At Peninsula School District, we believe that learning should be as natural as a child's curiosity about the world around them. That's exactly what our Outdoor Transitional Kindergarten program delivers—an innovative, nature-based approach to early learning that's transforming how we prepare our youngest students for academic success.

Our Outdoor TK program serves 4 and 5-year-olds who will enter kindergarten the following year, particularly those who haven't had access to quality preschool experiences. What makes this program special isn't just where learning happens—on trails, in meadows, and gardens—but how every outdoor moment becomes an opportunity for growth.

"We learn about our social emotional needs, we learn about how to care for our environment, and we even learn our alphabet and our numbers through our experiences with the outdoors," explains teacher Shokai Tyler from Evergreen Elementary.

The program draws inspiration from Norwegian education practices, discovered during a visit by Superintendent Krestin Bahr and School Board President Natalie Wimberly to our sister city, Bodø, Norway. What they found was compelling evidence that outdoor learning creates healthier, happier, and more engaged students.

Real Results, Real Impact

Principal Hugh Maxwell, with 38 years in education, has observed how traditional classroom settings can sometimes diminish children's natural creativity and curiosity. "We have to allow kids to continue to build their creativity, to build relational pieces of their characters because that's what makes fully rounded adults," he reflects.

The program's success lies in its ability to make meaningful connections—first within the school community, then extending to the broader world. Students learn to see the bigger picture and understand the value of their learning experiences.

Ready to join us?

Our TK program is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year. We're looking for children who would benefit from this unique kindergarten preparation experience.

Ready to give your child this incredible foundation? Complete our Early Learning Interest Survey at our Early Learning and Preschool web page.