Big Sur Forest School is a community centered outdoor educational experience that honors the development of the whole child through child directed and inquiry inspired learning to foster relational awareness, responsibility, compassion, resourcefulness, and independence in connection with the self, others and the natural world. The organization was created by community desire to support local families.
The Big Sur Park School is a place of exploration, inquiry, and discovery—where young children begin building a strong sense of self, connection to others, and a deep relationship with the natural world. Offering a progressive, nature-based educational alternative for children 9 months to 6 years of age, and is the only offering for children under 3 years along the Big Sur coast. Through an emergent, student-centered curriculum and an expansive outdoor classroom, BSPS supports each child’s development with curiosity, creativity, and care.
Teachers honor the unique rhythm of every child and guide learning through the seasons with expressive arts, nature stewardship, and intentional communication. These daily experiences lay the foundation for social-emotional growth, relational skills, and environmental awareness.
BSPS has become a vital part of the Big Sur community—nurturing the next generation of capable, confident, and compassionate humans who will grow to be thoughtful stewards of our world.
Big Sur Park School serves the growing number of families who live and are relocating to Big Sur by providing the only early child care for children under 3 years along the Big Sur coast. It is centrally located to access both the north coast and south coast communities with a quality outdoor learning experience for the local children. Childcare allows parents to return to the workforce to provide for their families and support the community/local economy. The Forest School model provides a safe and rewarding space for children to be together and immerse in the natural elements of their habitat and become environmental stewards of the next generation.
Big Sur Park School has gifted our son with the confidence to explore and nurture his curiosities with the greater world around him. I couldn't have dreamed of a more idyllic start to his early education!
- Olivia Gerhardt, Big Sur
