The Kickapoo Valley Forest and Field Schools (KVFS) stives to create a child-centered, safe, inclusive, and sensory-rich environment in which children will learn and grow through play and exploration in the beautiful natural wild spaces that are abundant in the Kickapoo Valley.
Our school day is held by predictable routines and expectations with substantial time built into the schedule for child-directed play, work and exploration. Our education philosophy is rooted in belief that child development is at its best when the whole child is honored, and that ‘play’ in a rich environment is the true work of the child.
To this end our curriculum is designed to meet the mental, physical, intellectual, social, and emotional needs of the young child. We also recognize that children are individuals whose interests, capacities and gifts demand that our teaching style and environment be accessible from many different points and levels of ability. Additionally, as humans we thrive in environments full of love, inspiration, wonder, connection and beauty.
Place-based learning brings schools and community together on a common pathway dedicated to stewardship and life-long learning. It is teaching by using landscape, family, and community surroundings as the educational foundation. Significant learning takes place outdoors and in the community. This community expands outward from local landscape and home, to regional realities, and ultimately, to international issues. In coming to know one’s place, one comes to know what is fundamental to all places.
Student Support Services
As a public charter school authorized by the School District of La Farge, student support services are available. These services include but are not limited to:
Special Education Referral, Evaluation, and Services
Vision support
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Speech Therapy
Specialized Instruction
School Counseling
Mental Health Services