Update, September 2, 2025
Recently, Washington State announced it will no longer fund outdoor learning, affecting programs across the region. While the district has budgeted for an extended day outdoor education experience for the 2025-2026 school year, we will need your support as OneKSD to seek ongoing funding to continue outdoor education without impacting our long-term fiscal stability.
Building a Sustainable Future for Outdoor Education
We are thrilled to announce a new and ongoing partnership with the Kent Schools Foundation to support fifth-grade outdoor education. More information is coming soon.
A Vision for Equity and Sustainability
Through this partnership, we aim to create a sustainable and equitable funding model that ensures every fifth-grade student has access to outdoor education, regardless of financial circumstances.
Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center
Fifth-grade students will attend Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center, a trusted outdoor learning site nestled near North Bend, offering a rich environment for exploration, teamwork, and personal growth.
Waskowitz has a strong history of outdoor education programming in the greater Seattle area. The camp has previously partnered with our school district and is well known for its hands-on learning opportunities fostering environmental awareness, leadership, and social development.
Outdoor school experiences like these provide students with a unique and enriching opportunity to connect with nature while enhancing their academic, social, and emotional development. From learning about ecosystems and sustainability to practicing teamwork and resilience, outdoor education encourages students to grow in ways that traditional classrooms can't always offer.
More information about dates, transportation, permission forms, and what students should bring will be shared by each elementary school in the coming months. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay connected with their school for upcoming details and volunteer opportunities.
Thank you for your continued support!
Update, August 4, 2025
Kent School District (KSD) has budgeted an extended day outdoor education experience for all fifth-grade students during the 2025–26 school year. This update comes amid statewide funding challenges for outdoor education programs. Recently, Washington State announced it will no longer fund outdoor learning, affecting programs across the region. Despite this, KSD remains committed to providing meaningful and accessible outdoor learning for all fifth-grade students.
The district has budgeted for an extended day outdoor learning experience. We will need your support as OneKSD to seek ongoing additional funding to offer a multiple day experience without impacting our long-term fiscal stability. Your support will provide students more time to fully engage with the program and deepen their learning through outdoor education. More information to come on how you can support this experience for our students.
Resources
Seattle Times article WA Outdoor School Programs Reel from State Funding Cuts
Washington State Standard article Washington’s outdoor school programs reel from state funding cuts
Outdoor Learning Grants: This program was not funded by the Legislature in 2025 and will not be accepting grant applications.