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Academics » Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education

Students working in outdoor classroom

LLCA's Outdoor Education Program

 

Outdoor Education at LLCA is an ever-growing endeavor, built by school faculty and staff, parent volunteers, and community partners. Guided by Lake Lure Classical Academy’s focus on Outdoor Exploration, Classical Education and Lifelong Learning—pursuing what is good, beautiful, and true—our school offers meaningful, hands-on learning that supports healthy futures and strengthens students’ connections to nature and one another.

 

Our goals include:

  • increasing physical activity and outdoor recreation
  • fostering strong relationships among students, peers, and adult mentors
  • promoting stewardship through caring for campus garden beds

 

Students have the opportunity to participate in adventure trips such as hiking, camping, or mountain biking, learning outdoor survival skills, and developing naturalist skills through outdoor education and nature studies classes. Field trips and experiences in the field play a vital role, giving students direct engagement with regional ecosystems, outdoor recreation areas, and community partners, deepening both academic learning and real-world understanding.

 

LLCA’s ongoing efforts include:

  • expanding outdoor learning spaces and opportunities
  • investing in relevant professional development to support active learning for all grades
  • deepening community engagement through partnerships and service projects

 

Through these integrated efforts, LLCA’s outdoor education program serves as a powerful vehicle for connection, wellness, and community growth

During the 2025-2026 school year, LLCA will expand our outdoor education program to include the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Using the Outdoors to Teach Experiential Science (UTOTES) program.  Early in the year teachers will be trained on the program designed to take advantage of all the rich resources on school grounds and in the area around the school.  Key components of the program are:
    • Reawaken your own sense of wonder.
    • Discover the free resources that exist right outside your door.
    • Take away resources to use in your classroom activities.
    • Create or enhance a habitat area on your school grounds.
 
Teachers will be tasked with creating lessons and activities with an outdoor focus that are inquiry based.  Students will be encouraged to work in small groups, conduct investigations, and develop and refine observation skills.
 
We encourage you to please check this area out in the future as we develop and add more content.

Chimney Rock Park Raptor Family Passes

Our LLCA only Raptor Family Passes include park admission for up to three youth and two adults! 

To use a Raptor Family Pass:

  1. Fill out Chimney Rock Park Raptor Family Pass to make a reservation ahead of time (we have a limited number of passes to be used at one time). Please fill out the form at least 48 hours in advance of when you’d like to visit the park. 

  2. Once your reservation is confirmed, the pass can be picked up from the school office, or brought home by your student. 

  3. Bring the pass to Chimney Rock Park and present it to the Ticket Plaza upon entrance and enjoy the park! (Reservations are not required at the Park when using the Raptor Pass)

  4. Please return the passes to the office the week following your visit, for the next family in line to use. 

Email [email protected] with any questions.