The Case for Green Schoolyards

Jaime Zaplatosch is the Director of Green Schoolyards for Healthy Communities with the Children & Nature Network. The Children and Nature Network describes green schoolyards as multifunctional school grounds, designed by and for the entire school community, that include places for students, teachers, parents, and community members to play, learn, explore and grow. During out-of-school time, these schoolyards are ideally available for community use and act like parks. Green schoolyard features can include outdoor classrooms, native and pollinator gardens, stormwater capture, traditional play equipment, nature play areas, edible gardens, trails, trees, and shrubs.

Research shows that spending regular time in safe natural areas is associated with a variety of benefits for physical health, mental health, cognitive function, social emotional functioning, and additional personal benefits. Below are examples of published research and real schoolyards with measured benefits.

Case Study Brief
Brent Elementary Schoolyard Greening: Phase 1
Washington, District Of Columbia
“Since a green schoolyard was implemented at this Washington DC elementary school, it has seen significant increases in student test scores, attendance, enrollment, and more. Community participation was a key component of the renovation process. Parents, teachers, and students all worked with the landscape architect on the master plan.”
Fast Fact
A study of 905 Massachusetts middle schools between 2006 and 2012 found that schools with greener surroundings, particularly in the spring, were correlated with higher school-wide performance on standardized...
Case Study Brief
Buffalo Public School #305 McKinley High School
Buffalo, New York
“Part of a system-wide modernization of Buffalo Schools, this high school had to meet stringent New York State requirements for stormwater management. A large cistern collects rainwater that students use to hand-water plants, while sand filters and permeable paving improve infiltration rates. McKinley High's courtyard plantings were chosen to support its horticulture program and have contributed to a boost in program enrollment in this vocational school. ”
Fast Fact
Tree cover may improve academic performance. This study of 624 Illinois public high schools showed that tree cover density within a 1-mile radius of schools was positively associated with better ACT scores and...
Case Study Brief
Sidwell Friends Middle School
Washington, District Of Columbia
“Green schoolyards can lead the way in sustainability for their communities. With a design guided by Quaker philosophy, this schoolyard is home to Washington, D.C.'s first constructed wetland, which treats around 3,000 gallons of wastewater per day. The school utilizes a closed-loop wastewater system that is used to maintain a biology study pond and to flush toilets while greatly reducing potable water use. ”
Fast Fact
Green spaces can improve cognitive development in children. A one-year study of 2,593 Barcelona schoolchildren indicated that exposure to green space at home, while commuting, and in schoolyards is associated with...
“This study found that green space at schools was the most powerful contributor to improved cognitive development outcomes for children, even compared to green space at home or while commuting. ”
Case Study Brief
Chester Arthur Schoolyard
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
“This schoolyard transformation dramatically increased student activity levels during recess and invited more community use after school hours, as evidenced through direct observation using SOPLAY and SOPARC protocols. The previously asphalt space within a dense residential neighborhood in Philadelphia was transformed to consolidate parking, provide more green space, and offer more stimulating topography with a large play berm. ”
Benefits Toolkit
System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth (SOPLAY)
Thomas L. McKenzie
“This direct observation tool is useful in evaluating the impacts of green schoolyards on physical activity in children. It provides protocols and methods for direct observation and data collection along with a user guide and training materials. ”
Case Study Brief
The Willow School
Gladstone, New Jersey
“The schoolyard at this elementary school in rural New Jersey aims to teach students about the importance of protecting and conserving ecological resources and engages all 250 students in the school's garden throughout the year. In a survey, Willow School students demonstrated a high level of knowledge regarding environmentally-friendly features of green buildings and landscapes. ”
Fast Fact
A controlled, randomized trial of 12 low-income New York elementary schools indicates that school gardens can positively contribute to increased physical activity in children. Children at schools that received a...