Little Leaf Forest School

Our Teachers

Hello! I’m Grayson, teacher and founder of Little Leaf Forest School. With 20 years of childcare experience and 7 years of wilderness leadership experience, there’s nowhere I’d rather be than outside with kids. I grew up playing in the forests of Western North Carolina, and I want my daughter to spend lots of time outside exploring, too.

I have been a preschool teacher for 2 years in North Carolina and am currently working on my California preschool teaching license. I have 5 years of experience working with toddlers as a nanny and 7 years as a teacher assistant and teaching artist in kindergarten-2nd grade. I am CPR and First Aid certified and a former Wilderness First Responder. Since January 2024 I have been running a micro daycare with my daughter and one other child – we’re ready to expand to three!

Philosophy

Our philosophy emphasizes providing children with opportunities to explore nature to foster their natural curiosity and love of learning. The curriculum is play-based, child-centered, encouraging exploration, creativity, and independence while emphasizing social-emotional development.

Location

We are primarily based at City Terrace Park, with fieldtrips to Ascot Hills, Elysian Park, El Sereno Arroyo Playground, and Descanso Gardens.

City Terrace Park is a shady wonderland in the mornings with big eucalyptus trees, a sand box, multiple play structures, a covered basketball court and a splash pad.

About our program

We are a laid-back micro forest school in East Los Angeles, primarily based at City Terrace Park, with fieldtrips to Ascot Hills, Elysian Park, El Sereno Arroyo Playground, and Descanso Gardens.

Transportation included: We pick the kids up, take ‘em outside, and bring ‘em back!

Admissions

Join the Little Leaf Forest School community in three easy steps:

1. Explore our website We’ve provided information about our philosophies and offerings to help you decide if our program may be right for your family.

2. Tour our program Come see what makes Little Leaf Forest School unique. Contact our program director to arrange a visit.

3. Submit an Enrollment Application Message the program director to obtain your application!