At Early Partners, we believe the natural world is a child’s first classroom. Outdoor education is not an “extra” or a special occasion—it’s woven into the fabric of everyday learning. Children gain agency in their learning as they explore, create, and problem‑solve in real environments filled with plants, animals, weather, and natural processes. This approach nurtures curiosity, builds sensory awareness, strengthens focus, and fosters STEM thinking through authentic, hands‑on experiences.
“We’ve seen just how powerful outdoor education can be—for exploration, sensory development, learning from nature, and tackling real‑world problem‑solving. Our hybrid classrooms bring the best of both worlds: the comfort and convenience of an indoor space, and the instant access to an outdoor classroom the moment you step outside. It’s where STEM learning comes alive in the most joyful, natural way.” – Kim Frusciante, Founder & Executive Director
Research and our own results show that outdoor learning supports:
As part of our expansion opening this November, we are excited to introduce Hybrid Classrooms, a new model designed for children ages 18 months (must be confident walkers) through 3 years old (entering PreK the following year). These classrooms are intentionally mixed-age, giving younger and older toddlers the chance to learn from and alongside one another.
Hybrid classrooms combine indoor learning spaces with outdoor courtyards designed specifically for exploration, building, and big-body movement. Children flow seamlessly between environments, so their learning and exploration are never limited by walls. This model ensures children benefit from the best of both worlds: the comfort and structure of indoor classrooms for meals, rest, and focused activities, along with direct outdoor access that encourages play, inquiry, and project work. Enrollment is now open for these innovative classrooms, designed to expand opportunities for our community’s youngest learners.
Lauren Zander serves as Early Partners’ part‑time Director of Outdoor Education. With over fifteen years of experience in early childhood learning and leadership, Lauren designs outdoor learning environments, develops curriculum, and supports teachers in implementing nature‑based, Reggio‑inspired practices. Her background includes Forest School training in the United Kingdom, teaching at Green Trees Early Learning Village at Newman, and a Master’s degree in Outdoor Leadership and Early Childhood Development. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Early Childhood Educational Research and Leadership at LSU with an emphasis on Outdoor Education.
Our Wildflower class has led the way in showing what outdoor learning can be—and we’re excited to bring even more of these kinds of projects to life with the new hybrid classrooms
The Pulley Project
Children worked together to design and build pulley systems in the courtyard. They measured rope length, tested weight limits, and experimented with moving buckets of sand and natural materials. Through trial and error, they discovered how pulleys make lifting easier—gaining firsthand experience with force, motion, and engineering concepts.
The Rain Garden
In response to puddling after storms, children co‑created a rain garden. They observed how water flowed across the courtyard, mapped low points, and helped choose native plants to absorb excess water. Planting and caring for the garden gave them ownership of a living system while teaching stewardship, problem solving, and ecological science.
These projects demonstrate how outdoor education makes STEM, collaboration, and real‑world problem solving both accessible and joyful.
Our Wildflower classroom is a full-time outdoor classroom designed specifically for 3‑year‑olds. Children spend significant portions of their day outdoors, constructing projects, engaging with natural materials, and learning through play in a safe, structured environment. Indoors, Wildflower students have a home base for naptime and additional activities, ensuring continuity of care and learning.
Eligibility: Children who are 3 years old by August 15 and fully potty trained.
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Early Partners admits students of any race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It doesn’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Early Partners is a Section 501(c) (3) charitable organization, EIN 86-2943307. All donations are deemed tax-deductible absent any limitations on deductibility applicable to a particular taxpayer.
