The BackYard

The Shlenker BackYard is a 1.5 acre nature preserve located behind one of the School’s largest playgrounds. This nature sanctuary contains four different ecosystems including forests, prairies, wetlands, and a pond. Each ecosystem is filled with many different species of plants and wildlife, and the BackYard contains over 800 feet of trails for students to explore!

This outdoor classroom is utilized for core academics as well as integrated Jewish learning experiences. Students learn about environmental ethics and are taught the Jewish value of bal tashchit—not destroying or wasting resources in nature. The National Wildlife Federation has recognized the Shlenker BackYard as a Certified Schoolyard Habitats Site, and students can often be seen in this phenomenal outdoor classroom with journal in hand, discovering the wonders of science and nature.