offer afternoon classes or full day care?
No. All of our classes are half day classes and are offered in the morning only.
Do you offer one day programs and/or session-based programs?
No. At this time we are not offering one day programs or session-based programs. When we do offer these classes they will be posted in our "Programs" section of our website and also posted to our Facebook page.
If my child doesn't like the outdoor learning environment, can I drop?
We ask that each student commit to the full year at OWL school. We carefully schedule our classes and curriculum and it is too difficult to take on a new student that is unfamiliar with the educational flow of our days after our year has started. It is due to this and a number of other factors that we ask you to please honor your one-year commitment to our program.
Will I be required to purchase anything to attend OWL school?
Yes! There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing! If a student is improperly geared-up their experience at OWL school will not be as fun as it should be. We do have outerwear requirements here that ensures your student stays warm/cool, dry, and happy all day! Upon acceptance to our program, you will be provided with a "Gear Guide" for your student with outdoor gear suggestions (rain suit, rain boots, mittens, snowsuits, snow boots, etc).
What do you do in the event of severe weather?
Our OWL school property has not one, not two, but THREE yurt classrooms (the third yurt classroom is to be built summer 2022). These classroom spaces are used daily for our Montessori-inspired component of our day. They are our indoor spaces and are utilized for the full day in the event of inclement weather. The Outdoor Woodland Learners follows the Berkley Community School for most closing and delays due to weather. Ultimately closing or delay decisions are up to the Director of programming here at OWL school. If we are closed or delayed, parents will be notified via our app "Brightwheel" and a Facebook post will be made in our secret parent Facebook group.
Do you close for vacations and holidays?
Yes! We follow the Berkley Community School for vacations and most major holidays. Students will be given a school calendar upon acceptance into the program that outlines all vacations, holidays, and parent/teacher conference days.
Do I need to pay my full tuition up front?
No! There is a 10% deposit due by June 1st if your student is drawn for a spot in our program. The remaining tuition may be paid as it makes sense for your family. You may pay the remainder up front, split the remaining tuition into two separate payments due on September 1st and January 1st, or break the remaining payments up over 9 months from September 1st - May 1st (your 10% deposit covers the final month of school). The 9-payment option is our most popular.