For many of us, the idea of wrangling several toddlers outside may seem like a nightmare, but at outdoor schools, this is exactly the idea. Although many parents are apprehensive about this alternative education option, outdoor preschools are gaining popularity, as they have been shown to be beneficial for children’s imagination, connection to nature, and focus levels. In fact, a 2018 study showed teachers in outdoor schools are able to hold students’ attention for twice as long as traditional learning environments. 

Scandinavian countries have been proponents of the concept for years, but now the idea is catching on in the U.S. Washington state recently made outdoor preschools legal, giving them the same protections and rights as indoor ones. This means more funding for all-day programs and the opportunity to subsidize outdoor education for low-income children. 

Carefully regulated by the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families, outdoor schools are required to have one teacher per six children and indoor space available for poor weather conditions. For parents who want their children to have a unique, small class size education close to nature, an outdoor classroom experience might be just the right thing.