Community & Nature

Why only learn behind a desk when you can learn outside?

Why limit students to one building when we have a whole city to explore? At The Balsam School our city and nature are important classrooms. Our purpose is to continue to expand the depth of student learning at all grade levels through the purposeful and pedagogically sound incorporation of our community and nature as vital, comprehensive, and integrated learning spaces. Our students build learning confidence and resiliency by pushing beyond the expected. Our students are always safe, but not always comfortable.

students outside by river

Balsam

Learning happens all the time and everywhere. Within the four walls of a classroom is only one place to learn: there are so many more to explore! At Balsam, our students are engaged learning adventurers who seek the thrill of learning in every moment and every place.

Nature

The benefits of exploring and connecting with nature have never been more apparent. Study after study show that everything from stress levels to cognitive development benefit greatly from being in, and learning from, the outdoors. It is time to get back outside.

student fishing

Children in front of a horse

Community

Children are members of our community. At Balsam, our students learn their role in supporting and influencing our city. They also understand that there are many wonderful people, organizations and businesses that we can learn from. We are from this place and will learn in place.