What Is Embers & Acorns Forest School?
Embers & Acorns is a nature-based learning co-op designed for children who love to explore, create, and learn outside.
We believe that the natural world is the richest classroom. Nestled in the heart of Mount Vernon, Ohio, our outdoor learning program invites children K to 6th grade to explore, read, write, and grow amidst the beauty of forests and streams.
Children will:
⭐ Discover the magic of the outdoors.
⭐ Build skills through real-world experiences.
⭐ Connect with peers and nature.
⭐ Learn by doing.
Embers and Acorns Forest School
Embers & Acorns Forest School is a structured program designed to develop strong readers, writers, and thinkers. Our mornings are dedicated to a deep dive into a subject (bees, gardening, maple syrup, apples, etc). The afternoon is dedicated to hands-on reinforcement of what we learned through a project, craft or experience.
Enrollment is seasonal and intentionally small, allowing for individualized instruction and meaningful relationships. We emphasize strong foundations in reading and writing while cultivating curiosity, resilience, and a love of learning.
Our Embers and Acorns Forest School is every Tuesday 11-3. Forest School students are also invited to attend the co-op on Thursdays at no additional expense.
What Should My Child Bring?
Use collapsible tabs for more detailed information that will help customers make a purchasing decision.
Ex: Shipping and return policies, size guides, and other common questions.
Collapsible row
Use collapsible tabs for more detailed information that will help customers make a purchasing decision.
Ex: Shipping and return policies, size guides, and other common questions.
Collapsible row
Use collapsible tabs for more detailed information that will help customers make a purchasing decision.
Ex: Shipping and return policies, size guides, and other common questions.
Collapsible row
Use collapsible tabs for more detailed information that will help customers make a purchasing decision.
Ex: Shipping and return policies, size guides, and other common questions.
Embers & Acorns Co-Op
Our Forest Co-op is a 4-hour, once-a-week outdoor gathering where children are free to explore, play, imagine, and connect — guided by their interests, not a strict schedule.
Forest Days are about giving children space, materials, and companionship to lead their own learning in the woods and with nature’s rhythms. Whether they’re exploring in the woods, foraging wild plants (guided), building forts, tracking animals, caring for chickens together, reading under a tree, or inventing games, the emphasis is on:
- Curiosity children follow what fascinates them
- Connection with peers, nature, and seasonal life
- Agency children make choices, take safe risks, and solve problems together
- Play-based learning play is the foundation of discovery
With supportive adults on hand, kids learn to navigate woodland spaces, care for animals, create, and build all at their own pace.
Forest Days are ideal for homeschool families seeking community, rhythm, and rich learning without committing to a full academic program.
Our Embers and Acorns Forest Days are every Thursday 11-3.
What Should My Child Bring?
Please send your child with:
• A packed lunch
• A water bottle (we have a refill center)
• Clothing appropriate for the weather that can get dirty during play
Please check the community page for updates on what we will be doing and what clothing to expect your child to need. We recommend a change of clothes according to all weather conditions. This includes swimsuits/towels in the summer, rain jacket, winter clothing, as appropriate. We recommend all children bring a change of clothes and ONLY wear/bring clothing that can get dirty, muddy or stained.
An outdoor rinse-off shower and indoor changing area are available.
We do not allow children to bring toys, fidgets, or electronics.
Can I Stay With My Child?
Our co-op is designed to be parent-friendly, however, feel free to drop your child off at co-op. Because of limited space indoors, we may ask parents to stay in their vehicles if we have to go inside due to storms or extremely hot/cold temperatures.
What Happens If We Cannot Attend?
We do not offer refunds for missed days because the co-op size is limited. A spot in the co-op is reserved for your child.
