about us: overview
Program Distinctives:
Nature immersion
Small class sizes (maximum size: 12)
Personalized learning
Fostering sustainable culture
Child-driven curriculum
Play-based experiential learning
“Whatever shape nature takes, it offers each child an older, larger world separate from parents. Unlike television, nature does not steal time; it amplifies it.” Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods.
Facilities
Our classrooms and grounds are nestled in the towering trees of The Firs/Fircreek woods.
Featuring:
Mud Kitchen
Obstacle Course
Science Classroom
Dramatic Play
Art Classroom
Reading Nook
4 acres of woods to explore
Indoor classrooms for inclement weather
information
Location
1150 Geneva St.
Bellingham, WA 98229
Mailing Address
4605 Cable St.
Bellingham, WA 98229
PHONE & EMAIL
360-410-4207
firsandfiddleheads@thefirs.org
firs & fiddleheads | preschool
At Firs and Fiddleheads Forest School, we believe ALL things have been purposely created by God, and that through His creation, from the towering Fir trees to the young fern gardens, He is whispering, “you are loved.”
We aim to give children the opportunity to explore and discover the wonders of God’s creation, to foster curiosity, and to provide room for possibility and adventure. As teachers offer guidance and instruction, they will not constrict a child’s learning to fit a specific curriculum, but harness the child’s natural interests and curiosity to spark creativity and problem solving. We hope to convey that life has boundaries but not always walls, and to foster a sense of wonder in play and learning that will lead students to be successful in school and life.
meet our team
Stacy Smith (Gumbo)
Director
Stacy has loved working with children and young leaders for the last 35 years! She owned and operated The Neighborhood Preschool for 8 years before starting The Firs After School Adventure Program, which is now in its 20th year of serving elementary age students and their parents.
Danielle Strasser (Javelina)
Fiddleheads Class Lead Teacher
Javelina has recently returned to Bellingham where she grew up climbing trees and puddle jumping. When she isn’t teaching or adventuring around Whatcom County, you can find her in a gym coaching and playing volleyball. She holds a degree from Warner Pacific in Education and Human Development.
Mud Kitchen for tiny chefs
Incredible teachers
Classes
Maximum Class Size
firs & fiddleheads forest school
For more information, or to schedule a tour, contact us through our form on this page, or email us at: firsandfiddleheads@thefirs.org
Directions
Off I-5 exit 253 (Lakeway Drive Exit), follow Lakeway Drive toward Sudden Valley. Lakeway Drive becomes Cable Street. Take a right on Geneva Street just past the Fire Station. Park in the gravel parking lot on your right.
Firs & Fiddleheads Forest School • Location: 1150 Geneva St., Bellingham, WA 98229 • Mailing Address: 4605 Cable St. Bellingham, WA 98229 • Office: 360-733-6840 • firsandfiddleheads@thefirs.org
In association with The Firs Camps & Retreats, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN: 91-0609820