A Magical Bilingual Forest Learning Community in the natural park of Sintra

In the enchanting Sintra Park , you'll find our magical forest preschool, Tribe Portugal. Spanning 15 thousand square meters, Tribe is nestled within a natural forest, securely enclosed for the children to explore and learn. Amidst the trees, our dome provides a spacious indoor area for play and rest. This picturesque forest serves as a wonder filled haven where children can feel at home, discovering and learning in a safe nurturing environment.

Ages 3-6yrs

New spots have just opened up for this year !

Why Us

Developing essential social emotional skills through play and exploration in a safe loving environment

Using Mindfulness to regulate emotions, improve focus and laying the foundation for lifelong well-being

To support the development of a lifelong relationship between the learner and the natural world

We aim to cultivate resilience and build confidence. While fostering meaningful relationships within the natural environment

About us

We are two best friends, both mothers and school teachers, with a dream of creating a magical place for children to play, learn and grow in confidence surrounded by nature. We aim to empower children to learn in their natural environment, supported by their peers, working both together and independently to discover the world around them and pursue their true passions.

We will foster child lead learning encouraging curiosity and exploration using all our senses, empowering children in a natural environment. We aim to support the development of a lifelong relationship between leaner and the natural world .

We will blend Montessori, Waldorf, and Forest School pedagogy to create a holistic educational approach. Montessori fosters independence and self-directed learning, Waldorf emphasizes creativity and imagination, while Forest School immerses children in nature, promoting outdoor exploration. This unique synthesis cultivates well-rounded individuals, nurturing cognitive, emotional, and environmental awareness.

Mission

At Tribe, we embrace nature as the ultimate classroom, fostering a holistic learning experience rooted in respect for the environment. We cultivate curiosity, resilience and teamwork through hands- on exploration.

At Tribe we believe children should be free to learn in an environment that caters to their unique individual needs, with constant support and love to discover what interests them.

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How It Works

Timetable

School dates 2026/2027

1st Term -7th September to 18th December

2nd Term- 4th January to 25th March

3rd Term - 12th April to 10th July

OUR TEAM

With over 15 yrs in education, Arabella embarked on her journey as a primary school teacher before moving onto focusing on children with Emotional and Behavioral needs. Her impactful contribution extended beyond borders, spending over a decade in South America collaborating with NGOs on inner-city projects, focusing on the holistic development of children. With a dual degree in Art and Psychology allowing her a multifaceted approach to teaching. She advocates for nurturing the complete child experience and firmly believes a natural setting provides the optimal environment to unlock the potential of any young mind.

Arabella Koerfer Founder

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Sofia, a Psychomotor Therapist with a Master’s in Special Education, has 12 years of experience in child development and education. Passionate about working with young children, she believes in holistic learning through play, exploration, yoga, and mindfulness, moving beyond traditional methods. In her words, “We are always learning and discovering, and kids help us on that journey more than we think.”

Sofia Norton de Matos Portuguese Teacher

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Jani brings over twenty years of teaching experience in international schools to Tribe Forest School. After studying psychology, she specialised in early childhood development, earning both an honours degree and a masters.

Jani believes the early years shape a child’s lifelong relationship with learning and the natural world. By combining the principles of forest schooling with research informed early years practice, she creates child led learning experiences that nurture curiosity, confidence, resilience, and a lasting sense of wonder.

Jani Allen

Lead Teacher

Jani Haddow-Allen

Lead Teacher

Susana Silva is a Portuguese Educational Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in formal, non-formal, and informal education. She specializes in holistic and alternative learning approaches, including education through art, play-based learning, emotional education, embodied learning, nature connection, and eco-soulcentric development. An experienced educator and trainer since 2010, she has worked internationally, contributed to European educational programs, taught English, and trained educators in wellbeing, lifelong learning, and personal development. A certified Contakids facilitator and advocate of forest schools, Susana is passionate about supporting children’s growth through meaningful, creative, and nature-based learning experiences.

Susana Silva

Jani Haddow-Allen

Lead Teacher

EMPHATHY

Empathy can easily be encouraged in a Forest School environment. Working together as a team means supporting each other and developing an understanding that somethings can be more challenging for some than others.

MOTIVATION

The enviroment offers a creative environment for children to play and learn in. Curiosity and excitement to explore gives children willingness to try something new. Activities that are self-led allow children to take ownership and lead their own learning.

SOCIAL SKILLS

Operating outside of the constraints or rules of a physical building., the outdoors is a natural place to promote working together, sharing tools and playing together.

SELF AWARENESS

Children naturally supports children to become more aware of their physical selves. Thet can safely explore and test their own boundaries, face fears, develop skills, test ideas and try out ideas.

SELF REGULATION

Children experience the emotions that go with challenging themselves and taking risks. By providing a safe environment in which to experience these emotions, children can better learn how to manage them successfully.