Nature-Based Learning for Title I Schools
Designed for Urban Public schools
Built to Fit School Life
What We Offer
City to Sanctuary partners with protected sanctuaries to provide students with sustained, nature-based learning experiences that support focus, well-being, and engagement—without adding burden to school staff.
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City to Sanctuary was designed in response to these realities:
Schools are carrying increasing demands
Nature supports regulation, attention, curiosity, and belonging
Many students have limited access to nature
Schools should not have to carry the full cost alone
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3-Year Public School Pilot (Harlem)
197 students | Monthly learning days | Protected sanctuaries
Principals and teachers consistently reported:
Increased student focus and engagement
Improved overall well-being and readiness to learn
Strong student enthusiasm and sustained participation
Minimal planning required from school staff
Students’ connection-to-nature scores increased each year, and educators repeatedly shared that nature was not an optional enrichment—it supported learning and school culture.
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Monthly immersive learning days in nature
Instruction led by experienced naturalists
Transportation included
Curriculum aligned with state science standards
Minimal planning required from school staff
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Schools are one part of a broader community-rooted funding model.
School contribution: $5,000 for the academic year
Funding partnerships available to significantly reduce costs
City to Sanctuary is a registered DOE vendor, allowing schools to pay directly through the DOE system
This model was designed so schools are not carrying the cost alone.
2026–2027 NYC Initiative
This initiative is designed for:
Title I public schools
Principals interested in supporting student well-being and engagement through nature-based learning
Participation is limited to 10 NYC schools in 2026–2027.
Our Process
Principal shares interest
School principal expresses interest and connects us with the teacher(s) whose classes will participate. From there, we guide the next steps.
Teachers join a planning zoom
We meet with participating teachers to set trip dates and times, walk through the program, and answer any questions.
Students submit liability forms
Teachers distribute and collect student liability forms and the initial survey. This helps us establish a baseline for the program.
Trips to the sanctuary begin
We arrive with the bus on each trip day and manage all logistics, allowing teachers to focus on supervision and fully engage in the experience.
One Step to Explore Fit
There is no application process and no commitment required to begin the conversation.
We’ll follow up within 48 hours to answer questions or explore fit.