From recess and summer camps to Outward Bound programs, incorporating the outdoors in education has become ubiquitous in practice since the modern forest school movement began in the 1950s. The impetus behind taking education outside was a simple response to a recurring observation: children thrive when given the opportunity to meaningfully engage with natural environments.  But decades before forest schools gained international acclaim, Dr. Maria Montessori came to a similar conclusion when developing her groundbreaking method of early childhood education. Throughout her writings and teachings, Dr. Montessori asserted that children learn best when given the agency to freely explore their world, and that natural environments have endless potential for stimulating the senses, engaging curiosity, and encouraging self-discovery. Grounded in this deep appreciation for the educational possibilities found in nature, Montessori schools position the outdoor environment not as an ancillary enrichment but as a vital extension of the classroom.  At Washington Montessori School, time outdoors is a routine part of every child’s school day. Children are given ample free time to play outside, regularly participate in outdoor physical education activities, and enjoy immersive lessons in the woods, trails, and outdoor classroom spaces nestled throughout our 48-acre campus. Children as young as