Moved to Embrace Learning Beyond the Classroom

Led by dedicated Outdoor Adventure Teacher Karen DiFiore—known to her students as “Ranger D”—this newly developed program provides students from pre-K through fifth grade with immersive opportunities to disconnect from the world of screens and connect with nature in ways that are both meaningful and educational, fostering holistic growth. The program was created in part thanks to generous contributions to Shady Side’s Blue & Gold Fund.

Ranger D emphasizes that trust is the foundation of the program. “Some students don’t have experience being outside and are unsure of themselves,” she explains. By building trust, students feel safe to take risks, explore their surroundings, and engage in hands-on learning. The program’s impact is evident, with students developing confidence, resilience, and a love for the outdoors that extends beyond the classroom.

These experiences also enhance physical and mental health. They foster emotional regulation, with many students showing improved cardiovascular vitality and reduced stress and anxiety. Students also report an improved ability to focus once they return to their traditional classroom settings where, research shows, they are often more engaged and perform better on tests as a result of learning outdoors.

It’s so progressive that Shady Side is doing this. You’re not going to find that in most school districts.”

What sets Shady Side Academy’s program apart is its unique reach, serving not just younger children but extending through fifth grade. This allows older students to benefit from outdoor activities that alleviate stress and encourage physical, emotional, and intellectual growth. For example, activities like balancing on logs, climbing trees, and building shelters improve both gross motor skills and coordination. Whether they’re creating art from nature or solving problems through collaborative play, students are encouraged to tap into their creativity and critical thinking and learn in ways that resonate with their interests.

In addition to on-campus adventures, the program takes students off-campus to explore the rich variety of outdoor experiences that Pittsburgh has to offer. From fourth graders going caving at Laurel Caverns, to first graders hiking at McConnells Mill State Park, and second graders geocaching at Schenley Park, the program provides diverse opportunities for students to immerse themselves in nature and learn from the environment around them. These real-world experiences allow students to apply concepts they’ve learned in subjects like science and geography, reinforcing their academic growth in hands-on and practical ways.

Parents often share stories of how their children bring the lessons from Outdoor Adventure class into their daily lives. One parent recounted how their child, during a challenging hike in a national park, proudly said, “Ranger D would be so proud of me.” Another story highlights how two students, caught in the rain at a bus stop, reassured each other by saying, “We’ll just pretend we’re in Outdoor Adventure,” demonstrating the program’s lasting influence. These experiences outside of school show how the program helps develop resilience and problem-solving skills, which children carry with them into other areas of their lives.

“It’s so progressive that Shady Side is doing this,” Ranger D says. “You’re not going to find that in most school districts.” Through this program, students are not only learning about nature—they’re learning about themselves.