We love to learn outside! As the first fully outdoor forest school setting in the Rockfish area, our Forest School offers a deeper, twice-weekly immersion in nature where children learn, explore, and grow through hands-on, Christ-centered experiences. We are committed to the powerful benefits of extended outdoor learning, and we see daily how it supports curiosity, independence, problem-solving, social skills, emotional wellness, and the simple joy that nature brings to children. Learning outdoors is not a break from school - it is school.
We honor the privilege of living, working, and playing in God’s creation and teach students how to care for nature and for one another. Our Christ-centered approach emphasizes stewardship, gratitude, teamwork, and character formation as children explore and interact with the natural world. Teachers model prayer, reflection, and connection to God’s creation, helping children see the outdoors as a living classroom where every leaf, acorn, bird, and breeze reveals something about the world our Creator designed.
Children spend their days exploring the woods, visiting the pond, discovering tiny seasonal streams, running through open fields, and building imaginative structures with sticks, rocks, mud, and natural materials. They investigate insects and wildlife, learn about habitats, experience weather patterns, experiment with water and soil, and engage in unhurried play that strengthens both body and mind. Simple tools, guided activities, story time, and nature journaling invite students to look closely at creation and to treat living things with respect.
Year-round outdoor learning helps students deepen their understanding of the seasons, develop resilience and perseverance, and learn to embrace curiosity without the distraction of screens or overly-structured environments. They experience the outdoors in all types of weather within safe boundaries, learning how to dress appropriately, stay comfortable, and adapt with confidence. These real-life lessons nurture courage, independence, and a sense of belonging that cannot be replicated indoors.
Forest School meets two days per week from late September through early May for children ages 4-10. Our setting welcomes both homeschool and traditionally enrolled students who desire meaningful time outdoors in a Christian, community-based learning environment. Registration opens each February, and we encourage families to reach out early, as spaces are limited and may fill quickly. Additional spaces may open throughout the year depending on enrollment changes, so feel free to inquire at any time.
Families may contact us for current tuition rates, enrollment details, and information about the interview process. We would love to schedule a visit, answer your questions, and help you determine whether Forest School is the right fit for your child.
Please reach us at information@waymarkacademy.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
This class is for 4-10 year olds and is on Tuesday and Thursdays from 9:00AM-12PM.
We go out in all weather! HH rain suit, Bogs rain boots and rain mittens are mandatory each day. Depending on the weather, layers are required to keep the children warm. A REI Tarn 18 backpack is required to bring snacks, drinks, extra clothing to and from the forest. There are other items that will be brought daily.
Yes, younger children cannot be out in extreme heat or cold, however older children, with the proper gear, usually can tolerate the temperatures better. We go out in rain or snow too! There are days when it is just too cold, too hot, or a storm is brewing and in this case we will cancel school.
Drop off is from 8:55AM-9AM - at 9AM we are off to the forest. Due to the nature of this program, we are unable to take late drop offs or early pick ups as we are in the forest. We recommend you arrive at least 15 minutes early to dress your child to check in. Pick up is at 12PM - anyone not at the school then will be considered late and a late fee will be applied. Please arrive for pick up at least 10 minutes early to be sure you are here on time.
All children must be fever, vomit, diarrhea free for at least 48 hours for this program and ready to fully learn and play. In addition, all other symptoms must be gone except for an occasional cough or nose wipe. When the children are outside symptoms usually flare up and it can be very uncomfortable for the children.
We use positive methods of discipline, and it is usually individualized to the child as we get to know them and what works best. Often this includes redirection, possibly sitting out, and if a child is not listening multiple times (in the forest this can be very dangerous) or hurting a friend or teacher, the child would need to go home for the day.
Rockfish Country Kids Learning Center, 2456 Lindsay Road, Raeford, NC 28376, US