Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about our farm and forest school programs, enrollment, or daily rhythms? You're in the right place! We've gathered answers to the most common questions about child-led learning, outdoor play, farm-based education, and what to expect at McWilliams Heritage Farm, Folk & Forest School.

Want to see what programs we offer?

General Questions:

  • A forest school is an outdoor-based learning experience where children explore, create, and develop confidence in a natural environment. Instead of traditional classrooms, we use the forest, farm, and fields as our learning spaces.

  • We currently welcome children aged 4-13 for our Drop-off Forest School and 0-4 with a parent/caregiver for our My Tiny Human & Me program.

  • No, we are an alternative enrichment program that complements traditional schooling or homeschooling. Our sessions run seasonally, with different class schedules based on the time of year.

Enrollment & Payment:

  • Fill out and submit our Contact Us form, and we’ll reach out with details about our enrollment process or notify you if classes are full and your Wildling has been added to our waiting list.

  • Tuition varies by program. Please visit our Program’s pages for full details on pricing and details.

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Life at Farm School:

  • Each day is different, but our routine often includes:

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  • We embrace all types of weather! Kids learn resilience by experiencing nature year-round. However, in cases of extreme cold, severe storms, or unsafe conditions, we will notify parents of closures or schedule adjustments.

  • Your child should come prepared with:

    • Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, rain gear, winter gear if needed)

    • A reusable water bottle

    • A small backpack with a snack/lunch

    • Closed-toe shoes or boots for outdoor play

  • Yes! We have a composting toilet on-site and a designated hand-washing station.

  • For our My Tiny Human & Me program, parents stay and participate. For our drop-off programs, children gain independence by exploring without direct parental supervision but rest assured; we create a safe and nurturing environment.

Safety & Policies:

  • Safety is our priority! Our instructors are first-aid and CPR certified and trained in outdoor risk assessment. We teach children responsible risk-taking while maintaining a safe environment.

  • Yes! We encourage healthy risk-taking, which means climbing trees, using tools (under supervision), and playing freely in nature. However, we guide children on safe techniques and boundaries to prevent accidents.

  • Please inform us of any medical conditions or allergies when enrolling. We take all necessary precautions and work with parents to accommodate individual needs.

Special Programs & Events:

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  • Yes! Our summer programs include extended forest school sessions and special evening events like Wildlings After Dark and Gather, Garnish, Graze.

  • Not yet, but we are considering adding private event offerings! Let us know if you're interested.

Contact & Communication

  • We send out weekly newsletters with photos, highlights, and updates. You can also follow us on social media for daily glimpses into farm school life!

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Contact us

Join the Wildling Community

Do you have questions about our farm and forest school programs? Would you like to learn more about nature-based learning, child-led education, or homestead experiences? We’d love to hear from you, whether you're a parent, educator, or kindred spirit drawn to the rhythms of the wild. Reach out, and let’s connect. Spots for all programs are limited—reserve your child’s place today!

Located in the heart of Wisconsin’s countryside,

Fill out the form below, and we’ll reply soon! We can’t wait to welcome you to the McWilliams Heritage Farm, Folk & Forest School community.