Strong Academics. Small Groups. Real Adventures.

Recess Outdoor Adventure School offers academically ambitious, individualized education for children ages 3–12 in Waldport and Newport, Oregon.

Students build strong foundations in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and critical thinking—and then bring that learning to life through hands-on projects, outdoor exploration, field studies, creativity, and real-world experiences.

Children Should Not Have to Choose Between Academic Challenge and a Joyful Childhood

At Recess, children receive strong, individualized instruction while learning through meaningful projects, real-world experiences, outdoor exploration, creativity, collaboration, and play.

Our small-group setting allows us to understand each student’s current academic level, identify areas for growth, and provide appropriate challenge—including opportunities to work beyond grade-level expectations when they are ready.

The result is a child who is capable, curious, confident, connected, and genuinely excited to learn.

The RECESS Difference

Strong Academics

Students receive purposeful, standards-aligned instruction in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and critical thinking.

We focus on strong academic foundations while creating opportunities for advanced learning, deeper investigation, and meaningful application.

Children do not simply complete assignments. They read, write, calculate, research, discuss, investigate, create, and communicate their thinking!

Individualized Instruction

Children do not all learn at the same pace or in the same way.

Small groups allow teachers to understand each child’s strengths, needs, interests, and academic goals. Students receive personalized support without being held back when they are ready for greater challenge.

At Recess, every child is known.

Real-World Learning

Academic learning becomes more powerful when children can use it.

Students apply their skills through science investigations, engineering challenges, field studies, creative projects, community experiences, outdoor exploration, leadership opportunities, and collaborative problem-solving.

Beaches, forests, museums, libraries, gardens, and community spaces become extensions of the classroom.

Learning You Can See

At Recess, memorable experiences are carefully connected to meaningful academic growth.

Coastal Field Studies

Students investigate a variety of coastal habitats while developing skills in marine biology, ecology, scientific observation, classification, data collection, vocabulary, and field-note writing.

Building and Engineering

Fort construction and design challenges strengthen measurement, planning, spatial reasoning, teamwork, persistence, and problem-solving.

Nature Journaling

Students combine scientific illustration, careful observation, descriptive writing, research, vocabulary, and reflection.

Cooking and Baking

Recipes become lessons in fractions, measurement, sequencing, chemistry, reading comprehension, responsibility, and independence.

Museums and Community Learning

Museum, library, and community field trips provide opportunities for research, inquiry, historical understanding, scientific discovery, and real-world connection.

Student Leadership

Student Council and collaborative projects strengthen organization, public speaking, decision-making, communication, civic responsibility, and confidence.

Art Exploration

Drawing, painting, sculpture, and nature-inspired projects strengthen creativity, fine-motor skills, visual communication, artistic techniques, self-expression, and confidence.

Music Exploration

Singing, rhythm, instruments, movement, and music appreciation strengthen listening skills, coordination, pattern recognition, memory, creativity, and self-expression.

Language Exploration + Global Connections

Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL) experiences introduce new vocabulary, communication skills, cultural awareness, memory, confidence, and an appreciation for different ways of connecting with others. Students also have access to a variety of books in Braille and multiple languages, including German, Danish, Japanese, and more, helping them develop curiosity about language, culture, and diverse ways of reading and communicating.

Project-Based Learning

Meaningful, hands-on projects allow students to explore complex questions, connect multiple academic subjects, solve real-world problems, and create work with purpose. Through research, planning, collaboration, experimentation, and reflection, students strengthen critical thinking, communication, creativity, independence, and perseverance.

Find the Right Recess Program

Private Elementary School

A small-group elementary education that combines strong academics, individualized instruction, hands-on learning, and real-world experiences.

Students build essential skills while receiving opportunities to think deeply, work beyond the basics, and develop confidence as capable learners.

Homeschool Classes

Flexible one- to four-day options for families seeking meaningful academics, community, enrichment, and outdoor adventure.

Students learn alongside peers through engaging instruction, field studies, projects, science, creativity, and collaborative experiences.

Preschool Programs

A joyful and academically rich beginning for young learners.

Children develop early literacy, mathematics, science, communication, independence, creativity, and social-emotional skills through individualized instruction, purposeful play, projects, and outdoor exploration.

Before & After School Enrichment and Care

More than traditional childcare.

Students receive academic support, enrichment, creative opportunities, outdoor play, projects, and connection within a consistent small-group community.

2026-2027 Enrollment is Open!

🏕️ Hands-on outdoor adventures & learning experiences for preschool & elementary aged children in Newport, Oregon. 🍂

⛄️ LEARN through PLAY: EXPAND your ACADEMIC & SOCIAL SKILLS!

🐋 EXPLORE: Take field trips to gardens, estuaries, creeks, farms, beaches, and forests. Immerse yourself in the great outdoors.

🔎 DISCOVER: Conduct science experiments, watch wildlife from a respectful distance, engineer, touch ancient fossils, find agates, learn local foraging techniques, respectfully learn about various cultures, explore basic Spanish & American Sign Language, develop a love of books, and dive into topics that you love.

🎨 CREATE: Art, stories, poems, plays, inventions, mud pies, forts, and deep friendships.

🌲FULL TIME Outdoor Preschool Registration Opening Soon!!

2025-2026 Apply Today!

Prospective families are encouraged to set up a zoom meeting with us before applying. To set up a zoom meeting use this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PTZZ58C

As a courtesy to families, we offer a monthly payment options. Prices are listed per child.

Full Time Care Coming SOON!

Email OregonRecess@gmail.com to add your name to our FULL TIME Waitlist.

NOW ENROLLING for SUMMER CAMPS 2026

What Parents Have to Say About Us!

Recess is a NOAA Ocean Guardian School

In 2021, our elementary & preschool students collaborated to write a vision for how to make our little corner of the world a better place. Their message? Let’s work together to help the ocean!

Making our local beaches a cleaner place is good for everyone. We can all agree that Lincoln County Locals love our fresh local seafood, clean places to play, and beautiful beaches.

Through regular Beach Cleanups & Reusable Bag Giveaways, our students put their vision into action with the support of NOAA’s Ocean Guardian School program.

Over the years, their vision has expanded. Students now learn and care for native plants and wildlife throughout the year. In the spring, thanks to funding from the NOAA Ocean Guardian School program and private donors, the students host an annual native planting event with partners from MidCoast Watersheds Council, Cape Perpetua Collaborative, Oregon Bird Alliance, & more along Beaver Creek in Seal Rock.

It is an honor to be funded by NOAA for a fifth year!