Outside School

Testimonials

My 6 year old son spent four weeks at Outside School this summer and had a wonderful time. He has some special needs and it was the first time at a camp where I didn't have to carry around any worry. Heather has great instincts and she pays close attention to the kids, changing course when it seems necessary based on the kids' needs and interests. Outside School is truly child-centered education. She happens to keep a dissection kit in her car, so when the kids found a dead lizard or bird intestines, it turned into a science lesson. After being at camp, my son would be in the car with me pointing at different trees and plants, telling me their names and whether or not they're invasive species. Heather is skilled at knowing when to intervene and when to give the kids space so that they can explore, learn, and challenge themselves when it's appropriate. There were 5 years between the youngest and oldest kids, and they played together as a cohesive group--valuable relationship building that never happens in "regular" school. Heather has a big heart and cares deeply about the kids, and the kids can feel it. We'll definitely be returning next summer.

-MD, Parent of OE

We feel so lucky that our daughter M, gets to spend time outdoors with Heather. The experience completely surpasses our expectations for M’s early education. M is truly inspired by life, she challenges herself physically, is loving, caring, supportive, inquisitive and fun. I genuinely feel these qualities have been enhanced by being in a very organic, relaxed environment with Heather. Heather is incredibly knowledgeable. Her commitment, passion and enthusiasm is so apparent. She is unfaltering in her dedication to furthering M’s understanding of herself and the world. M truly had an amazing experience at Outside School. It really is the best decision we made for M.

- Parent

Our two children attended the inaugural Outside School summer camp: a ten-year-old girl who adores being in nature, and a twelve-year-old boy who decidedly does not. Both kids had a terrific experience with Heather and her small, cool group of campers. We had worried that they might feel too old, since the other campers were several years younger, but the mixed age group turned out to be very good for the kids’ emotional development as well as for their leadership potential. Choosing their explorations for each day, and tracing the science and meaning behind what they were encountering, was a revelation for them - and we have full sketch notebooks to show for it! They will never forget this summer and their experiences at Outside School in the beautiful East Bay hills.

- Tiffany Redding, Kevin Kurihara, K.K. and S.K.

Teach Outside camp was a success and Heather is a lovely and responsible individual. Her presence with the kids is very calming and child-directed. My kid spent 30 hours out in beautiful Alvarado Park with her guidance with attention to animals and nature. She was especially supportive due to my kiddo and his friend having some special needs... So lucky to have found this gem.

-B, Mom of 6-year-old

I have worked in public schools primarily in special education and music and have always thrived to tailor my students academic goals and lessons based on their interests in a mostly artificial environment. What I found was that my students usually exceeded their expectations written in their IEPs when their lessons were customized towards their interests- wether it was incorporating a story or site words to music or bouncing a basketball to rhythmic patterns to help a student overcome his/her fear of the ball etc... 

I saw the same considerate, loving, respectful, fun and flexible approach from teacher Heather. Not only does Heather follow a similar approach but seems genuinely and equally passionate and sincere about her students as she does the outdoors. She has even taught me a few things talking with her during pickups. My son who was 5 at the time of attending the Outside School absolutely loved it! My son told me a few days in that he taught his teacher how to save a bee. I was touched by Heather's mutual respect that she has towards her students to let them switch roles as well and let the children say or teach a thing or two of what they know as well. I love how the learning experience is based more on the interest of the child that is tangible, meaningful, and sensory learning in a natural environment not to mention the social aspect and mixed age. Our family looks forward to the next Outside School summer camp. 

-Parent

Reviews

Facebook:

We feel so lucky that our daughter M, gets to spend time outdoor with Heather. The experience completely surpasses our expectations for M’s early education. M is truly inspired by life, she challenges herself physically, is loving, caring, supportive, inquisitive and fun. I genuinely feel these qualities have been enhanced by being in a very organic, relax environment with Heather. Heather is incredibly knowledgeable. Her commitment, passion and enthusiasm is so apparent. She is unfaltering in her dedication to furthering M’s understanding of herself and the world. M truly had an amazing experience at Outside School. It really is the best decision we made for M.

Berkeley Parents Network:

I have the perfect program for you: Outside School! It runs Tu-Th, 9am to 3pm, at Alvarado Park in Richmond, and can have 8 children attending (currently there are 3 kids, including my daughter, so there's room). It's all outdoors and masked with social distancing—and it's been amazing. The kids hike all around the park, explore, climb trees, learn about plants and insects, try to catch fish in the stream, whittle sticks, try to identify scat, take breaks for snacks and reading, and walk up to visit the cows and see the view across the bay—and much more. All of this is facilitated by Heather Taylor, who is a very experienced outside educator and all-around cool person. (I actually met her through her equally cool husband.) Every day Heather emails out a detailed report with photos and stories about their adventures—makes me wish I could ditch my laptop and join them. Currently, my third-grade daughter does the Berkeley public school curriculum all day on Monday and Friday, and from Tuesday to Thursday, she attends the morning Zoom meeting with her class before bounding out of the car and into the park. On those days, she does her regular schoolwork after Outside School, which is fine with the teacher just as long as she turns in her work before the end of the day. I'd be happy to talk with you if you have questions about any of this. Here's the website: https://www.teachoutside.org/outside-school-main

Hi! My 5yo son attends Outside School in Alvarado Park/Wildcat Canyon and absolutely loves it. Heather Taylor, the school founder/teacher is amazing! We feel fortunate that our child is learning outdoors and experiencing things that would have never happened in a traditional classroom. School runs Tues through Thurs from 9am to 3pm. I highly encourage you to check out the links above to learn more, and feel free to reach out directly with any questions.

-Jilliann

Nextdoor:

Heather taught my son years ago as a preschool garden teacher, and I would highly recommend her and the Outside school! Heather makes the outdoors so fun, exciting and educational. It’s a magical way for kids to learn & explore.