Empowering students to explore, create, and grow in a global, natural environment! 

Imagine waking up to the sound of birds, stepping outside to climb a tree, and discovering the secrets of the natural world as part of your day. At Alma Forest School, this is not imagination, it is the reality. Located on a peaceful Spanish finca near Sotogrande, the school blends the beauty of nature with a rich, internationally minded education. Students explore fields, beaches, and parks, turning every corner of their environment into a classroom. 

With 24 nationalities represented, Alma Forest thrives on diversity. Families from across the globe choose the school not just for its stunning location, but for its approach to learning. Traditional teaching takes a backseat to discovery. Children are encouraged to ask big questions and follow their passions, whether that means exploring the nature of time or the depth of Renaissance art. Small class sizes allow teachers to guide each student at a pace suited to their development, ensuring both academic challenge and personal growth. 

The school community is built on openness and shared humanity. Relationships are not defined by roles but by curiosity and collaboration. Teachers and students learn alongside one another, co-creating journeys of exploration that instill confidence, independence, and a lasting love for learning. 

Internationally accredited and staffed by experienced educators, Alma Forest ensures academic rigor while fostering a sense of wonder. Visiting the school reveals its unique spirit: a place where students and teachers come alive, ideas flourish, and learning extends beyond the walls of the classroom. 

Alma Forest School is more than a school; it is a home for curious minds, where education is an adventure and every child is empowered to discover the world and themselves. 

Vision and Philosophy: Education for a People-Yet-to-Come 

Alma Forest School represents a movement toward conscious, connected, and compassionate learning. Its vision is to spark a passion for nature within the community and emphasize the importance of play and children’s growth in natural settings. The school adopts bioregionalism, consent-based teaching, and radical empathy, seeking to empower students to imagine and create better futures. 

By prioritizing discovery over traditional teaching, Alma Forest fosters an environment where students co-create their educational journeys. This approach allows learners to explore their interests deeply and engage meaningfully with the world around them. 

Curriculum: A Hybrid Approach to Learning 

The curriculum at Alma Forest integrates three key strands: Literacy and Numeracy workshops, and transdisciplinary Explorations in Science, Art, and Humanities. This hybrid model ensures students develop into independent, intrinsically motivated learners and problem solvers. 

The foundational workshops focus on essential skills, while Explorations allow students to engage with subjects through projects and real-world applications. This balance encourages both structured learning and creative inquiry. 

Community and Culture: A Tribe of Learners 

Community lies at the heart of Alma Forest’s educational experience. With 24 nationalities represented and 80% of families relocating to join the school, it is a truly international community. The school promotes open and honest exchange of ideas, fostering relationships based on shared humanity rather than conventional teacher-student roles. 

This inclusive culture creates a supportive environment where every individual is known, heard, and able to contribute. It allows the school to remain flexible and responsive to the needs of all community members. 

Outdoor Learning: Connecting with Nature 

Rooted in the Forest School tradition, Alma Forest emphasizes learning outdoors. Children spend their days in natural settings, discovering and engaging with the environment. This approach supports developmental needs and fosters intrinsic motivation through independent exploration and teacher-guided activities. 

The surrounding parks and beaches provide rich learning environments, enabling students to connect with the world in meaningful ways. This relationship with nature nurtures ecological literacy and a sense of responsibility toward the environment. 

Sustainability Initiatives: Educating for the Future 

Sustainability is a core value at Alma Forest, with eco-conscious practices integrated into daily life. The Eco Committee has implemented water conservation initiatives, including seven 1000-liter rainwater collection tanks. 

These initiatives reduce the school’s environmental footprint and serve as educational tools, teaching students about resource management and the importance of sustainability. By involving students, the school fosters a culture of environmental stewardship. 

Global Impact: Collaborations and Recognition 

Alma Forest’s innovative approach has gained international attention. The school collaborates with institutions such as Leśna Szkoła Kielce and REAL School Budapest to develop practical educational toolkits for schools worldwide. 

These partnerships extend Alma Forest’s influence, sharing its model and philosophy globally. Participation in Erasmus projects underscores the school’s commitment to fostering international educational collaboration. 

Enrollment Process: Joining the Alma Forest Community 

The enrollment process at Alma Forest ensures alignment between the school and prospective families. It begins with a Zoom call or a physical tour to introduce the school’s approach and ethos. 

This personalized process allows families to understand the school’s values and determine if they align with their educational goals. Transparency and mutual understanding form the foundation, ensuring both the school and families commit to a shared vision. 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Alma Forest 

Alma Forest continues to evolve, expanding offerings and refining its educational approach. Plans to introduce middle school year groups reflect a commitment to providing a progressive journey from early childhood through adolescence. 

As the school grows, it remains devoted to its core values of discovery, community, and connection with nature. Future initiatives aim to integrate these principles further, preparing students to navigate and shape the world with empathy, creativity, and resilience. 

Alma Forest School exemplifies a progressive model of education that prioritizes holistic development, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. Its approach offers a compelling alternative to traditional schooling, equipping students to thrive in an interconnected and dynamic world. 

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