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Gopal's Garden
A Homeschool Co-op Nurtured by Nature and Spirit.
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Where Learning Grows Naturally in the Spirit of Devotion
Nestled in the sacred hills of New Vrindaban, Gopal’s Garden Forest School is a nurturing community where children learn through nature, creativity, and spiritual connection.

Our Inspiration

Inspired by the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, our school offers an education rooted in bhakti - the yoga of love and devotion - alongside strong academics and practical life skills. Here, every lesson - whether in the forest, the classroom, or the garden - is an invitation to discover the joy of learning and the beauty of service. We cultivate curiosity, compassion, and confidence, guiding children to grow into balanced, joyful, and purposeful individuals.
Our Learning Philosophy
Rooted in the spiritual tradition of Krishna consciousness, our learning environment nurtures academic excellence alongside creativity, character, and devotion. We offer a well-rounded program honoring each child's unique nature through:
Every teacher at Gopal’s Garden is:

Hope Scholarship Provider

Gopal’s Garden is proud to be an approved West Virginia Hope Scholarship provider. The Hope Scholarship Program allows eligible West Virginia families to receive educational funding that can be applied toward tuition at our school.

This initiative supports parents who wish to choose a values-based, holistic education for their children - one that integrates strong academics with spiritual and practical learning in nature. Our admissions team is happy to guide families through the application process and answer any questions about using Hope Scholarship funds. For more information, visit the official Hope Scholarship website or contact us directly.

Testimonials

Our Inspiration

Inspired by the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, our school offers an education rooted in bhakti - the yoga of love and devotion - alongside strong academics and practical life skills. Here, every lesson - whether in the forest, the classroom, or the garden - is an invitation to discover the joy of learning and the beauty of service. We cultivate curiosity, compassion, and confidence, guiding children to grow into balanced, joyful, and purposeful individuals.

Meet Our Teachers

Tulsi Manjari Devi Dasi

Head of School
Ms Tulsi Manjari Devi Dasi - Head of School

Teaching Elementary and upwards

I qualified as a dentist (BDS) in 2011 from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of London. Since then, I have pursued intensive postgraduate training in paediatric and special care dentistry, earning additional qualifications from the Royal College of Surgeons of London and the University of Kent, including a certified teaching qualification. I hold a Bhakti Sastri qualification, which has been a wonderful guide in both my spiritual and professional journey. During my dental career, I have published articles in regional and international journals and gained valuable experience working internationally. Eventually, my heart led me to New Vrindaban, where I now serve full-time in devotional teaching. I have served for several years on the ISKCON Child Protection Volunteers Team and have extensive child protection training from both my profession and other areas of service. For the past four years, I have run a children’s summer camp in New Vrindaban, which has been a joyful opportunity to inspire young hearts and support their growth. I am deeply grateful to serve the children and families of New Vrindavan and committed to supporting the devotees in fulfilling Śrīla Prabhupāda’s vision for spiritually grounded education. Nurturing our community with care, devotion, and love is my heartfelt service in dedication to his mission.

Hari Kirtan Devi Dasi

Child Protection Lead
Ms Hari Kirtan Devi Dasi - Child Protection Lead

Teaching Elementary and upwards

I am originally from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. I completed my BSc in Biology with Biochemistry at the University of the West Indies and later qualified as a science teacher. I have several years of teaching experience, along with professional work as a laboratory technician at a tertiary-level institution in my home country.

One of my most meaningful teaching experiences was serving as one of the main teachers at the Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha Gurukul, where I worked lovingly with children aged 3 to 10. My affection for teaching and nurturing young hearts has only deepened since becoming a mother to my two wonderful children, Shraddha and Vishvaas.

Alongside my academic and teaching background, I serve as the Child Protection Volunteer Representative for our school and have completed Career Dharma Coaching with certification.

I am grateful for the opportunity to help educate children—both academically and in Kṛṣṇa consciousness—and always look forward to learning from them as well.

Ms Elizabeth Ann Dice

Pre-K Assistant Teacher
Ms Elizabeth Ann Dice - Pre-K Assistant Teacher

Assistant Pre-K Teacher

I am a Pre-K assistant  teacher at Gopal’s Garden and a mother of three beautiful children. I have lived in New Vrindaban for over 17 years and have served in many capacities—Devotee Care, the high tunnels, front desk reception, and more. But my heart has always been with children. Teaching is my true calling, and that is why I am so passionate about my role at Gopal’s Garden.

I firmly believe that when children are raised in a Krishna conscious environment, they grow into happy, healthy individuals who naturally uplift the world around them. It is my greatest joy and purpose to help nurture that foundation in the lives of our youngest devotees.

Ramkaree

Pre-K Teacher
Ramkaree - Pre-K Teacher

I am a mother of three children and was born and raised within devotional life. I have been teaching for nearly three years and find great fulfillment in supporting children’s learning and development in a nurturing and values-centered environment. I hold an Associate’s Degree in Accounting and am qualified through the West Virginia STARS program for teaching. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the educational and character development of the children at Gopal’s Garden School.

Our History

The roots of Gopal’s Garden stretch back over 40 years, to the early days of the New Vrindaban community - a sacred village founded as a place of spiritual learning and sustainable living. For the past 18 years, Gopal’s Garden has served as a homeschool co-op and now a forest school, dedicated to nurturing children from pre-kindergarten through high school.

Born as a devotional offering to Srila Prabhupada, the school continues his vision of a holistic education system - one that empowers children to grow into confident, self-disciplined, and service-oriented young leaders.

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