Beyond the Classroom

Every Friday, The Lantern School leaves the building.

Fridays at Lantern are designed to break from the usual weekly rhythm and make space for exploration, creativity, and real-world learning. We believe some of the most meaningful educational experiences happen beyond the classroom — through nature, community, movement, and hands-on discovery.

Some Discovery Fridays are spent outdoors on forest days, hiking local trails, exploring natural spaces, observing seasonal changes, and engaging in nature study and free play. Other Fridays may include field trips to museums, farms, beaches, libraries, historical sites, performances, or other community spaces connected to our learning and interests as a group.

Fridays may also include special projects, guest visitors, cooking, gardening, art, science investigations, or collaborative work that benefits from a slower and more flexible pace. These experiences give children opportunities to ask questions, follow their curiosity, build confidence, and connect their learning to the wider world around them.

Discovery Fridays are rooted in the belief that children learn best when they are actively engaged — moving, exploring, creating, observing, and participating fully in their environment. Above all, these days are meant to preserve a sense of wonder, adventure, and joy in learning.