Testimonials & Press
What students & parents are saying about Nature School…
“This program is outstanding! My daughter came home each and every day from both the spring Nature School program and Summer Camp full of excitement and eagerness to go back the next day. We can’t thank Julia and her team enough for such a wonderful experience.”
“Our daughter had a wonderful time at Toronto Nature School. She got to learn and explore while getting plenty of exercise and fresh air. She came home tuckered out with many stories to tell! The best part was Ms. Julia and all of her new friends.”
“I like everything. I like every best part. At nature school, everything that you say, I love!”
“I like reading books when we have snack. And I like going across the river to play at the fort!”
Toronto Nature School in the News
Toronto Star Reader's Choice Awards 2025
Toronto Nature School is thrilled to announce that we once again are the official winners of the Toronto Star Readers’ Choice awards 2025 for Best Private School (Diamond level). We were also rated Best Kids Camp (Diamond level) and Best Overall Business for Kids (Platinum level).
Global News
“Outdoor learning program triples in popularity during the pandemic.
As children and teachers across the province head back into the classroom this week – some alternative educational programs are heading out into nature to teach – and they are growing in popularity. Melanie Zettler has more.”
Breakfast Television
Study shows benefits for kids learning outdoors
Founder of Toronto Nature School, Julia Donnelly O’Neill joins Mel on Breakfast Television to talk about the benefits of having children learn outside.
CTV News
Children’s mental health is at the top of everyone’s mind right now and we’re trying to find ways to help our kids.
Studies show that going outside reduces stress and anxiety. Being outside makes kids active, which in turn makes them feel happier and healthier.
CBC News
These GTA Teachers get an A+ for kindness. Meet the educators nominated by parents, students, and peers for their inspirational work.
Ms. Donnelly O’Neill’s Inspiration: “I am motivated by the magic that takes place when students are learning outdoors… My hope is to continue to make outdoor learning available to more children.”
Toronto Star Reader's Choice Awards 2024
Toronto Nature School is thrilled to announce that we once again are the official winners of the Toronto Star Readers’ Choice awards 2024 for Best Private School (Diamond level).
The Weather Network
The benefits of learning in nature are well researched, and the results show that students who learn outside show improvement in academics in all areas.
Toronto Nature School (TNS) specializes in classes that take children out of a generic classroom setting and let them explore nature. Based on the “forest school movement,” inspired by the Scandinavian education system, students are brought outside to learn, explore, and work together.
Toronto Star Reader's Choice Awards 2023
Toronto Nature School is thrilled to announce that we are the official winners of the Toronto Star Readers’ Choice awards 2023 for BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL!
Feature
Toronto Nature School is optimizing the Ontario curriculum for outdoor learning
Featured by Beach Beat
What students & parents are saying about Nature School…
“I was so thrilled to find Toronto Nature School. My 5 and 8-year-olds really enjoyed their time during the spring session. I was so happy they could be with other kids, learning and benefiting from all that the outdoors has to offer, especially while schools were closed. They returned for the summer camp and it was always the highlight of their day. Julia is a thoughtful, kind, and calm teacher. Her expertise is evident. The kids also spoke highly of Ms. Suki, mentioning how creative and fun she is. I’m so glad this school is a part of our neighbourhood and look forward to seeing it thrive.”
“Toronto Nature School has been an amazing, enriching, and fun experience. Ms. Julia has been a great teacher. The stories that my little one comes home with are fantastic. Every day is an adventure at Nature School!”
“Our daughter absolutely thrived in the Nature Kindergarten program this past school year at Toronto Nature School. The small class size allowed her to develop strong relationships with each of her classmates as they worked together to discover all of the wonderful things the different seasons in our city have to offer. Getting to grow her literacy and math skills using the resources available at the beach and in the forest, sparked a deep love and appreciation for the natural world around her. Her confidence grew at the same rate as her sense of adventure, as each day’s explorations were exciting and full of opportunities for learning! She was taught the importance of getting outside and experienced the joy that can be found there, no matter the weather! I cannot recommend this program enough!”