The Goddard School
This year, the Goddard School of West Carmel focused on enhancing both the physical infrastructure and the educational reach of its outdoor classroom. Physical improvements included re-sealing the hollow log, refreshing mulch trails, and reinforcing fencing with a new stone retaining wall.
Beyond maintenance, the school integrated nature into the daily routine by moving standard indoor activities—such as morning meetings, read-alouds, and snack time—into the fresh air. This commitment is supported by specialized staff training that emphasizes the outdoor classroom as a vital tool for teaching environmental stewardship, recycling, and a respect for living things.
The school also deepened its community roots through hands-on botanical projects and family engagement. In collaboration with Purdue University’s Master Gardeners, students learned to propagate herbs in the school greenhouse before taking their plants home to share their knowledge with their families.
The outdoor space also served as the centerpiece for the annual Fall Fest, featuring a “story book walk” along the nature trails. This event allowed parents to experience firsthand how the school merges literacy with the natural world, reinforcing the outdoor classroom’s role as an essential part of the student experience.
