Apply / Register through Norwich Summer Academics.
Step outside and make the outdoors your classroom.
The Partridge School of Outdoor Learning reflects Norwich’s long-standing commitment to experiential learning — combining intellectual inquiry, physical engagement, and applied academic work in Vermont’s landscapes. Rooted in Alden Partridge’s belief in developing “a sound mind in a sound body,” the Outdoor School brings classroom academics into the field, where ideas are tested, skills are applied, and leadership is lived.
This is hands-on, credit-bearing coursework for students who want to learn by doing — who want to engage directly with the environment, not just read about it.
A return to Partridge's vision of experiential education. In the field. In community.
Key Information:
School of Outdoor Learning Inaugural Scholarship
To kick off our outdoor school, we are offering 33 $300 scholarships for the first 33 people who enroll/register for classes.
Once students enroll, $300 from the grant will be applied directly to tuition.
Continuing Partridge’s Vision
Since 1819, Norwich has believed education should develop both intellect and action — mind and body together.
The Partridge School of Outdoor Learning carries that vision forward by placing students in the environments where ideas take shape.
This is not a new idea. It’s a continuation of how Norwich has always approached education.
How It Works
What You’ll Do
Focused Pathways
Choose from focused pathways that combine field-based learning across disciplines:
- Outdoor + Civic Immersion
- STEM + Writing
- Outdoor Immersion
In these hands-on courses, you will:
- Map terrain using drone technology.
- Conduct water quality research in the Dog River.
- Write through observation and community engagement.
- Study leadership through real-time decision-making.
- Interpret landscapes through history and art.
Who Should Enroll?
If you learn best by doing — by moving, testing, and engaging with the world around you — the Outdoor School is for you.
- High school students earning transferable college credit.
- Incoming Norwich students start with an immersive experience.
- Current Norwich students completing or accelerating Gen Ed requirements.
- Visiting college students are spending the summer in Vermont.
- Homeschool students looking for a structured, credit-bearing academic experience in the field.
No outdoor experience required — just a willingness to engage, participate, and learn actively.
Enroll for Summer 2026
- Session: Summer 2026, Session D
- Dates: June 22-August 7
- Credits: 3-4 per course
- Format: 2-, 5-, and 7-week options
Apply / Register through Norwich Summer Academics.
No prior outdoor experience is required — just a willingness to step outside, take on a challenge, and engage with others.
Partridge School of Outdoor Learning
Read about the inspiration behind Norwich's innovative Outdoor School.
