A School That Didn't Want to Wait
Invited for next year, Lexington Academy chose to begin immediately.
When Lexington Academy was invited to participate in the City to Sanctuary NYC initiative for the 2026–2027 school year, school leaders had a different idea: they didn't want to wait.
Instead, they asked to begin immediately.
Located in East Harlem and serving students in the New York City School District 4, Lexington Academy became the first school to join the initiative ahead of schedule, demonstrating the growing demand among educators for meaningful, nature-based learning experiences.
So far, 29 students and their teachers have participated in two full-day learning experiences at our partner sanctuary.
The first trip introduced students to the wonder of scientific field research through bird banding. Students observed scientists carefully catch, study, band, and release wild birds, including a blue jay and two woodpeckers. They explored forest trails, visited active nests, hiked to the pond, shared lunch outdoors, and spent the day immersed in the world around them.
Their second trip focused on one of humanity's oldest skills: fire-building. Students learned how to start a fire, practiced safe fire-building techniques, worked together to build and tend their fire, and finished the day roasting hot dogs and making s'mores. Along the way, they developed teamwork, confidence, problem-solving skills, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
What stood out most was the students' curiosity, engagement, and joy. Given the opportunity to learn outdoors, they slowed down, asked thoughtful questions, supported one another, and formed meaningful relationships with both nature and their peers.
Lexington Academy's decision to begin participating before the official launch of the NYC initiative for the 2026–2027 school year reflects something we are hearing from more and more educators: children need these experiences now.
We are grateful to the students, teachers, families, and school leadership at Lexington Academy for their partnership and enthusiasm, and we look forward to many more days of learning, discovery, and connection together.