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.

Opening September 2nd 2014

Ages 3-6yrs

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.

Gallery

How It Works

Timetable

School dates 2025/2026

1st Term -8th September to 19th December

2nd Term- 5th January to 2nd April

3rd Term - 20st April to 11th 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

With over 23 years of experience in international education, Kerry has cultivated a rich and diverse career as a teacher, coordinator, and education director. Her journey has been deeply rooted in alternative education pedagogies, and she is a passionate advocate for child-centered, holistic learning approaches.
Kerry holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, which laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to innovative and meaningful learning. Her love for the outdoors and belief in experiential education led her to qualify as a Forest School Leader and outdoor learning specialist. Drawing from her extensive experience in both traditional and holistic education settings, Kerry has transitioned into the role of an education consultant.

Lead Teacher

Kerry Trigg

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

Forest Schools 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

Forest School operates 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

Forest School naturally supports children to become more aware of their physical selves. It also allows children to safely explore and test their own boundaries. They can face fears, develop skills, test ideas and make discoveries

SELF REGULATION

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