About us
The Forest School began with the idea that children flourish when they feel loved, their learning is meaningful and experiences are engaging.
Gavin and I co-founded The Forest School in 2016. We are husband and wife, parents of three boys ages 15, 16 & 26 and new Nana & Poppy to one very cute little grandson. We are both highly experienced, passionate educators with over 25 years teaching in ECE, Primary, High School, University, corporate adult education and outdoor instructing.
The Forest School started off as a personal journey with our youngest son, then 5, who inspired us to step beyond the traditional classroom and create something meaningful not only for him, but for many other children too. The Forest School was created as a place where learning was real, relevant, and empowering.
Since the first child arrived on a rainy Monday morning, The Forest School has grown from a handful of learners into a thriving community. Over the past ten years, and as pioneers of nature-based one day schools in New Zealand, more than 6,000 children have experienced learning in nature at The Forest School. What began as a small private one day school has now evolved into the country’s first government funded, nature based Primary School.
The Forest School has always been a haven for children; a place where children can think deeply, play freely, and develop confidence through curiosity, creativity, and connection. Our Māori name that was given to us, Te Rongotaiao means ‘learning through all the senses’ and reflects this philosophy. Here, learning happens through touch, movement, sound, and true exploration of the real world.
We provide small class sizes where authentic relationships can flourish. Emotional connections are central and everyone is reminded that they have a place and a purpose. Children learn not only about the natural world, but also about one another, new ideas, and themselves. When we are connected to te taiao (nature) and to each other, in real, face-to-face ways, we grow socially, healthily and confidently.
In an increasingly digital world, The Forest School offers an antidote. The more digital we become, the more we need real connection to be well. Our curriculum balances explicit instruction in Literacy and Numeracy with Inquiry, Play, and rich hands on experiences. We teach children to think critically, express themselves creatively, and develop the social, self management and resilience to navigate life with confidence.
The success of our students is holistic. We measure it not only in academic progress, but also in wellbeing, emotional intelligence, relationships, and a sense of purpose. Our children learn to care for people, place, and planet, and to discover their unique passions and strengths.
We are a Reggio Emilia inspired Primary School and authentically nature based. We are proud to lead the way in redefining education for Aotearoa. Our approach is built on the belief that children are innately curious and full of potential, learn best when they are loved, deeply engaged, supported equitably, and inspired by a beautiful natural environment.
Welcome to The Forest School. We’re grateful you’re here and invite you to imagine what learning can be when curiosity, creativity, and connection guide our every day.
Tennille Murdoch
Principal & Co-founder
