 Outdoor School and Laurel Valley Farm Program
NYC's OutDoor School (ODS) is an alternative education program for high school youth, ages 14-19, who learn best in an experiential format and who may have had difficulty succeeding in a traditional school environment. Six AmeriCorps members and school staff use a cooperative, team-based format, where students alternate between the classroom and week-long blocks of outdoor work experience and blocks of field study/outdoor recreation. Classroom, field study, work experience and recreation activities are complementary and integrated. Curricula include resource management, conservation and environmental studies and organic gardening, linked to a science, math, language arts and social studies curriculum. Students earn high school credit toward a diploma while attending the OutDoor School.
Northwest Youth Corps established the OutDoor High School, in 1997. This private secondary school is fully accredited by The Northwest Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities since 2003, which allows it to grant nationally recognized credits, diplomas and transcripts. The Laurel Valley Organic 2 acre farm is celebrating its 7th year as a fundamental part of ODS.
ODS offers a combination of hands-on learning, conservation work, applied science, and academics. Operating during the school year, the OutDoor School follows a nonresidential high school format that includes overnight camping, smaller class sizes and an emphasis on mentoring. ODS creates a positive educational experience for students, made possible in part by AmeriCorps funded team leaders.
The OutDoor School prepares youth for the workplace by emphasizing basic skills and career readiness, while providing a solid academic foundation for students interested in pursuing a college education. An innovative curriculum connects field study with math, science, language arts and social studies. Students apply what they learn, and work as members of a team to complete projects such as building trails, planting trees, restoring wetlands and streams, improving parks and completing classroom projects.
Learn more about Outdoor School Team Leader and Garden Coordinator positions.
Learn more about the NYC Outdoor School.
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