Think Outside Expanded Nature Programming to Boston Schools
Boston families now have increased access to outdoor nature-based learning programs for public school students.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Primary Education
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The nonprofit Think Outside has expanded its nature-based education programs to include students at Bates Elementary School this fall. The organization provides weekly outdoor excursions to help improve the mental and physical health of Boston public school children.
Why it matters
By increasing the time students spend outdoors, the program aims to boost both mental and physical wellness for local children during the school year. The expansion makes these nature-focused enrichment opportunities available to a larger segment of the Boston Public Schools population.
The nonprofit now serves more than 200 students annually, up from the 96 pre-K students who participated in its inaugural spring 2026 sessions. Each student completes 10 Nature Day sessions per season, with each outing lasting 2.5 hours.
The players
Think Outside
A Boston-based nonprofit organization that coordinates outdoor, nature-based education for local public school students.
Marie O'Reilly
A co-founder of the nonprofit organization Think Outside who helped launch the nature-based curriculum in 2025.
Ben Strauss
A co-founder of the nonprofit organization Think Outside who works to facilitate outdoor learning opportunities for Boston children.
The details
Nature Guides facilitate these excursions by taking classrooms to local green spaces, such as the Emerald Necklace near Ward's Pond. Program staff support the curriculum by providing necessary weather-appropriate gear for both students and accompanying adults to ensure consistent outdoor access regardless of moderate conditions.
Timeline
The nonprofit Think Outside was established in 2025.
Nature-based programming officially launched in spring 2026.
Programming expanded to Bates Elementary School in fall 2026.
The Home Front
The expansion reflects a growing trend in urban school districts to prioritize outdoor environments as extensions of the traditional classroom. This move signals a shift in how Boston-area schools are balancing academic requirements with nature-integrated wellness programs.
If your child attends a participating school, check with your administration to confirm if outdoor gear needs to be sent from home. Ensure that any provided clothing is labeled clearly to help your child keep track of their items during 2.5-hour excursions.
The takeaway
Think Outside is scaling its nature-based programs to reach more Boston students through partnerships with local schools like Curley K-8 and Bates Elementary. Families should coordinate with teachers to verify upcoming excursion schedules and ensure students have appropriate clothing for outdoor play.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in local learning initiatives within the Primary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Jamaica Plain News.
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Should your local schools integrate regular outdoor nature-based learning into the standard school curriculum?
