Outdoor Learning
Rockford Public Schools (RPS) is proud to announce a new Outdoor Learning program at Edgerton Trails Elementary for rising 4th grade students in the district. The program will include all RPS curriculum components while incorporating project-based learning in an outdoor setting. This unique opportunity is for students that enjoy being outside, are inquisitive and self-directed learners.
The program will be taught by a RPS certified staff member.
Characteristics of an outdoor learning student
Inquisitive
Genuine interest and experiences with the outdoors
Can work both independently and collaboratively
Has an intrinsic motivation when it comes to learning, school work and responsibility
Positive attendance record
Positive behaviors
Timeline
April: Application Process Opens
April: Student Interviews
May: Lottery
May: Acceptance Letters
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is outdoor education?
Outdoor education is a philosophy of embracing and experiencing the outdoors. The Outdoor Learning program will guide students through the same curriculum as their peers in traditional classrooms while participating in a variety of outdoor, project-based learning opportunities.
Q: Who can apply for the Outdoor Learning program?
The 2025-2026 Outdoor Learning program is available to any rising 4th grade student enrolled in Rockford Public Schools. Students will spend 4th and 5th grades in the Outdoor Learning program and return to their geographical middle school for traditional learning in 6th grade.
Q: Where will the program be located?
The Outdoor Learning program will be located at Edgerton Trails, both inside the school and at the Outdoor Learning property behind the school.
Q: What is the application and selection process:
Students must be a current RPS student in the 3rd grade
Interested families must fill out and complete an online application
Classroom teachers will complete a recommendation form
Student interview
Students that meet the criteria will be entered into the lottery
Q: How many students will be admitted?
Twenty six students will be selected through a lottery system to be in the inaugural 4th grade class starting in the 2025-2026 school year.
Q: Is there a waitlist?
Yes, there will be a waitlist. If any of the 26 lottery students decline, the next student will be invited to enter the program.
Q: What is the curriculum?
The Outdoor Learning program will guide students through the same curriculum as their peers in traditional classrooms while participating in a variety of project-based, outdoor learning opportunities.
Q: How much time do students spend outside?
This depends on a variety of factors, however, students will spend 50-70% of the school year outside.
Q: What happens in 5th grade?
We plan to add a 5th grade section to the Outdoor Learning program beginning with the 2026-27 school year. The 4th grade class of the 2025-2026 school year will remain with their peers in the Outdoor Learning program for 5th grade in the 2026-2027 school year. Students will then return to their geographical middle school for traditional learning in 6th grade.
Q: Does the district provide transportation to and from the Outdoor Learning program?
There will be limited morning transportation at designated shuttle locations. Students using the morning shuttle will arrive at Edgerton Trails approximately 10 minutes after the start of the school day.
Transportation will not be provided in the afternoon. Parents/guardians will pick their student(s) up at Edgerton Trails at the end of the school day.
The application will be available March 24-April 11
