We know that kids are created in the image of God–each with different passions, strengths, and challenges. And because of these unique differences, HCS has committed itself to varying kids’ learning opportunities. We’ve added Makers Week in the elementary schools, Winterim in the high school, Exploratories in the middle school, and now this year we are implementing our new nature-based Forest School! Although the Forest School kindergarten class is part of South Side Elementary, students spend their days learning in and around the multi-acre wooded area nestled in the heart of our school’s property on Ottawa Avenue, with an indoor classroom for extreme weather located in the back of Holland Christian Middle School. Our Forest School kindergarten is offered in partnership with the Outdoor Discovery Center, the area’s foremost nature-based education experts, who is helping with facilities advice, regular visits from their naturalists, as well as with overseeing certification standards. They are excited to help us teach the Holland Christian academic curriculum in an entirely new way.

“Holland Christian has impressed our team with their approach and commitment to developing a true nature-based Kindergarten program,” said Travis Williams, Executive Director at the Outdoor Discovery Center. “Becoming a nature-based program is much more than just going outside with students. It requires a commitment to building an entire learning experience that has a foundation in the outdoors—linking the indoors, outdoors, curriculum, and learning experiences into one systems approach. We look forward to working with Holland Christian on this journey.”

At HC, we know that learning is best when it’s relevant for students—when they see its connection to the world around them. Few opportunities offer the level of concrete relevance that a nature-based program does. And these experiences will dovetail beautifully with our school’s mission and faith-formative focus: The Lord cares deeply about the world He made, and as His followers, we love the things He loves–including His creation that He has given us. Furthermore, research on outdoor education has shown that effective outdoor learning can improve students’ focus, cognitive function, academic test scores particularly in science, social skills, as well as wonder and creativity. Like our Spanish Immersion programming, we plan to add more sections of nature-based classes in the years ahead so that students can continue these experiences. We appreciate your prayers and support throughout this school year as we carry out this new adventure!