We place a particular emphasis on time spent outdoors, and when we speak of ‘outdoor education,’ we mean everything from organized ropes and challenge courses, scientific inquiry of the natural world, and time spent playing outside at recess. We extend the classroom experience to include outdoor spaces in order to provide meaningful, integrated, contextual learning opportunities. We also send children outdoors simply to play.
 
The benefits children derive from being outside are myriad and well-documented.  From connecting in lasting ways to our natural environment to having free time to play in the fresh air and sunshine, children relish time outdoors. Aside from the fundamental health benefits of an active life, children develop leadership skills, curiosity, imagination, problem-solving skills, teamwork, respect for nature, and a strong sense of their own capabilities.
 
 All our students spend time outside every day – our younger students get an hour of recess daily, and after about age 11 students have 30 minutes of recess daily. The only conditions that keep us indoors are thunderstorms or temperatures below 20º f. Physical education classes, held 3 times weekly, regularly meet outdoors. Classroom teachers often take students out onto our nature trail or into our open-air gazebo either as part of their curriculum or simply to be outside. In addition, we feature regular field trips that include ropes and other challenge courses geared to each developmental level, camping and hiking trips, and other outdoor educational experiences at every level.