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Welcome to Knox Forest School, an Outdoor Nature School in Knoxville, TN

Hands-on, outdoor learning that builds confident, curious, nature-loving kids.

Outdoor, play-based learning for preschoolers, homeschoolers, and teens, helping kids grow confident, capable, and deeply connected to the natural world.

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“Children just need the time, the space, and the permission to be kids”

~ Angela Hanscom, author of Balanced and Barefoot

Our Programs

Nature Preschool Program (Ages 3-5)

A gentle introduction to learning through play, stories, nature walks, and hands-on discovery in Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness.

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Friday Forest Class (Ages 3-5)

A one-day-a-week option for families who want to try forest school or add outdoor enrichment to their routine.

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Homeschool Enrichment (Ages 6-12)

Outdoor science, teamwork, creative projects, and real-world skills that complement your homeschool journey.

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Cayote Village (Ages 13-18)

Leadership, responsibility, and a deeper connection to community and nature for teens ready to grow into their independence.

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Why Knox Forest School?

Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness is our classroom.

Nestled among 200 acres of Urban Wilderness and surrounded by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, our days are shaped by the rhythms of the seasons.

Children splash in creeks, study native plants, track animal prints, and experience the natural world firsthand.

Instead of only learning about nature from a book… our students get to live it.

And that connection builds resilience, creativity, confidence, and a lifelong respect for the world around them.

There’s no better place to grow up than outside.

“Children cannot bounce off the walls if we remove the walls.“
– Erin Kenny, founder of Cedarsong

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What Does a Day Look Like?

Every day is a little different, and that’s the magic of it! But here’s a glimpse:

Morning welcome & circle time

Nature exploration and free play

Hands-on projects and discovery

Lunch with friends

Lots of climbing, building, laughing, and muddy boots

Storytelling, reflection, and teamwork

We Believe In

Confidence Through Challenge

Children grow braver when they climb higher, try again, and solve problems on their own.

Community & Teamwork

Learning happens together through shared discoveries, collaboration, and friendship.

Curiosity & Creativity

Where sticks spark innovation, creeks become classrooms, and curiosity guides every step.

What Families are Saying

" Our daughter, Charlie, has always been enthralled with nature. We've known from a very young age that it would be important for us to foster that love and curiosity she naturally has. When we moved to Knoxville, we were so excited to find Knox Forest School! During our initial tour, my husband and I couldn't stop smiling. We knew this was the place for her! She started with the Friday class, and it was the perfect place to start. I was worried she might be sad being apart, because we had never really spent days separate from each other. Her teachers, Meggan and Luke, were phenomenal from the start! Charlie absolutely adores them and spends the entire week talking about her teachers, new friends, and the things they did at forest school. I can tell Meggan and Luke really get to know each child individually, their interests, curiosities, and unique personalities, by the way they speak to the parents at pickup. I could go on and on about how happy and grateful we are to be part of the Knox Forest School family, but I will end here by simply saying I am confident this is one of the best things we've given to Charlie. The opportunity to have her interests, passions, and curiosity nurtured and celebrated. Thank you, KFS, for playing a major role in our daughter's childhood! "  
Charlie's Mom
☆☆☆☆☆
" Our daughter, Charlie, has always been enthralled with nature. We've known from a very young age that it would be important for us to foster that love and curiosity she naturally has. When we moved to Knoxville, we were so excited to find Knox Forest School! During our initial tour, my husband and I couldn't stop smiling. We knew this was the place for her! She started with the Friday class, and it was the perfect place to start. I was worried she might be sad being apart, because we had never really spent days separate from each other. Her teachers, Meggan and Luke, were phenomenal from the start! Charlie absolutely adores them and spends the entire week talking about her teachers, new friends, and the things they did at forest school. I can tell Meggan and Luke really get to know each child individually, their interests, curiosities, and unique personalities, by the way they speak to the parents at pickup. I could go on and on about how happy and grateful we are to be part of the Knox Forest School family, but I will end here by simply saying I am confident this is one of the best things we've given to Charlie. The opportunity to have her interests, passions, and curiosity nurtured and celebrated. Thank you, KFS, for playing a major role in our daughter's childhood! "  
Charlie McShera
Charlie's Mom

Come See the Magic for Yourself!

The best way to understand forest school is to experience it.

Walk the trails
Explore the ‘Classroom’
Ask questions

We’d love to welcome your family.

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