Efforts to redefine early education in Los Angeles are gaining momentum with the introduction of outdoor classrooms, inspired by research supporting the educational benefits of nature. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is dedicating over $100 million to transform asphalt surfaces at its early education centers into vibrant outdoor learning environments. To date, 23 such makeovers have been completed, benefiting 2,800 pre-kindergarten students.
Earlier this month, a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Normandie Avenue Early Education Center marked the unveiling of a new outdoor classroom. The $1.9 million transformation features a colorful playground, live plants, musical instruments, and educational toys. These nature-themed classrooms aim to create an engaging, park-like setting for young learners, much to the delight of parents who are eager for their children to experience education beyond traditional confines.
Construction at Normandie Avenue took about 16 months, with plans underway to expand these natural learning spaces to all early education centers within LAUSD. Currently, 13 more sites are under development. The initiative is being executed in collaboration with Nature Explore, a nonprofit focused on integrating nature into children’s education. This partnership, now spanning 14 years, is currently working on over 20 additional outdoor classrooms.
Advocates for outdoor education, like the Child Mind Institute, suggest that nature-based learning can enhance children’s mental health, responsibility, and creativity. Nature Explore’s educational consultant, Kirsten Haugen, observes that these outdoor settings provide children with a balanced mix of excitement and tranquility, fostering a more purposeful and effective learning environment.
Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has championed the creation of these outdoor classrooms, supported by the passage of Measure US—a $9 billion facilities fund approved by voters in 2024. Despite the funding, Carvalho has expressed concerns about potential threats to such programs, emphasizing the need for vigilance in protecting initiatives that enhance student well-being.
Los Angeles has historically offered limited park space, with only 3.3 acres per 1,000 residents, compared to a median of 6.8 acres in other urban areas. This deficiency underscores the importance of the outdoor classroom initiative. Rhonda Granados, principal of Normandie Avenue, highlighted the transformation in student engagement and curiosity, noting that children are now actively exploring and questioning their natural surroundings, an experience previously unavailable due to the prevalence of asphalt.
The Human Angle Explored
The shift towards outdoor classrooms in Los Angeles represents a significant evolution in early childhood education, potentially reshaping how young students interact with their environment. For local communities, this initiative not only addresses the scarcity of green spaces but also enriches educational experiences by encouraging hands-on learning and exploration.
Parents observing their children in these settings may witness an increase in curiosity and a more profound engagement with learning materials. The integration of nature in education can also contribute to improved mental health and social skills, offering a more holistic development approach. As these outdoor classrooms expand across Los Angeles, there is potential for a broader impact on how education systems nationwide consider the role of nature in fostering academic and personal growth.