Swallowtail Forest School
Swallowtail Forest School provides students ages 3-5 individual attention with a 1:5 teacher-to-child ratio. Our experienced educators are certified in CPR and First Aid. Swallowtail Forest School follows the JCPS calendar, and students are outdoors except in the event of extreme cold or inclement weather. Students may enroll for two or three mornings a week, or two afternoons a week.
“
”The teachers at Swallowtail model kindness to friends and the world around us, along with gentle encouragement when things feel hard.
I love hearing my little one say, with excitement, “You can do hard things, too!” Forest school has brought so much fun and wonder into his life, along with confidence and amazing friendships.”
”
Friedrich Frobel, a German educator, opened the world's first kindergartens ("children's gardens") more than 150 years ago. He believed that young children should spend their time playing in nature, with less emphasis on learning letters and numbers. Today, across Europe, thousands of these outdoor "forest kindergartens" have been established. Children spend their entire class time exploring and learning outdoors year-round.
When children spend unstructured time exploring the outdoors, they show increased creativity, communication, and problem-solving skills. They learn appropriate risk taking and develop resiliency, while connecting to nature. Research shows that repeated, unstructured time in nature leads to a greater conservation ethic as children grow.
Since 2020, we have witnessed first-hand the positive impact that outdoor learning has on our students. They demonstrate improved teamwork, creativity, and communication skills, as well as other social and emotional benefits.
““We have seen our child blossom and grow in ways we never imagined. She is loved and has a place where she belongs that is all hers.””
At Swallowtail Forest School, children have the opportunity to explore nature at their own pace.
Our half-day programs are entirely play-based and student-led, guided by caring teachers who encourage curiosity in the outdoors. We take pride in providing an environment that is safe, welcoming, and fun, where children are free to play, learn, and grow.
Now, more than ever, nature is the safest place for our children to learn. Forest School gives young children the opportunity to connect to the seasons, develop resiliency, and so much more. Read on to find out how your child can become a Swallowtail student.
““A year into our Forest School journey, we have learned that there is so much to discover with every season. Swallowtail is a preschool like no other.””
How do I enroll?
Complete the application and review the parent handbook. We accept applications year round! There is a $25 application fee. Upon enrollment, the fee will go towards the $175 enrollment fee.
After submitting an application, the Forest School Director will reach out to you to schedule a tour for you and your child.
After your tour, if both parties decide that Swallowtail Forest School is a good fit, you will be contacted when a space becomes available. There is a $175 annual enrollment fee (nonrefundable) to secure your child’s space in Forest School.
2026-2027 Tuition
Forest School mornings run from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Tuesday/Thursday: $280/month (12 spots available)
Monday/Wednesday/Friday: $390/month (4 spots available)
Forest School afternoons run from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm.
Tuesday/Thursday: $260/ month (23 spots available)
2026-2027 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Orientation: August 11 and 12, 2026
Welcome Picnic: August 14, 2026
First Day of School: August 17 and 18, 2026
Last Day of School: May 19 and 20, 2027
End of Year Celebration: May 21, 2027
No School* (Holidays) September 7, September 30-October 2, November 25-27, December 21-January 1, January 18, Febraury 15, March 29-April 2.
*Professional Development Days TBD
Swallowtail STAFF
Olivia Kaiser (She/Her)
SFS Director
Ingrid Walters (She/Her)
SFS Teacher Spicebush Classroom
Mac Lachmann (He/Him)
SFS Teacher Spicebush Classroom
Sasha Weaver (She/Her)
SFS Teacher Spicebush Classroom
Elaine Keller (She/They)
SFS Teacher Pawpaw Classroom
Rachel Harbrecht (She/Her)
SFS Teacher Pawpaw Classroom
Alex Goldsmith (She/Her)
SFS Teacher Pawpaw Classroom
Louisville Nature Center believes that nature is for everyone. We are committed to welcoming all students and families, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.