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.