New Arkansas Tuition-Free Charter School Puts Nature at the Center of the Day

This is an amazing idea for a new type of public charter school. The Arkansas Outdoor Academy is launching a tuition-free public charter school in Little Rock. This school will offer students a unique learning experience where the outdoors and hands-on instruction is part of the everyday school schedule.

Get our free mobile app

The academy will open in Fall 2026, serving students in 6th through 9th grades. Then they will add one grade level each year through 2030, eventually the school will expand to 10th, 11th and 12th grades.

The school will be located in the Riverdale area and will combine rigorous, state-aligned academics with experiential learning designed to keep students moving, exploring, and engaged.

Learning Beyond the Classroom at This New Public Charter School in Arkansas

Kids learn differently and this school is addressing that head-on. Arkansas Outdoor Academy’s model is the first of its kind for a public school in Arkansas. Instead of treating outdoor learning as an occasional activity, the academy builds it directly into the academic day. Core subjects are taught both indoors and outdoors, with about half of instruction taking place in real-world environments.

Through partnerships with local parks and the Arkansas State Park system, students will learn in public parks and natural spaces that align with state academic standards.

Christopher Horton, co-founder of Arkansas Outdoor Academy, said in a press release,

Students learn best when learning feels connected and meaningful. When learning is active and grounded in real environments, students gain confidence and engagement increases.

Applications and Opportunities Available Now for The Arkansas Outdoor Academy

Applications are now open for students entering grades 6 through 9 for Fall 2026. Families can learn more and apply at arkansasoutdooracademy.org.

The academy is also seeking educators and community partners interested in being part of this innovative approach to public education.