About CFS

Chelsea Forest School (CFS) is a parent-governed cooperative that has operated continuously since its founding as Chelsea Cooperative Nursery School in 1964. This year is our 63rd!

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CCNS changed its name to CFS in 2013, following the school's full embrace of forest school pedagogy. CFS is now one of the largest and longest-running forest schools in Canada.  ​

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The magic of forest school with CFS happens in places like sandy beach, maple forest, snowy mountain, and dinosaur forest, all in the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg.. All are just an adventure away from our Home Base, where every forest school day begins and ends. Parents, you will hear the most wonderful stories.

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In Fall and Spring, kids are always outside. Even for potty breaks with our "luggable loo" and mobile hand-washing set-up. In Winter, we take snack and lunch breaks and use the potty inside the Meredith Centre (and we always have access to the Meredith Centre for shelter from dangerous weather or in an emergency). In general, except for the normal winter breaks, we play outside! 
 

We have a great team of forest school educators, led by teaching co-directors Michelle Hegge and Christine Mattimoe. 
 

Family participation is integral to our ethos. We always have a "duty parent" in preschool classes, and invite all parents to join class at least once. These are special days for parents and children alike. 
 

​Member families contribute to the school financially through a $250 annual membership fee and tuition fees, and sometimes so generously through donations. We operate a small bursary fund each year and offer a monthly payment option to make forest school more accessible. 

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CFS launched an endowment fund in 2026 that will hopefully grow into a lasting support for the school. ​​

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Here is the CFS parent handbook.