Renee is the founder of Fresh Roots Forest School -

Renee's focus involves parent coaching (ECHO Certified), Neurodivergent Coaching (DIR Floortime® certified), and social-emotional learning. She is also a Registered Nurse and Certified ADHD Professional (ADHD-CCSP) with experience in the mental health field. We wouldn't be here without our biggest cheerleader! You will find Renee listening and validating the experiences she hears no matter the age of the Learner.

Kelsey is our Pre-K + Elementary Founding Teacher

Kelsey's passion is finding a relevant story for every learner and their experiences. She curates our Language Arts curriculum through multiple lenses, such as decolonization, LGBTQIA history, authors of color, folklore, banned books, and social-emotional learning.

Nicolette is our Social Media and Educational Advisor

A lover of science and art, Nicolette brings hands-on experiences to make big topics become tangible and relatable subjects. They curate our Science curriculum to include Native vs. Invasive Species, First Nation Architecture, and volunteering in the community. They're also behind our social media and website design!

Lincoln is our Teacher's Aide + Camp Counselor

Lincoln has been a part of our schooling community since he was a small child. Lincoln now supports our students in education, communication, safety, movement, regulation, problem-solving, and setting boundaries with the utmost compassion and enthusiasm.

What We Do

Our Mission is to connect Learners with the world around them through cooperation, stewardship, and inclusion for all. We explore all discoveries within their natural environment through drawing, journaling, phenology, and just being present. As the year continues, entire systems flow around them, and with them; how can we help and show gratitude for these communities? Through guided activities, provocations, or self-directed explorations, we are practicing and building self-esteem and social-emotional intelligence, as well as exploring academics at your child's pace.

Our emergent curriculum is Learner-centered, interest-led, inquiry-driven, and evidence-based.

Language Arts

Read alouds - phonetic awareness - handwriting - journaling - genres - critical thinking - history - speech - alphabet - grammar - book club - poetry - plays & musicals

Science

Soil composition - water cycle - native species - geology - ecology - biology - scientific method - sociology - habitat restoration - zoology - history - measurement

Art

Color theory - line work - plant dye - contour - stamping - weaving - history - singing - found object - puppetry - portraits

Why We Exist

-Renee

I have 22 years of experience supporting neurodivergent humans in education, 19 of those years in classroom settings. I believe in meeting our students where they are first socially and emotionally so that they can access the "higher thinking" learning

-Kelsey

I believe in the connection to nature we all deserve and inherently have. Seeing my students confidently ID plants to their family or recognize a number pattern are always fulfilling moments for me to witness.

-Nicolette

Where We Are

As a community, we support each other by showing up as our authentic selves: our boundaries, our experiences, and our curiosities.

We are physically located throughout Redondo Beach and Torrance in local parks, libraries, beaches, and museums in South Bay, California.