Ashley Hall is thrilled to announce that our beloved Early School Outdoor Classroom has officially been recognized as a Certified Nature Explore Classroom! This distinguished recognition is a reflection of the heartfelt commitment, creativity, and intentional collaboration of our Early School educators, families, and community who brought this vision to life.

This milestone marks a journey that began in October 2022, when Early School Director Diane Fletcher invited Nature Explore—a nationally recognized nonprofit organization committed to creating dynamic, nature-rich outdoor learning spaces—to help envision and design a comprehensive plan for our outdoor classroom. Through thoughtful collaboration, our team brought this vision to life, aligning it with the tenets of the Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum that informs our educational philosophy.

To receive certification, outdoor classrooms must feature a range of defined, purposefully designed areas that foster open-ended exploration and meaningful connections to nature. With great pride, Ashley Hall’s Outdoor Classroom now stands as only the second certified Nature Explore Classroom in the state of South Carolina.

Our Outdoor Classroom is a playground first and foremost, but it’s also a living, breathing extension of the indoor learning experience. It is a space where children can move their bodies freely, develop a relationship with the natural world, and cultivate the habits of flexible thinking, observation, and curiosity that are foundational for lifelong learning.

From the climbing area to the pollinator garden, and the mud kitchen to the open-air gathering spaces, each area has been intentionally designed to nurture children’s innate sense of wonder. Our unique names for these spaces reflect the whimsical spirit and child-centered approach we cherish:

  1. Paw’s Arbor – Entryway
  2. Willow Cave – Gathering Area
  3. Twist & Sing – Music and Movement
  4. Outdoor Atelier – Nature Art
  5. Pathway Through the Plants – Pollinator Garden
  6. Large Loose Parts – Messy Materials
  7. Dig & Discover – Dirt Digging and Mud Kitchen
  8. Road 1909 – Wheeled Track
  9. The Green Hills – Open-Air Discovery
  10. Climbing Area – Play Structure
  11. Building & Construction – Blocks
  12. The Estuary – Water Area
  13. Swings – Forces and Motion

This achievement would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of our Early School educators. From designing engaging outdoor experiences to fostering a sense of awe and connection with nature for our students, their passion has been the cornerstone of this journey. We extend our deepest gratitude for their belief in the value of outdoor learning and for the countless ways they bring this philosophy to life each day.

Equally important is the partnership of our parent community. Parents have played a pivotal role—not only in volunteering and supporting gardening initiatives—but also in helping develop the classroom’s vibrant and purposeful signage. These signs aren’t just visual markers; they serve as tools for literacy, engagement, and exploration. Crafted with the children’s own words and illustrations, the signs represent a celebration of place, identity, and shared creativity.

To our educators, families, and students—thank you. Your vision, dedication, and love have made this milestone possible. May this recognition serve as a testament to the beauty of what we can achieve when we dream, design, and grow together.