"There is no description, no image in any book that is capable of replacing the sight of real trees, and all of the life to be found around them in a real forest". -Maria Montessori

My name is Drew, and my husband, Dustin, and I are the co-founders of Ancaster Forest & Nature School. As parents ourselves, we know how important choosing the right early learning environment can be. The early learning choices you make can shape your child’s development for years to come—no pressure! 🙂 We’d love to share our journey and why we believe choosing Ancaster Forest & Nature School is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make for your child, your family, and our community.  

Our connection with nature dates back to our childhoods, where the freedom of outdoor exploration ignited our love for the great outdoors. When our children were born, we were determined to give them opportunities to cultivate their own connection with nature and share our passion for the outdoors. Almost a year later, we were fortunate to find ourselves here in beautiful Ancaster, Ontario.

Over the past several years, we have watched our children thrive as they explore forests, creeks, insects, animals, and their habitats. We have witnessed the positive impact of living in an environment so rich in nature and the influence it has on young, developing minds. When it was time to choose a place for our children to spend their toddler and preschool years, we knew we could offer a more impactful experience than what was available in the community. 

As a Doctor of Education and Professor of Early Childhood Education, I recognized the benefits of nature-based education programs and felt compelled to provide our children, along with others in our community, with an unparalleled early learning experience.

In 2021, we opened Nurture Through Nature Forest School, which began as a small, home-based program. With wonderful feedback from the community, our program evolved into what is now Ancaster Forest and Nature School. Located within the pristine grounds of Mount Mary Retreat Centre, we are surrounded by the Dundas Valley, its mature trees, established wildlife, and over 1200 acres of lush, expansive forest.

Ancaster Forest & Nature School represents the culmination of our lifelong passion for both nature and early childhood education, setting us apart as one of the premier early learning facilities in the area. Our programs are thoughtfully designed to offer a unique and meaningful early childhood experience for the children and families in our community. In 2025 we added a Kindergarten and Grade One program and in 2026, a Grade 2 program with the intention to grow organically with our students.  

In 2026, AFNS was established as a Private School and were assigned a BSID number by the Ministry of Education. 

We are incredibly grateful to be a part of your child’s journey in discovering their own love of nature while nurturing their innate desire to learn.

-Dr. Drew Hubert