Families are welcome to choose our half day programming and can be changed based on our family’s needs. 

THURSDAYS 9:00 A.M-2:30 P.M.

Forest program is held at Watchung Reservation in Mountainside. Students spend the entire day learning and exploring in the Forest. The curriculum is emergent based on students’ observations, findings and interests. The program develops organically as students begin to build a relationship with the forest. Nature-based curriculum changes with the seasons. The whole-child approach to what they can feel, touch, see and experience. Ms. Christina has extensive experience with nature-based programs. Her experience working in a Danish preschool and living in Denmark is really what has inspired our nature program. The nature studies are inspired by Charlottee Mason and rhythms by Waldorf Education. We begin the morning with welcome activities that may include painting, literacy activities, games, handwork etc. 

We hold a community meeting where we begin our day greeting each other, setting intentions, group sharing, read aloud, weather tracking, calendar and other shared learning experiences. After our meeting, we begin our hike. On our hike, the students really take lead of the learning. We have multiple landing spots where students are encouraged to take a moment, observe and record what they are experiencing.

At Holistic, our goal is to create a community of like-minded families to help support and grow with one another. Parents are encouraged to join us by sharing expertise or passions. Some families choose to plan a long-term program, whereas others volunteer sporadically when time allows. 

We attend field trips that are open to all our community members and their families. We also hold a variety of events that all our members love to participate in.