Outdoor Learning Spaces: How Schools Benefit and Practical Ways to Create Them

Outdoor learning spaces offer schools a powerful way to expand educational opportunities beyond the classroom walls. These nature-connected environments help students focus better, stay active, and engage more deeply with learning, while also creating healthier, greener campuses. With thoughtful planning, schools of any size can introduce outdoor spaces that support curriculum, wellness, and community use.

At Project EverGreen, we’ve seen firsthand how greener spaces bring communities together and help students thrive. Whether you’re working with a large campus or a modest courtyard, there are smart, realistic steps you can take to bring more learning outside.

Why Outdoor Classrooms Make a Big Difference

Outdoor learning spaces deliver academic, social, and environmental benefits, including:

Better focus and engagement – Studies show students are more attentive and motivated when learning in nature-rich environments.

Improved health and wellness – Green spaces reduce stress, support emotional regulation, and encourage physical activity.

Hands-on STEM opportunities – Outdoor areas double as living laboratories for science, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

Stronger community connection – Green spaces become gathering spots for families, volunteers, and school partners reinforcing pride and belonging.

Where to Start: Simple Enhancements with Big Impact

Schools don’t need to build elaborate outdoor classrooms to make progress. Here are achievable ideas for every campus:

Shade and Seating

• Benches, picnic tables, or movable seating
• Shade sails, pergolas, or natural tree canopies

Comfort matters; shaded seating encourages longer, more frequent outdoor lessons.

Green Up the Hard Surfaces

• Planters, garden beds, pollinator-friendly plants
• Turf conversions or small lawn areas for flexible use

Even small pops of green reduce heat, increase comfort, and fuel creativity.

Multi-Use Activity Zones

• Chalk-friendly walls or pavement
• Open turf for reading circles or group projects
• Areas designed for science experiments or art workshops

Spaces that adapt easily make scheduling seamless.

Nature-Based Learning Tools

• Weather stations, compost bins, raised gardens
• Habitat features like birdhouses or pollinator gardens

Students benefit when learning becomes hands-on and sensory-rich.

Collaboration Makes a Difference

Great outdoor spaces come from great partnerships. Consider:

• Custodial & maintenance teams (design for longevity!)
• PTAs and parent volunteers
• Local landscape companies and green industry pros
• Community service groups
• Environmental and youth organizations

Project EverGreen works alongside many of these groups to empower sustainable improvements that schools can maintain long-term.

Prioritize Safety and Accessibility

Well-designed outdoor learning environments should:

• Provide safe, durable surfaces
• Include clear visibility for supervision
• Offer accessible paths and seating
• Plan for pest and vegetation management
• Ensure regular upkeep to maintain quality

Small maintenance investments keep spaces thriving year after year.

Ready to Bring Learning Outdoors?

Every school can benefit from more time spent outside – whether it’s a full outdoor classroom or a simple gathering spot under a shade tree. The goal is creating opportunities for students to learn, connect, and recharge.

Project EverGreen is proud to partner with communities to revitalize green spaces that support children’s health, academic growth, and joy in learning. If your school is ready to take the next step toward a greener, healthier, cooler campus, we’d love to help.

Learn more about partnering with Project EverGreen at www.ProjectEverGreen.org.

Together, we grow stronger schools – outdoors.

About Project EverGreen
Project EverGreen is a national nonprofit organization committed to bringing people together to create and maintain healthy green spaces in communities where they’re needed most. Through our GreenCare for Troops, GreenCare for Communities, and educational initiatives, we promote the vital role that yards, parks, and public landscapes play in enhancing quality of life, supporting environmental health, and building stronger communities. As a trusted source for sustainable landscaping information and advocacy, Project EverGreen empowers homeowners, businesses, and volunteers to grow a greener, healthier, cooler Earth – one green space at a time. Learn more at www.ProjectEverGreen.org.