The Nature Explore Classroom at
New Horizon Academy Blaine
At New Horizon Academy in Blaine, our Outdoor Classroom represents so much more than a play space, it is a community-built environment where children can learn, explore, and grow in meaningful ways every single day. What makes our Outdoor Classroom so wonderful is not only the story of how it came together, but the way it reflects the care and creativity of what we call our ‘School Family’.
From the beginning, our goal was to create an outdoor space that enriched our early childhood program, blending natural beauty with purposeful learning areas. We envisioned an environment where children could climb, build, imagine, and connect with nature, all while developing important social, emotional, and physical skills. To make this vision a reality, our entire School Family came together in incredible ways.
Our staff contributed their talents by building elements such as the pallet car and acrylic easel, enriching the space, and filling it with hands-on learning opportunities. Families excitedly joined in, donating materials like PVC pipes, buckets, and other resources that could be transformed into interactive play experiences. We expanded our search into the community by using social media marketplaces and local thrift stores, finding items that could be recycled and repurposed to bring new life to the classroom. Natural elements including tree stumps, stones, and regional wildflowers were added to create a welcoming space that connects children directly to their environment.
We also wanted the space to be visually cohesive and inviting for children. An overarching color scheme ties each area together, while tree cookie signs clearly label learning zones, making them easy for children to identify. The result is a classroom that feels both organized and open-ended, encouraging children to move confidently from one area to another as they explore.
Family engagement has been key to the success of this project. Through our communication app, we invited families to contribute donations, and their enthusiastic response provided so many different materials and ideas. At our Summer Family Picnic Night, we shared the vision for the Outdoor Classroom and invited families to give feedback about what enhancements would best benefit their children. This collaboration ensured that the space reflects not only the needs of our program but also the hopes and perspectives of the families we serve.
Durability and low-maintenance were also important considerations in our design. By choosing weather-resistant materials, natural surfacing, and native plants, we created a space that can withstand active daily use while remaining safe and beautiful. This helps our teachers to spend less time worrying about upkeep and more time supporting children as they play and learn outdoors.
Our Outdoor Classroom is a true reflection of community spirit, creativity, and a School Family’s shared dedication to children’s growth. It stands as a vibrant extension of our indoor classroom, an environment where curiosity is nurtured, imaginations are sparked, and children develop a lifelong love of learning in nature.
