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When and where do you meet?

We meet once a week, year-round, for three-hour sessions on a weekday morning in the same woodland just outside Toledo, Ohio. Exact day, time, and location details are shared with accepted families.

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What ages do you serve?

Our current participants range from 0 to 6 years old, and we actively encourage older children to join us as well. You can read more about how the mixed age group benefits the children.

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Who can bring the children to Forest School?

We ask each family to designate one primary registered adult — a biological woman — who consistently attends and actively participates. Backup adults are welcome in special circumstances. For full details, see The Mothers’ Role.

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Why does TCFS require a biological woman (mom) to be the primary registered adult?

We are a small, intimate group that gathers weekly in the woods. Our model intentionally creates space for mothers to build friendships around the shared realities and joys of biological womanhood and motherhood in a supportive outdoor setting.

 

Dads and other family members are always welcome to join sessions alongside mom - they bring valuable energy and support. The registered parent, however, must be mom so we can preserve the heart of our community as a circle of outdoor-oriented mothers raising children together.

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What is expected of TCFS moms?

TCFS is a true co-op, not a drop-off program. Mothers are expected to participate consistently — learning and bringing skills, staying actively engaged during sessions, supporting all-weather learning, and helping co-create the experience. This requires personal time outside of sessions and a willingness to grow and give, not simply receive.​ For a full explanation, please read The Mothers’ Role.

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How much does TCFS cost?

Co-op fees are kept extremely minimal—just enough to cover shared supplies, administrative expenses, and similar costs. In addition to the small fee, all registered parents contribute their time each week to help sessions run smoothly and make the group thrive. This time commitment is a core part of our cooperative model.

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How does learning happen at TCFS?

Learning at TCFS is child-led and rooted in real experiences in the woods. Most of each session is open exploration driven by the children’s interests, framed by short community opening and closing routines. Mothers offer optional invitations that enrich play without directing it. We return to the same woodland each week, support appropriate risk-taking, and focus on holistic growth rather than formal lessons or a set curriculum. For a fuller explanation, please read our Learning Philosophy.

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What are TCFS sessions like?

Sessions are weekly, year-round gatherings in the same woodland focused on child-led play and exploration. For full details on the typical rhythm, weather policy, and what to bring, please see our Sessions page.

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What is the group size and capacity?

We intentionally keep our group small — typically around 6 mothers and 12–18 children. Because of this, openings are infrequent and we are selective when they arise. You can read more about how this benefits the children and how this supports the mothers and co-op.​​

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What are the attendance expectations?

​We gather weekly, year-round. Consistent attendance is important so the group stays strong and relationships can deepen.

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How do you handle weather?

We are a true all-weather program and meet year-round in rain, snow, cold, and heat. We rarely cancel. Families are expected to come prepared with appropriate gear (layered clothing, waterproof outer layers, sturdy boots, etc.) so children can stay comfortable and fully participate in all conditions. You can learn more about why we meet in all weather and how TCFS mothers help facilitate all-weather experiences.

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What kind of program is TCFS?

TCFS is an informal, voluntary collective of homeschooling families who meet for nature-based activities. It is parent-led and currently unincorporated. “School” in the name refers to the homeschooling context only — TCFS is not a licensed school, camp, childcare facility, or credentialed program, and participants are not required to hold professional licenses or credentials.

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TCFS provides supplemental outdoor education and community only. It does not fulfill or replace the mandatory educational requirements of Ohio or Michigan. Families remain fully responsible for meeting their state’s homeschooling or schooling obligations.

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Are there other community activities beyond the weekly sessions?

Yes. We hold monthly meetings (children are not present) focused on preparing for and coordinating forest school sessions. You can learn more about our monthly meetings.

 

Family events, field trips, play dates, and group chats also help build community outside of forest school. These extras are encouraged but completely optional.​

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Who is this program for (and who might it not suit)?

TCFS is ideal for homeschooling or nature-curious families who want a committed, immersive outdoor community where moms are active co-educators and co-learners. It suits those who value deep relationships, year-round nature connection, child-led exploration and play, and building resilience through real-world experiences.

 

Many families drawn to TCFS are inspired by movements and philosophies such as 1000 Hours Outside, Charlotte Mason, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia. Our year-round, play-based model in the woods supports the deep nature immersion and child-led wonder that these approaches often seek.

 

It may not be the best fit for families seeking a traditional school-style program, a drop-off program, a simple playdate-style enrichment activity, frequent weather cancellations, or minimal parent involvement.

 

 

Do you have a geographic preference for families?

​Yes. Because we are a small co-op that values regular meet-ups and mutual support beyond weekly sessions, we prioritize families who live within roughly 30 minutes of our meeting location (and/or close to several current members). This helps keep community life sustainable for everyone.

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How do I sign up for TCFS?

Because our group is intentionally small, we take a thoughtful approach to welcoming new families. The first step is to complete our short Pre-Screening Form. You’ll find the form and full details about our admissions process on the Apply page.

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Openings are rare, so we appreciate your patience as you explore whether TCFS feels like the right fit for your family.

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How do I contact TCFS with questions?

We don’t maintain a public contact form. Because we’re a small, volunteer-run co-op, the most efficient way for us to learn about your family and answer questions is through our short Pre-Screening Form.

 

Once we receive it, we’ll review the basic details and follow up. We’re happy to answer any questions you have at that point. You’ll find the form and full admissions details on the Apply page.