Frankford Friends School

Many of today’s children, especially city-dwelling students like ours, are no longer able to spend unhurried hours exploring the natural world in the way that previous generations enjoyed. Yet, research is showing that nature play and exploration make essential contributions to children’s cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. Natural “playscapes” like the one planned at Frankford Friends School are rich outdoor spaces, designed based on research and field-tested principles, where children can connect to nature in curiosity-driven, unhurried play and exploration.

In addition to a garden area with raised bed vegetable and herb gardens (one for each classroom) for the students, their families, and the wider community to use, our Outdoor Classroom will be an exploratory space where children can move, explore, and be surrounded by growing things.