Giving children a deeper connection through nature.

All Friends Nature School is a San Diego based outdoor education program that uses natural areas as their “classroom”. Children learn best through whole body sensory experiences and what a better way to do this than outside. Our mission is to give children a deeper connection and experience with nature by hands on experiential play based learning.

NATURE CLASSES FOR AGES 3-8 YEARS OLD!

Roly-Poly Forest Preschool students walking hand-in-hand into the park.

ROLY-POLY

Bobcat Forest TK/Kindergarten Class circle with all butterflies in.

BOBCAT

Forest Homeschool School Enrichment Program 1st & 2nd Grade class instruction.

COYOTE

Nature Explorers Aftercare Program at All Friends Nature School is for all ages.

NATURE EXPLORERS

What Parents Are Saying

  • "You can not ask for a better learning environment. Being a part of AFNS and the impact it has had on our children and us as parents is powerful. The fundamental skills of compassion, thoughtfulness and being present (to name a few)- will carry with our children throughout their entire lives."

    -Wilson Family

  • "This is the 2nd year that we've sent our 4 year old daughter to All Friends. It has been nothing short of amazing for her and for our entire family. The teachers at All Friends truly seem to celebrate and respect children. Wherever All Friends has the children gathered there is a feeling of joy, wonder and peace. Every time I am there to pick up/drop off our daughter I am always surprised by how quiet & calm everything is in comparison to more traditional preschool settings. The kids all seem so centered/grounded anytime I'm visiting. I believe that All Friends has fostered a life-long love of nature in our daughter...she points out the names of plants on our walks and tells us which ones are edible, which ones can be used for medicines, etc. It's incredible. I hope many, many more families can experience All Friends. It is just wonderful!"

    -Ellory M

  • "An unforgettable experience. Even though it’s been several years, I always look back fondly on this experience and the opportunity for my son to have learned outdoors. Exploring different locations including the woods and beach with a set routine (circle time, lunch, etc) giving the kids structure & comfort was amazing. Highly recommend it!"

    -Jenifer Eggert

  • "Our time at All Friends Nature School was truly special. My daughters absolutely loved their experience here, and so did we as parents. The teachers at this school are exceptional - they are patient, loving, and incredibly skilled at helping children navigate both physical and emotional challenges. The curriculum strikes a perfect balance between practical life skills and foundational academic subjects, ensuring that children are well-prepared for kindergarten. But what really sets this school apart is its emphasis on outdoor activities. My kids came home every day brimming with stories, covered in the day's adventures - dirt, smiles, and all. The school's commitment to outdoor learning, regardless of weather, is a rare and valuable approach in today's world. I am grateful for the rich experiences and the robust learning environment that All Friends Nature School provided. It's a gem of a place that fosters growth, learning, and a love for nature in the best possible way."

    -Heather F

  • "All Friends is an exceptional sanctuary for children's development. Susan and the teachers' warmth and creativity infuse every aspect of the school. It's been five years since we left, , but we treasure so many memories of forest school, like Snail Forest, fairy balls, and solstice ceremonies. Every day I see the results of the skills they built at All Friends: thriving imagination, resilience, and empathy. I'm ever grateful my children benefited from this amazing foundation for a lifelong love of learning and a deep respect for the world."

    -Erica T

  • "Our son attended All Friends Nature School for 3 years. It was such an amazing part of his/our life! Everything that the teachers do with them is so nurturing and inspiring. We couldn't imagine a better place for him to spend his mornings while we were at work, even on rainy days! Ms Susan would always welcome him with such a smile and warm heart that made him feel good and cared for. Nature and being outside has always been very important for our family so this was just the perfect place for him. He was so happy and would come home with so many fun stories. As parents it was such a joy to drop off or pick up. It made us smile! We miss you all very much!"

    -Paz Martinez

  • "All Friends has been such a blessing in our daughter’s life! Miss Susan and all the teachers care about the children at a deep level, and every time we get to see the teachers in action there is a refreshing feeling of gentleness and mutual respect, and the kids seem to be thriving. We can’t thank All Friends enough for all of the good things our daughter has learned over the years at this amazing school."

    -Ryan North

  • "We started Nature School in 2016, when it was just a small group of kids. We were stepping into the unknown. Best decision we’ve ever made. The joy my daughter had at the end of each day was priceless. My daughter spent her preschool and kindergarten years with Miss Susan. She would come home dirty and completely happy. She learned so much about nature, how to play, how to use her imagination, and truly how to be a true kid. I believe that every child should attend nature school, I wish I could have!”

    -Mudloff Family