Frequently Asked Questions for CBI Forest School

There are so many different types of daycare and preschool options, it can be overwhelming!

Daycare is typically a less-structured environment that provides a space for children to play; whereas Pre-K focuses on early childhood learning and skill development.

CBI Forest School offers the best of both worlds. We are a play-based and project-based preschool rooted in the Reggio Emilia framework (similar to Montessori), for ages 18 months-4th grade!

Learn more about our school and see if it’s right for your family.

There are many different factors to consider when doing an evaluation to determine the best preschool or private elementary school for your family.

We recommend checking out:

・the school’s literature

・online reviews

・recommendations from friends and family

・a tour of the school (most important!)

・speaking with current or formerly enrolled families

Looking through multiple lenses will give you a full picture of what attending a school will actually be like!

At CBI Forest School, we don’t strictly follow the Albemarle County School calendar but have similar start dates, end dates, spring break dates, and winter break dates.

We do follow the Albemarle County Schools winter weather advisories, and therefore close and/or start late when the county schools do so.

In searching for preschools and private elementary schools, Montessori is inevitably one of the first options many consider. While CBI Forest School is not a Montessori school, there are many similarities between Montessori and Reggio Emilia educational frameworks.

Both promote self-guided learning. In a nutshell, the differences are:

→ Reggio Emilia focuses more on collaborative learning whereas Montessori focuses on independent learning.

→ Reggio Emilia classrooms are more flexible and open-ended whereas Montessori areas are more structured.

The commonwealth of Virginia does not require any specific curriculum for private schools.

CBI Forest School students are beyond prepared for the next step in their educational journey, arriving at public or private elementary school with skills related to executive functioning, independence, self-confidence and curiosity. Academically, our students are thriving!

Our Elementary School curriculum focuses on core elements of the Virginia State Curriculum via: Reading and Language Arts, a Writing Workshop, and Mathematics.

Additionally, we provide instruction in the following subjects: Visual and Performing Arts, Judaic Studies, and Nature Studies.

Our Curriculum Guide is viewable in its entirety online!

Waldorf schools and Reggio Emilia are similar in some capacities:

→ They both offer a developmentally appropriate and experiential approach to education

→ They both aim to inspire life-long learning in all students and to enable them to fully develop their unique capacities.

The major difference is in the Waldorf emphasis on the arts. The Reggio Emilia framework does not preclude the arts, but Waldorf places a unique emphasis on integrating the arts in all academic disciplines.

A 2021 Forbes article discusses research that suggests how a Montessori education predicts higher adult well-being: the longer adults attended a Montessori school, the higher their level of well-being.

The elements from the Montessori education that are studied are also prevalent in a Reggio Emilia education!

From the article:

“The researchers suggest that a Montessori curriculum boosts childhood and adult well-being by focusing on activities that promote self-determination (children in Montessori classrooms choose their own work most of the time and feel like they are in charge of their own educations), meaningful activities (children only take part in activities for which the underlying reasons are clear), and social stability and cohesion (classrooms span three years during which children have the same teacher and peer group).”

Outdoor learning isn't just fun and exciting; it's also supported by research.

Scientists and educators have studied how outdoor classrooms help young children, and here's what they've found:

1. Improved Academic Achievement: Research has found that outdoor learning can lead to better grades and test scores in subjects like science, math, and reading.

2. Improved Mental Well-Being: Studies have found that being outside reduces stress and anxiety. The natural surroundings can help children feel calm and focused.

3. Enhanced Social Skills: Research tells us that children who learn outdoors often work better in groups. They learn important skills like cooperation, communication, and empathy.

4. Increased Engagement and Motivation: Studies have shown that children often become more curious and involved in learning when they're outside. They ask more questions and explore more.

5. Boosted Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Problem-Solving Skills: The freedom of outdoor learning encourages children to think in new and creative ways. Research supports that this helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

6. Support in Understanding Science and Nature: Real-world exploration makes lessons about plants, animals, weather, and the environment more meaningful. Studies have found that children who learn outdoors have a better understanding of these topics.

7. Development of Environmental Stewardship: Research shows that children who connect with nature early on are more likely to care for the environment as they grow up.

8. Help with Attention and Concentration: Some studies suggest that learning outside can improve children's ability to pay attention and remember what they've learned.

So, you see, the outdoor classroom isn't just a place to have fun (though it's certainly that too!); it's a place where research shows children can grow, learn, and thrive in many special ways.

A classroom outside will differ completely depending on the school!

At CBI Forest School, we spend about 80% of our time outdoors. A classroom might be reading in a hammock; or a circle in the woods, or a white board under a tree! Check out our virtual tour page to find out more.

Both indoor and outdoor classrooms have their own unique features and benefits.

Indoor Classrooms:

1. Controlled Environment: Inside, the temperature, lighting, and weather are controlled, making it controlled all year round (when operating!).

2. Formal Learning Environments: Indoor classrooms often have a more structured and organized setup with desks, chairs, and a chalkboard or whiteboard.

3. Technology Access: Computers, projectors, and other technology are usually more accessible indoors.

4. Limited Space: Sometimes, indoor classrooms can be a bit crowded, with less room for moving around. Outdoor time is available in specific blocks, like recess.

Outdoor Classrooms:

1. Nature as a Classroom: Outdoor classrooms let children learn in the beauty of nature. At CBI Foret School, they get to explore forests, meadows, and streams.

2. Physical Activity: There's lots of space to climb, jump, and run outside, helping kids stay healthy and strong.

3. Hands-On Exploration: Children can touch, smell, and see the real world, like feeling the bark of a tree or making tea with forest plants.

4. Encourages Creativity: The open space outside lets kids think freely and creatively, like using mud paint or flower petals for math.

5. Weather Dependence: Sometimes, outdoor learning might be affected by rain, snow, or very hot days. At CBI Forest School, we take advantage of our indoor classrooms on those days.

Some daycares accept babies as young as 6 weeks old, while preschools typically begin at age 3.

CBI Forest School is a Charlottesville, Virginia full-day preschool for toddlers starting at 18 months old: a wonderful age to begin a journey of social and emotional development in the forest!