CBI Forest School

Present in the Wilderness

Present in the Wilderness

Imagine an ever-changing classroom filled with trees, creeks, rocks, animals, and abundant opportunities to witness the rhythms of the natural world.

Time for wonder and a deep connection to both community and the environment — developing an inherent curiosity that leads to a lifetime love of learning.

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At CBI Forest School, we encourage asking questions, seeking answers, finding experts, and drawing conclusions through the Reggio Emilia framework and our Jewish values.

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Through exploration, children develop:

  • creativity

  • negotiation

  • observation

  • listening

  • curiosity

  • written and verbal communication

  • critical thinking skills

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Repairing the World Together through Outdoor Experiential Learning

  • 12 Students

    OUR AVERAGE CLASS SIZE

  • 1:4

    UNDER 3-YEAR OLD STUDENT:TEACHER RATIO

  • 1:6

    OVER 3-YEAR OLD STUDENT:TEACHER RATIO

  • Financial Aid

    20% OF FAMILIES RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID

  • Interfaith Families

    70% OF OUR JEWISH FAMILIES ARE INTERFAITH

  • 70/30

    RATIO OF JEWISH/NON-JEWISH STUDENTS

  • 7 Years

    AVERAGE TEACHER TENURE AT CBI

  • 12 Years

    AVERAGE TEACHING CAREER

WE FOster curiosity & create inquisitive stewards of the world.

Our environment provides children an opportunity to experience the rhythms of Jewish life by connecting with the wonder and joy of our natural world.

We foster curiosity to develop a love of learning rooted in questions, listening, observation, synthesis, and connection.

Through outdoor, experiential learning, students actively engage in their own education with agency, interconnectedness, and community responsibility.

In dynamic partnership with families, we create inquisitive stewards of the world who understand that knowledge is a gift.

EXPLORE MORE: OUR STORY & PHILOSOPHY →

Painted squash for Sukkot by children at CBI Forest School, an outdoor elementary school and full-day preschool in Charlottesville, VA.

What is CBI Forest School?

Our families regularly report that our teachers are our biggest asset.

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A Day in the Forest

After arriving at 8:30am, each class heads in a different direction for the day.

The littlest students might read books on the cabin porch or play in the mud kitchen, while preschool students practice weather observations and play a preliteracy game.

Elementary students set an intention for the hike up the hill, asking questions to collect research for later in the day; then perhaps delve into a math unit based on tapping and harvesting sap from maple trees.

  • Is school completely outside?

  • Where do the little ones nap?

  • How will we know what to wear?

  • What is the difference between a Reggio-Emilia vs Montessori approach?

  • What is the adjustment to other schools in Charlottesville like after Forest School?

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Shabbat candles at CBI Forest School, an outdoor elementary school and full-day preschool in Charlottesville, VA.
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“How they engage with the world and confidently problem-solve is something that I think we, as parents, all want to see for our kids.”

—Zack Leasure, Preschool & Elementary Parent

How to Apply

START THE PROCESS