OUR STORY
The Fraser Valley's First Forest School
Langley Forest School (LFS) was founded in 1985 as a parent-participation preschool in Fort Langley, BC. In 2014, the preschool shifted to a forest-based approach and moved entirely outdoors. By 2015, LFS established its basecamp at Williams Park in North Langley, and in 2020, expanded with a second location at South Langley Regional Park (formerly Municipal Natural Park).
Today, Langley Forest School is a registered non-profit charity, governed by a Board of Directors, many of whom are parents of current students and alumni. We follow a Forest Canada pedagogy, with a dedicated team of licensed early childhood educators (ECEs) and Outdoor Experience Days (OED) leaders. Our curriculum is play-based, place-based, and encourages supported risky play, all while being responsive to the emergent needs of the children.
Our school acts as an extension of the home, fostering values that prepare children for life in all its aspects—socially, physically, emotionally, and intellectually. We believe that children thrive in a child-led, play-based environment, and that a deep connection with nature further enriches their learning experience.
Through our forest school program, we connect children to the dynamic natural world, building their understanding of community, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. As the first of its kind in the Fraser Valley, our school not only supports children's growth in self-esteem, leadership, and kindergarten readiness, but also addresses the community's need for alternative educational options.