The Living Schoolyards Act of 2023 would provide grants to schools to create outdoor learning spaces on their grounds. These spaces could include dedicated areas for outdoor classrooms with seating and tables, or places to take regular classes outside. The bill also requires the Department of Education to maintain a resource hub with information to help schools set up these outdoor learning areas.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
The Living Schoolyards Act of 2023 would provide grants to schools to create outdoor learning spaces on their grounds. These spaces could include dedicated areas for outdoor classrooms with seating and tables, or places to take regular classes outside. The bill also requires the Department of Education to maintain a resource hub with information to help schools set up these outdoor learning areas.
Last updated: 12/30/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Living Schoolyards Act of </strong><b>2023</b></p> <p>This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to eligible entities (e.g., local educational agencies) for planning, designing, and constructing outdoor learning spaces on school grounds. <em>Outdoor learning space</em> refers to an outdoor physical space on school grounds that is (1) dedicated to meet or conduct curriculum-tied activities, (2) a dedicated space for outdoor classrooms that has seating and tables installed for students and teachers to meet regularly, or (3) a place that is used when the need arises to take learning outdoors.</p> <p>Additionally, ED must maintain a clearinghouse that provides specified information, including links and information about state and local entities with expertise in outdoor learning spaces and environmental education.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Provides grants to schools to build outdoor learning spaces on their grounds, such as dedicated outdoor classrooms
Requires the Department of Education to maintain a clearinghouse with information to help schools create these outdoor learning areas
Aims to expand opportunities for students to learn in outdoor, hands-on environments
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
If passed, this bill would benefit students at K-12 schools across the country by giving them more chances to learn outdoors and experience curriculum in real-world settings. Schools in both urban and rural areas could use the grants to develop new outdoor learning spaces or enhance existing ones. This could particularly benefit students who lack access to natural areas, providing them with valuable experiences connecting with the environment.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Education
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
1538, 119th Congress (2025). "Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-1538
