Bloom- the Midland Forest School

Our Teachers

I’m Lizzie Garrard DiQuattro, Director of Bloom. My husband, Ben, and I grew up in the Columbus area and moved back in 2019 when we were about to become new parents. We have two children, a dog (Pebbles) and 21 nieces and nephews! I was inspired to create Bloom when I looked around for forest schools and the nearest one was almost two hours away. I’m very passionate about nature, preserving it and learning all there is to know. I have learned basic ASL and know intermediate Spanish and I’m working towards being fluent in both.

Meg Twigg, Assistant Director, has called Columbus home for nearly 17 years and has spent much of that time in the outdoors- soccer, cross country, and hiking, Meg found happiness in nature, and she loves to share that joy with all of the kiddos that come through Bloom. When she’s not jumping in the creek teaching French, or helping cook in the mud kitchen, you can find Meg walking her dog or one of her cats at Lakebottom Park, reading, or baking.

Testimonials

“We were drawn to Bloom not only because of our desire to foster Emerson’s love of the outdoors but because we want to surround ourselves with a community where social-emotional learning is valued and deep friendships can be formed.-“ Bree F.

“I am most excited about my daughter getting to constantly be out in nature and figuring things out through experiences. Children learn through play, and the outdoors provides such a rich environment and opportunity for those experiences. I believe Bloom will help my daughter get the socialization she craves, build a foundation of knowledge just as well as any other school could, and create even more curiosity with a respect for nature.”- Megan H.

Philosophy

We believe in teaching by example. Children learn respect, compassion, empathy, and morals, by watching us interact with each other. We believe that different families have different beliefs and customs and we strive to help all feel included. We believe in learning about other cultures and how they make our world more beautiful. We believe in giving the child the choice whether they want to participate because sometimes playing with play dough by yourself is what a kid needs. We believe in building on lessons and circling back to what we’ve discovered throughout the day. We believe in genuine apologies, helping others, and taking responsibility for our actions. We believe in BIG emotions and allowing space for children to express them safely and authentically. We believe playing is learning and that all children play and learn differently. We believe that crocs don’t have to match, tutus are acceptable gardening attire, underwear can be worn inside out or backwards. We believe in getting messy, playing in the dirt, and stopping to smell the honeysuckle. We celebrate and welcome each individual. And we believe y’all means ALL.

Location

Conveniently located just off Manchester Expressway. 15-20 minutes from most places in Columbus. 5 acres of wooded land with access to a creek, plenty of wildlife, and room to play. Our gates will be closed during school hours and we have an entrance and exit for added safety. Please message the director for the exact address.

About our program

At Bloom- the Midland Forest School, caring and skilled mentors nurture child-led exploration and discovery, creating a life-long love of learning and respect for the Earth. By encouraging curiosity and exploration, we will help children see the beauty in all aspects of nature: from the tiniest ant to the great blue heron, from native plants to the clouds. Raising kind, capable humans is the heart of our “why.” We welcome all children of all backgrounds, religions, and households. We value respect, science, inclusion, equity, diversity, reparations, and justice.

Please donate as you are able

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