Intake

At Forest School SA, a strong, connected group is the heart of meaningful outdoor learning. To nurture this, each new student joins through an intake process designed to build small, balanced groups where every child can feel safe, valued, and supported to grow in confidence, creativity, and connection to nature.

How the Intake Process Works

Initial Enquiry
Families interested in joining are invited to fill out the Initial Application form on this page.
Intake Interview
A short conversation (either in person or by phone) helps us learn more about your child and family, and share what Forest School SA offers. This ensures a good fit for both your child and the existing group.
Placement
Each child is placed in a group that best suits their age, temperament, and interests. We carefully balance cohorts to maintain a calm, inclusive atmosphere that supports focused learning and positive peer relationships.

Why We Use an Intake Process

Stable groups allow children to settle deeply into the rhythm of each session and form strong peer relationships.
Balancing age, gender, and temperament creates harmony and safety within the group.
Consistent cohorts enable educators to focus on curriculum and connection rather than re-orienting new students mid-term.
Families who share our values of respect, kindness, and curiosity contribute to the nurturing community that defines Forest School SA.

How to Apply

To express interest in joining a future intake, please email saforestschool@gmail.com or complete the intake form below. Interviews for our 2026 class groups will begin soon.

Booking frequency

Forest School offers a flexible booking system and our program provides educational benefits to all students whether they come weekly, fortnightly or casually.

Students who come to more than 6 sessions per term will receive a learning summary report at the end of the term.

Coming to Forest School regularly offers the opportunity to set goals, build upon learning and offer longer and more detailed projects. Casual sessions can offer a respite to the demands of mainstream schooling, inspire and reignite love of learning and introduce students to nature education.

2026 Student Initial Application form

Which program are you interested in?

Pre-school (3-4 year olds)

Primary aged (5-13 year olds)

Your name

Your child's name

Your child's birthdate

Day

Month

Year

Phone Number

Email Address

Current school or homeschool arrangement

What draws you to Forest School SA for your child?

How would you describe your child’s relationship with the outdoors?

Forest School SA runs in all weather and involves tools, fire, and nature play. How do you feel about this approach?

What do you hope your child will gain from their time at Forest School?

Every group at Forest School is a small ecosystem of personalities: the gentle listeners, the bold explorers, the quiet builders, and the lively leaders. To help us create a balanced group, tell us a little about your child’s temperament:

How would you describe your parenting approach or family values?

How comfortable are you with our approach to risk-taking and self-directed play?

Very comfortable

Mostly comfortable

Unsure/ want to know more

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your child or family’s connection to nature, learning, or community?

Are you applying for more than one child? If so, what are the other child/ren named? (Please also submit a separate form for other children.)