Blandford Nature Center

I went to this school last year and it was absolutely awesome. We were outside everyday, rain or snow. The teachers were great and we really got to know all the other kids at the school. We learned a lot and it was the most fun I had ever had in my life. I definitely recommend it to anyone that loves nature and being outside.

It is a beautiful public city school which integrates the environment with every aspect of their schooling. There is a beautiful nature center attached to the school. http://blanfordnaturecenter.org
--Submitted by a parent

I am a present teacher at Blandford and will give you an assessment based on my experience of teaching. Having taught a several high quality schools in my career, this school enters a different level of review. It is a one year school, 6th grade only. 60 students, two teachers. Students are motivated, meaning they have excelled among their peers in previous grades. The curriculum uses the outdoors as their textbook, meaning the students are outside alot. They are partners with the Blandford Nature Center and will help conduct tours, trail guiding one on one with visiting young students. We dive deeply into subject areas. Ornithology is celebrated with everyone, students and parents, coming to school an hour early. With binoculars in hand, we conduct a spring bird count. The amphibian unit has a similar mode, except we meet at 8:30 pm in the frog pond. Blandford is gift.
--Submitted by a teacher

This is by far the best school that I have ever seen and I have taught for 20 years! My daughter just finished here and cried buckets when the school year was over. She said, 'Mom, I just don't want this school year to be over. I wish this school would go through 12th grade.' This is my daughter who has not liked school for various reasons throughout the years! The teachers are the best! They are creative and incorporate innovative hands-on activities daily in their teaching. The teachers go far above and beyond by incorporating many out-of-school activities to showcase student skills. They are deeply dedicated and it shows. The many unique experiences that a child will receive in this school are far too many to list. Students will never get the experiences anywhere else. I would give this school the best rating possible! Submitted by a very impressed parent
--Submitted by a parent

I went to this school and it was fantastic. I learned so many things that i would have never been taught in any other school. It was the best experience and by far the most exciting school year. Man do I miss that school.
--Submitted by a student

Teachers make little or no attempt to meet students' learning needs. Principal is not based at school and is not responsive to parental concerns. School 'routine' is chaotic. Poor communication from teachers to parents regarding assignments, requirements.
--Submitted by a parent

My son loves the hands on projects and all the time spent outdoors learning about birds, trees, wildflowers, and ecosystems. I highly recommend this school for parents who want their child to learn, grow, and be challenged like never before. Parents, know that just about every child has nights they are completely frustrated by the homework and that in the fall there is an adjustment period to the homework load. The school provides planners and helps teach students how to be organized. Limit extra-curricular activities such as sports or music so students aren't completely overwhelmed. Don't be afraid to meet with the teachers if your child is stuck or needs help. Contact the staff if you have any questions.
--Submitted by MG (son: class of 2005-06), a parent