Outdoor Learning
Much of the integrated and authentic learning that takes place at Breakwater takes place outside where students can immerse themselves in the natural world. We value the outdoors as an excellent place for play, exploration, learning, and connection. Whether it’s a 3rd grader hiking in Pinkham Notch, an 8th grader exploring the rain forest of Costa Rica, or a toddler walking with their class to the Fore River Sanctuary for the first time, a high value is placed on the natural world. Field trips and overnight adventures can take us far from our campus; but we are also fortunate enough to have access to a variety of outdoor learning and play environments on our campus and just a short walk or bus ride away.
Learn more about our favorite places
Sari's Garden: Named after beloved and longtime faculty member, Sari Lindauer, Sari’s Garden is located right next to the Jessie building on campus. Students and faculty are stewards to the garden which grows a variety of vegetables, fruit, and herbs! Classes of all ages can be found here during the school day weeding, harvesting, planting, or trying a new food for the first time.
Jessie Bullens-Crewe Nature Preserve: Breakwater's own 22 acre nature preserve in Cumberland, ME, commonly referred to as ‘Jessieland,’ was generously donated by a late student’s family in her memory. Jessie was a lover of the outdoors, which makes Jessieland a perfect tribute to her memory. Jessieland features trails, an extensive shelter building area, a fire pit sheltered under a pavilion, two composting toilets, and a rambling stream to explore. Day trips for science/ outdoor adventure class or classroom team building activities are common in this beautiful outdoor space during the school year - the space is also utilized by our camps, and even at times after school
Fore River Sanctuary: Located a short walk from campus, this 85 acre preserve features beautiful trails and Jewell Falls - a favorite exploration spot for many students. The Fore River Sanctuary is a common destination for our classes - including our toddlers and preschoolers! Our Kindergarten students walk to the Sanctuary most Fridays for exploration, stories, and adventure in what has now been coined ‘Forest Friday.’
The Outdoor Stage and Fire Pit: Our outdoor stage was constructed in 2018 and is a great music, story telling, and teaching location right outside of the Jessie building on campus. Surrounded by picnic tables and benches, this space is commonly utilized for snack, break, and class for our middle school students. During the winter, the stage houses our annual Early Childhood Winter Solstice Music Celebration
Nason’s Corner Park: A partnership between Breakwater, the City of Portland, the Nason’s Corner Neighborhood Association, and Portland Trails, our outdoor natural playground has structures built into and out of the earth including running hills, slides, climbing walls and tunnels. The park also encompasses sporting fields and an outdoor stage in addition to our toddler and preschool playgrounds. Nason’s Corner Park, is a public park owned by the City of Portland. The spaces are utilized by Breakwater during school hours and available to the entire community at all other times, contributing to a vital community connection to Portland.