Our Learning Laboratory transforms New Haven’s natural and historic spaces into living classrooms where students explore, question, and create.

Why stay indoors when meaningful learning can happen outside? Our exceptional location provides direct access to incredible natural resources—East Rock, Edgerton Park, and the Mill River are just a short walk away—making New Haven our Learning Laboratory where the city becomes an extension of our classroom. Our students step beyond the classroom through our Outdoor Education program and explore New Haven’s rich history and culture across our entire curriculum.

Students don’t just read about ecosystems; they explore them at local parks. They don’t memorize history; they experience it at New Haven’s cultural landmarks. Learning at St. Thomas’s doesn’t just happen in books—it happens in the world around us.

Outdoor Education Program

Through our Outdoor Education program, students at every grade level head into the field to explore rock formations, analyze ecosystems, collect meaningful data, restore habitats, and tackle real-world environmental challenges. Three extraordinary learning environments in our Outdoor Education Program:

At Edgerton Park, students discover botanical wonders and contribute to park care through meaningful sustainability projects.

In East Rock Park, dramatic cliffs and diverse habitats provide natural laboratories where students investigate rock formations, map ecosystems, and participate in habitat restoration.

Along the Mill River, students conduct real water quality testing, study local wildlife, and join restoration efforts that address environmental challenges.

Through hands-on data collection, critical thinking, and community-connected learning, students develop scientific literacy, environmental awareness, and civic responsibility.

Community Connections

Students also explore New Haven’s rich history and vibrant culture through the city’s numerous resources.

 Museum visits, community partnerships, and service projects enable students to explore the past while fostering meaningful connections with diverse communities. They engage with local historians, artists, and activists, gaining firsthand insights into the city’s role in movements for social justice, innovation, and the arts. Walking tours, performances, and neighborhood events further immerse students in the local culture, encouraging them to view learning as an active, place-based experience.

Through these interactions, students not only deepen their understanding of New Haven’s unique identity but also develop a sense of responsibility and empathy as members of a broader civic community. This approach makes education both engaging and meaningful. Students graduate knowing their community intimately and understanding their power to shape it. When the world is your classroom, learning becomes an adventure.