Our guiding belief is that Nature is Teacher. From her we understand that we are Nature - we are born of stardust, rivers flow through our veins, minerals make up our bones, and the oxygen we breathe comes from the exhalation of plants and trees.
Our curriculum is informed by our four values: Nature Kinship, Community, Justice and Joy.
Our Philosophy & Curriculum
Our mission is to nurture children’s innate connection to the Earth, to themselves, and to one another through joyful, community-centered nature immersion.
We envision a world where all children grow up feeling at home in nature, proud of who they are, and inspired to co-create communities rooted in reciprocity, belonging, and joy.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
We believe that the greatest impact we can have on future generations is keeping children connected to Mother Earth and her creatures, knowing they themselves are part of nature too.
ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
Our History
What makes Roots y Ramas truly special is the bond and history of our educators. Our Roots y Ramas tree grew out of the strong roots of Early Ecology Forest School, one of the very first forest schools in the Bay Area founded in 2015 and a beautiful home daycare called Big Trees.
Our 5 core staff have had the pleasure and luck to work with one another for 10+ years respectively and we wound our branches together into Roots y Ramas Forest School in 2022.
We feel grateful to bring this community connection to all of the children and families who gather with us.
History of Relationships
Our staff is the heart and soul of our program and we are so lucky to have the skill and joy they bring to the children every day. All founders, staff and substitute teachers are background checked and cleared, hold current first aid/CPR training certificates and participate in annual week-long trainings in safety, values and child development.
If you are interested in working with us please email us.
Staff
This program combines experiential nature immersion with high quality education about the natural world, daily practice with social-emotional community-building skills, and Spanish language acquisition. Children graduate from this program as compassionate, whole-bodied, socially adept, humans who grow up to be guardians of our planet.
The School Year
- Dia de los Muertos
- Back to School Camp Out
- Family Sharing Day
- Full Moon Gathering
- Hike-a-thon
- Spring Picnic
- Family Birthday Circle
- End of Year Pizza Party
We also host a Spring Picnic Party and Fundraiser which is open to all!
Community Offerings
- Julia, Parent 2024, 2025
"Our child has attended Roots y Ramas for one year, and we’re gleefully returning for another.
We chose a forest school because our high-energy toddler loves being outside, and we believe in the power of nature.
Beyond the stunning setting, this school is excellent in every way. The teachers deeply understand each child and lovingly guide social and emotional learning.
Creativity thrives through open-ended play with natural materials.
The school hosts family activities, and we’ve found a true community here. With strong wilderness and health protocols, we’ve stayed remarkably healthy—and my two-year-old even taught me to spot poison oak!
There are countless reasons to love and trust this school. We couldn’t recommend it more."
"Founded on Safety and Skill, Nourishing Community and Learning"
- Sarah L.M., Parent 2024
"This is a school without toys—but with everything: space, nature, and freedom to create. The kids build their own worlds while teachers form deep, honest relationships with them.
There’s no phone signal here, which turned out to be a gift. It slows you down and invites you to be truly present.
Roots y Ramas isn’t just for children—it’s nourishment for the whole family’s soul."
"A School for the Whole Family’s Soul"
- Sarah La., Parent 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
"The teachers at Roots y Ramas are truly extraordinary. They don’t just supervise—they see each child and create space for growth. My daughter began shy and reserved, and through the love, challenge, and encouragement she received, she blossomed into a confident, joyful little human.
This isn’t just a preschool—it’s a sacred, magical space where children and families thrive."
"From Reserved and Shy to Confident and Exuberant"
- Anastasia, Parent 2023, 2024
"For two years, our kids’ time at Roots y Ramas was a daily practice in wonder and gratitude. The teachers are kind, self-aware, and deeply attuned to little humans—truly inspired by their work in nature and community.
Without family nearby, we’re profoundly grateful for how Roots y Ramas helped raise our kids. They learned to listen to nature, express emotions safely, create art, and celebrate music and dance.
The school gently introduced them to a larger world of care and connection. We also loved the vibrant parent community that grew around the school. Roots y Ramas will always be in our hearts with love and warmth.
"A Family of Care to Help Raise Deeply Kind Children"
- Gabby, Parent 2023–2024
"Our daughter has attended Roots y Ramas since January, and we love it! The teachers are the kindest, most caring, knowledgeable, and fun people we could ask for. She spends her days outdoors, learning about and playing in nature—and never wants to leave!
We especially appreciate the Spanish language component, focus on social justice, and the community events and ceremonies throughout the year. This school nurtures both children and families, mind and heart. We can’t recommend it enough."
“A Place Our Daughter Never Wants to Leave”
- David, Parent 2023–2024
"Roots y Ramas is a lovely school! The teachers are kind and attentive, and the children explore nature, make art, and learn in a beautiful setting. Our daughter often comes home excited to share what she’s discovered.
The Spanish curriculum is thoughtfully developed, with both English- and Spanish-speaking teachers supporting the kids. Communication is excellent, and we feel so connected to the school.
Highly recommend Roots y Ramas for preschool!"
“Nature, Art, and Bilingual Connection”
- Rafi, Parent 2023–2024
"We have nothing but great things to say about Roots y Ramas. The teachers who work with our child are amazing—immensely caring, engaged, and communicative. Our kiddo looks forward to school every single day. It’s clear that this is a place built on love, joy, and respect for children."
“Can’t Wait to Go to School”
- Rascal, Parent 2023–2025
"This program is incredible! The teachers are deeply committed, skilled, and playful. Our toddler talks (in Spanish and English!) about school constantly and misses it over breaks. His connection to nature has blossomed—he listens for birds, smells leaves, and gently observes bugs and snails.
Roots y Ramas also builds community through seasonal gatherings and nature-honoring rituals. We’re a queer family and feel deeply welcomed and celebrated. The teacher-founders themselves run this school, and their shared vision shines through every moment."
“Deeply Skilled Teachers, Nature-Connected Kids”
- Fetch, Parent 2023–2025
"We absolutely adore Roots y Ramas! The teachers are authentic, organized, and true to their bilingual mission. Our almost-two-year-old asks for them every day. Mornings are gentle and joyful, and the year is filled with seasonal celebrations, moon walks, and land acknowledgments. We’ve loved how intentionally the school cultivates parent community—through gatherings, campouts, and shared reflection.
This is a program full of heart, brilliance, and beauty."
“Intentionally Cultivated Community”
- Leila, Parent 2023–2025
"We love Roots y Ramas so much we’re returning again this year! Our child now attends kindergarten in Oakland, but it’s worth the drive to be back in this loving forest community. The teachers go above and beyond in caring for both kids and families. Our daughter came home singing songs of joy and connection. We’re a queer BIPOC family with a gender-nonconforming child, and we’ve felt nothing but love, respect, and inclusion.
Choosing Roots y Ramas was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made."
“Love, Trust, and Inclusion for BIPOC families”
- Kiki, Parent 2022–2023
"Our daughter loved every day at Roots y Ramas. She now considers the forest her home and the wonderful teachers her family. And her Spanish accent is astonishing!
We couldn’t recommend this extraordinary preschool more."
“The Forest Became Her Home”
- Rori, Parent 2022–2023
"We started with summer camp and loved it so much that our daughter now attends multiple days a week! Watching her grow with nature feels like what childhood is meant to be. The teachers are thoughtful, caring, and cultivate a culture of acceptance and awareness. We couldn’t be happier with this school and community."
“Growing with Nature and Heart”
- Caitlin, Parent 2023–2024
"This school is magical. Our daughter—unique and shy after pandemic isolation—was lovingly guided out of her shell by the amazing teachers. They weave together lessons on nature, social justice, and community with care and joy. Honestly, what could be better than this school?"
“Magical Growth and Gentle Guidance”
OAKLAND, CA
Operating on Xučyun, the ancestral and unceded land of the Chochenyo Ohlone People
Email: rootsyramas@gmail.com
Contact Us
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