REVIEW OF Saplings Nature School BY parent, Jillian Clapham

(5) Student Experience

Saplings has been an incredible experience for our daughter. She joined the school in October, entering grade 1 and has never looked back. Being outside for 3 hours daily has been transformative for our very active and curious daughter. Rain or shine, she is in her element. Our daughter loves being outside and being surrounded by teachers who are passionate about nature and conservation. Her confidence has really increased by being able to regulate quicker outside and being part of a strong inclusive environment. She comes home telling us stories about the water cycle, local birds, and the salmon life cycle. She loves the integration into the local community. The school participates in all the local activities and the before and after school cares includes Capilano Elementary so she is getting exposure to kids in her local community. Our daughter loves the combination of a morning outside and a creative classroom experience with a low student-to-teacher ratio. She has thrived with the hands-on learning environment in the school and really feels like she has a voice.

(4.5) School Leadership

The school has a really small community culture. The core of the school ethos is inclusivity, which has transformed our daughter's outlook on school. It was founded by a passionate parent who saw the benefit of nature schools in other countries such as Finland, Scotland and New Zealand. The ability for kids to regulate increases by 50% when outside, and we are really seeing that benefit. The teachers, the principal and the owners CARE they committed to the wellbeing and success of the students and it shows in their daily presence in the school. The low student-to-teacher ratio means the students really get to know all the teachers in the school and have a close relationship with the principal. The curriculum is based on a leading international forest school curriculum, and you can feel their passion and commitment to the children in every interaction. The ethos of inclusivity is felt throughout the school. I recently attended one of their many field trips and was really taken by how caring and inclusive the teachers, staff and principal were. They have a real affinity for kids and really know each one so well.

(5) Teaching

The teachers are both diverse, coming from various international backgrounds, including Australia and the UK. They are fun and inspiring! They bring a passion for nature and the outdoors and are creative in their learning techniques using the forest to support teaching the core curriculum. The kids are stimulated and curious. Our daughter comes home telling us about the water cycle, salmon lifecycle, local bird species and more. She is completely comfortable in any weather and has never complained once about being at school or being outside. My daughter's teacher is trained in Orton-Gillingham (phonics-based learning), which has allowed my daughter to really solidify her reading and, subsequently, her confidence. They offer additional onsite tutoring for OG, which has been amazing. The lower teacher-to-student ratio really pays off as well in the classroom environment, where the teachers can engage and tailor learning to the kid's current abilities.

(5) Academics

My daughter is currently in Grade 1. We were looking for an outdoor environment for our daughter as we knew how much it helps kids to be outside and regulate their emotions. I cannot express how it has far exceeded our expectations. The younger kids spend the morning outside, using the outdoors as a magical learning environment. The school uses an international forest /nature educational curriculum to enhance the BC curriculum to really bring the school to life for the kids. They hike and play in the forest, learning math, reading, and other local skills. Every day we receive a photo in our app of their outdoor learning from international days of celebrations, science reading, math and more. In the afternoon, the kids are brought into the classroom, where they change out of their outdoor gear and are ready to sit and learn. My daughter has loved the small table stations where they spend extended periods working through a subject in detail. She has really enjoyed the shared learning and inclusive nature of both reading and math. They work together to solve problems and do both group and individual writing and math solving. These principles are carried over into the forest. The school has individual goals for each child that are determined together with the teaching staff and parents. Our daughter has shown real pride in her work and progress, bringing home projects and work she has completed. With our encouragement, she is given home-based learning that we do together with her. This has really allowed us to see how she is progressing and where she needs more support.

(4) Extracurriculars

My daughter is in Grade 1 and, thus, not taking on as many school-based extracurricular opportunities. However, when we started at the school we discussed what activities we would like her to be involved in and the school has helped to open many doors to make that happen. They offer tutoring at the school and run a seamless transition from before school care to school to after school care and tutoring. One area they will likely expand to is getting further integrated into the local schools, such as Capilano, to allow the kids to participate in some of the STEMS classes they offer.

(4.5) Students

Being in Grade 1, my daughter has less exposure to the whole student body. As described before, the school has such a community feel, and everyone is made to feel welcome and a vital person to the school. It's the most inclusive atmosphere I have ever experienced for a school, and everyone is committed to the well-being and advancement of the kids. The younger kids spend the morning outside, where they use the outdoors as a magical learning environment. The school uses an international forest /nature educational curriculum to enhance the BC curriculum to really bring the school to life for the kids. They are hiking and playing in the forest learning math, reading and local skills. Every day we receive a photo in our app of their outdoor learning from international days of celebrations, science reading, math and more.

(4.5) School Life

My daughter loves going to Saplings. She did not enjoy being part of a large school and felt like she didn't fit or belong. The school is entirely committed to the kids' well-being. They are constantly adapting to the kids' needs and the local environment. They combine the younger and older groups every Friday and go on a local field trip. Our daughter has loved this. She has learned so much about North Vancouver and BC heritage. She is very proud to live here and feels a real sense of connection with nature and an astonishing level of responsibility for looking after the forest. As far as I can see, the kids don't need improvements in quality of life. Spending half the day outside has transformed our daughter.

(5) Community

The parents are part of the Saplings community. They have created a group chat and include the other parents in loads of local events and birthday parties, and they are always helping each other out. It's such a lovely group to be part of. Very inclusive and really focused on the kids. There are ample opportunities to get involved. I have really enjoyed volunteering and supporting the school. I was very pleasantly surprised how there was no pressure to get volunteer and all efforts were graciously appreciated. Parents have helped to get grants for field trips and run local fundraising for specific things for the school. The school, in general, is very creative in its learning and focused on 1:1 with the kids and putting the time in.

(5) School Location

The Saplings school could honestly not be in a better location. Right in Pemberton Heights, it's nestled in a lovely neighbourhood on the doorsteps of various forests and parks. It's right off the highway and Capilano Road, making it very easy to get to. The kids walk 800 metres daily from the school to the park and back. They do this in a very safe, local and friendly neighbourhood. Our daughter loves the interaction with the local community and really feels connected in our community.

(5) Admissions

The school offers days to view the school. They are highly responsive to any enquiries and will spend time with you, helping you better understand the school and determine if it's a good fit for your children. We found the experience second to none. They always answer the phone, make you feel like they have all the time in the world to take you through your questions and are generally very welcome. My advice would be to reach out!