UPCOMING COURSES 2025-2026
WELCOME
Founded in 2012, The Academy of Forest Kindergarten Teachers is the first teacher training institution in North America to specialize in human development and deep nature connection.
The Academy of Forest Kindergarten Teachers was founded by Lia Grippo, Erin Dews, Kelly Villarruel, and Kolmi Majumdar.
Lia Grippo also established Wild Roots Forest School in 1998, the longest running forest school in North America. Each of our instructors have been in the field of early childhood education for over 35 years and continue to bring passion, wonder, and playfulness to their work.
“I feel totally different when I’m outside, I have a truly awakened curiosity about nature. And I feel so much more confident as a parent… which has allowed me to enjoy my son more and release a lot of anxiety around parenting.
I started working at a forest school and really surprised myself at how confident and at ease I was as a new teacher— while I have a lot to learn experientially, the foundation I gained at the Academy has given me many tools to start that journey.
Lastly, I was surprised to discover that my experience at the Academy expanded far beyond learning to work with children outdoors—these deeply thoughtful trainings were really a meditation on care—how to care for ourselves and each other, how to care for the land, and how to care for the next generation.”
~ Teacher Training participant 2022
BIRDS OF A FEATHER - RECLAIMING NATURE CONNECTION WEEKEND
An incredible group of dedicated, engaged educators who danced in the Spring rain, shared their teacher know-how with one another, tackled important issues with positivity and grace, and built new layers of care taking. We all departed feeling more connected, bonded, and inspired to create and hold community festivals back home. What an honor to spend time and play with these humans. Thank you to the '“Nestifull” group!
