Outdoor Learning Environments Symposium

Portland, Ore. – Outdoor learning environments are important for encouraging healthy behaviors and improving the physical, educational and mental wellbeing of children. They provide a setting for exploration, inquiry and learning. Additionally, they empower environmental literacy and promote learning in many educational disciplines. 

Join A4LE in this two-day symposium where we will explore how to establish, gain and maintain community support for your programs. Experts in outdoor learning will present evidence regarding the components, programs, teacher training and capital improvements needed to install Green Schoolyards. We will also hear from districts as they share examples of exceptional outdoor environments.

The event will be held at the Leftbank Annex in Portland, Oregon and include site visits to schools in both Portland and Vancouver.

Go here for more information.

Featured

  • Washington State District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    Cheney School District No. 360 in Spokane County, Wash., recently announced that construction has begun on a new elementary school, according to local news. The district held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 18 in Airway Heights for the yet-to-be-named school, which is scheduled to open in fall 2027.

  • Academy of Classical Education Breaks Ground in Louisiana

    Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) recently announced the groundbreaking of a new public charter school in Covington, La., according to a news release. The Academy of Classical Education at Covington will enroll students in grades K–8 and is scheduled for completion in August 2026, just in time for the new school year.

  • California K–12 District Completes Elementary School Campus Replacement

    The West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) in Richmond, Calif., recently announced the completion of a replacement campus for Lake Elementary School, according to a news release. The school has capacity for 470 students between Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and sixth grade.

  • Wisconsin District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    The School District of La Crosse in La Crosse, Wis., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff of two existing schools, according to local news. Funding for the school comes from a $53-million referendum approved in 2024.