A forest school (nature kindergarten) is a form of early education in which children spend most of their time outdoors, in the forest or in nature, in any weather, learning through free play, exploration and direct contact with the environment. In Cluj-Napoca, this approach is offered by a few private kindergartens — for example Abbie Forest School (Făget) and Stejarul Pitic Forest Kindergarten (Grigorescu, near the Hoia forest).
Below you’ll find what a forest school is, its benefits and considerations, and where to find it in Cluj.
What a forest school is
The concept comes from northern Europe (Denmark, Germany — Waldkindergarten) and is based on the idea that nature is the best learning environment for young children. Instead of classrooms, children are outdoors for most of the day.
Defining elements:
- Long stretches outdoors, whatever the season (“there’s no bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”).
- Free play and exploration — climbing, building with natural materials, observing plants and animals.
- Controlled risk play — children test their limits in a supervised setting.
- Small groups and a relaxed pace.
What benefits it offers
Advocates of the approach cite:
- Movement and motor skills developed naturally.
- Better immunity and health from time spent outdoors.
- Autonomy, courage and problem-solving.
- A connection with nature and environmental awareness.
These are benefits observed in practice and in the pedagogical literature; treat them as tendencies, not guarantees.
Practical considerations
- Gear: the child needs clothing suitable for all seasons (waterproofs, boots, layers). The kindergarten will give you the list.
- Extreme weather: most have a covered space (a “base”) for very cold or stormy days.
- The institution’s status: check whether the kindergarten is authorised/accredited and how it fits into the preschool system. Ask the institution directly about its status and programme.
Where to find forest school in Cluj
In our directory, the forest school approach appears at:
- Abbie Forest School — a nursery and kindergarten in Făget, with an outdoor programme. See the institution.
- Stejarul Pitic Forest Kindergarten — a kindergarten in Grigorescu, near the Hoia forest. See the institution.
You can see all institutions filtered on the forest school pedagogy page.
Who it suits
Forest school suits families who value movement, nature and independence, and who are comfortable with the idea that little ones get muddy and spend time outdoors in any weather. If you want more early academic structure, compare it with Montessori and Waldorf, or see the criteria in our guide on how to choose a kindergarten.
Frequently asked questions
What is a forest school? A form of early education in which children learn mainly outdoors, in nature, through free play and exploration, in any weather.
Is there a forest school in Cluj? Yes. In our directory, Abbie Forest School (Făget) and Stejarul Pitic Forest Kindergarten (Grigorescu) appear.
Are children outside in winter too? Usually yes, with suitable clothing; most kindergartens also have a covered space for extreme days.
What gear does the child need? Waterproof clothing, boots and layers for all seasons. Each kindergarten gives you the exact list.
Is a forest school an accredited kindergarten? It depends on the institution. Check directly with them about their status (authorised/accredited) and how they fit into the preschool system.
Sources
- The Waldkindergarten / forest school literature (the northern origin of the concept)
- The pages of the institutions in our directory (their own websites)
- The piticluj.ro directory — forest school pedagogy
See all our sources on the data sources page.
Conclusion
Forest school means a childhood spent outdoors, in nature, with free play and exploration — an approach offered in Cluj by a few private kindergartens, in Făget and Grigorescu. Check the gear needed and the institution’s status, then see every kindergarten in Cluj-Napoca on the interactive piticluj.ro map.