Our Curriculum

Fall 2026: Hearthfire Guardians

Real primitive skills and crafts. Conservation work in gardens, orchards, wetlands and bamboo forests. Seasonal books and activities to explore biomes near and far.

Thursdays, 10-3, $275/mo

Email frolickingferns@gmail.com to register.

What is Forest School?

Forest schools are a learner-center approach that has proven to benefit children holistically as well as academically.

Forest schools:

  • Build confidence and resilience
  • Support mental & social health
  • Improve academic engagement
  • Develop a passion for learning
  • Improve physical wellness
  • Boost creativity and critical thinking
  • Foster a connection to nature

We focus on giving students rich and varied experiences that will help them grow holistically, love learning, and be active participants in the world.

Meet the Teachers

We have a contagious passion that inspires students! We pride ourselves on being lifelong learners and dabblers in all things, so we can support students in a wide range of activities from ASL poetry to leathercrafting, from board game design to carpentry. 

Alyssum "Sprig Sparrowhawk" Smith-Carstens

Founder, Director, & Lead Teacher

  • B.A. in Social Studies Teaching with a focus on Political Science
  • Founder and Director of Frolicking Ferns Farm Preschool & Childcare since 2018
  • Instructor at Whole Earth Nature School (7 years)
  • Co-op Family Center Teacher (2 years)
  • Fluent in ASL

Also, hobby farmer, lover of adventure, and avid book reader!

Alicia "Foxfire" Rose

Teacher & Curriculum Specialist

  • B.A. in English and Anthropology
  • M.A. in Environmental Education
  • M.S. in Game-based Community Learning
  • Creator of Wildkin, a program used coast-to-coast for inspiring student engagement in outdoor programs
  • Lead Teacher at Frolicking Ferns Farm School
  • Programs Director and Instructor at Whole Earth Nature School (2013-2022)
  • Living Earth School Instructor (2013)
  • Adams International Montessori School instructor (2012-2013)

QUESTIONS?

For our parent handbook, to schedule a tour, or ask for more details, reach out!

Speak to our director Alyssum Smith-Carstens at 541-743-1074.

or email frolickingferns@gmail.com