Outdoor classrooms have become well-known as amazing places to learn that spark excitement, encourage imagination and let us connect with nature. But some school administrators may feel unsure about starting these projects because of cost concerns. In this article, we'll look at the benefits they bring to education and address cost concerns, so you can see how outdoor classrooms are worth it in the long run. 

The Benefits of Outdoor Classrooms

With just a couple of Google searches, you’ll find tons of research proving that learning outdoors has endless benefits. When students get the chance to learn outside, they become more motivated, do better in school and become better at thinking critically. Outdoor classrooms give them the opportunity to get their hands dirty and learn through doing, which helps them understand things better and actually enjoy learning. Plus, spending time in nature has been linked to reduced stress levels, improved mental well-being and increased physical activity among students.

Cost-Effective Design Strategies

It’s possible to design outdoor classrooms on a budget through thoughtful planning and creative strategies.

It's important to have a clear plan from the beginning that will help you prioritize what’s most important and where to focus your resources. Your school may have a lot of great ideas for your new outdoor learning space, but that doesn’t mean everything needs to happen in the first year. Building an outdoor classroom may consist of small projects over a couple of years to build an amazing outdoor learning environment. 

We encourage schools with a small budget to first invest in a master plan for your outdoor classroom. A master plan will outline the goals, design, budget and phases for each piece of the project and also gives you a clear roadmap for how to wisely spend additional funding that will come with time. 

Instead of worrying about making your outdoor classroom look Pinterest-worthy, focus on functional needs that meet your educational goals. Prioritize budget-friendly features like shade, reading nooks and planting areas that will make it easier for students to learn and enjoy being outside.

Funding Opportunities

You’ll need to do some research to find them, but quite a few businesses and organizations offer different financial support opportunities for outdoor classroom projects. 

Finding and applying for grants is one way to help fund your outdoor classroom. We’ve come across countless state and federal grants earmarked for outdoor classrooms, environmental education, and/or outdoor learning focused projects, ranging from $1,000 up to $250,000. 

Some organizations and businesses with an interest in environmental sustainability or education may offer sponsorships or donations to support outdoor classroom projects. 

Establishing partnerships with local businesses, parent-teacher associations, and community organizations can also contribute to your fundraising efforts, creating a network of support for your project.

Long-Term Savings

While initial investment may be a concern, outdoor classrooms offer long-term cost savings for educational institutions. 

Outdoor classrooms encourage hands-on, experiential learning, reducing the reliance on expensive technology such as computers and tablets. While your outdoor classroom likely won’t completely replace indoor learning and the need for technology, it can still lead to savings on equipment purchases, software licenses and maintenance.

Because outdoor classrooms provide unique learning experiences that engage students and make education more enjoyable, over time you’ll see increased student satisfaction, better retention rates, and potential savings on recruitment and enrollment efforts.

Engaging the Community

Getting your community involved is important for the success of outdoor classrooms. When everyone works together, it becomes easier to make these projects happen. One way to do this is by organizing fundraising events. You can plan fun activities or even reach out to local businesses for sponsorships. When people from the community come together to support the outdoor classroom, it makes a big difference.

Parents, local organizations, and community members are all key players in this process. When they get involved, it creates a sense of shared ownership and pride in the outdoor classroom. It becomes a special place that everyone can feel proud of and take ownership in. 

Conclusion

Outdoor classrooms give students amazing learning experiences that are both fun and complete. By using smart design strategies that save money, looking for funding options, and learning from successful examples from other schools, administrators can see how outdoor classrooms can bring long-term value without straining your resources.

Every child should have the chance to learn in these incredible spaces that can change their lives. 

We’ve worked with budgets of all sizes. Let’s have a conversation about your goals so you have a better feel for how we can work with yours.