LAMH At A Glance

Learn at Morse Hill provides nature-based, experiential learning in a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment. We strive to support growth of the whole child by fostering natural inquiry, problem solving, and deep relationships with nature and their community.


Learn at Morse Hill Education Center

Learn at Morse Hill Education Center is an outdoor, alternative to elementary school for students ages 5 -11 located at the Morse Hill Education Center in Shutesbury, Massachusetts. It is an outdoor, nature based program located on the 85 acre site of Morse Hill.

Educational Philosophy

All children are natural learners. Children have rhythms that when seen and followed allow them to learn at their highest potential. The Learning Facilitator's role is to model and guide child inquiry through presenting opportunities, creating structures and scaffolding when needed to help focus concentration, build confidence and nurture a love of discovery and learning. Outdoor education provides the foundation and landscape for natural, fluid growth in building social, emotional, cognitive and motor skills. Our carefully selected curricula support the learning of social, emotional and self regulation skills; leadership, positive character traits and making ethical choices; anti-racist and anti-bias education; and collaborative problem solving and restorative justice practices.

PROGRAM

Learn at Morse Hill offers engaging small group learning experiences supported by talented and dedicated learning leaders. Our outdoor learning spaces come alive as children explore their surroundings and extend their thinking and learning through project-based learning. The 85 acres of forested land provide safe, experiential learning opportunities for children to play, wonder, and create among peers and staff. It is through engaging, hands-on experiences that we integrate cognitive, academic, language, creative, and social emotional learning. We are deeply committed to connecting high quality experiences with the Common Core Standards, and do so through joyful learning outdoors.

We have a staff of experienced and caring learning leaders with expertise in outdoor education and a passion for alternative education for children.


Fast Facts

  • Grades K-6

  • Experiential, project-based learning

  • Located on 85 acres of woodland in beautiful Shutesbury, Massachusetts

  • Van transportation available from Amherst & Northampton

  • After care available

A CUSTOMIZED HOMESCHOOL PROPOSAL

We will prepare your child's individual homeschooling proposal for submission to your local superintendent. This is a very simple and straightforward process and we will help guide you every step of the way.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES (will resume post-COVID)

Family activities including bonfires, family hikes and other activities are offered throughout the year. Parental involvement is encouraged. There are many opportunities for parents to be a part of our community.

AFTERCARE AND TRANSPORTATION

For the 2021-2022 school year, we'll be offering van transportation (mornings and afternoons) from Amherst. Masks will be required when traveling in vans, and availability of van transportation may change if local or statewide Covid-19 restrictions warrant.

Aftercare will be available for enrolled families and community members.

About Morse Hill Campus

Our 85-acre site is located on the hemlock-shaded slopes of Morse Hill in Shutesbury, about 20 minutes from Amherst, Massachusetts. The Sawmill River flows along our border to the north, and on our southern edge the summit of Morse Hill offers a view of three states. To newcomer and long-time veteran alike, the magic of the property lies in the many fascinating structures that are tucked away among the trees, practically begging to be climbed on. “What's that?” people often ask, peering at the cables and ropes strung between trees. Welcome to our state-of-the-art high and low ropes course! It is one the largest in Massachusetts and one of our most prominent features.

The rest of our property is similarly scattered with fun and intriguing features, inviting participants to engage with the landscape in different ways. Come play a game in one of our grassy fields or warm yourself up on a rainy day by one of our cozy log fire circles. Walk the labyrinth for a chance to reflect and wind down. Practice your hill climbs and log jumps on our mountain biking course. Hang out with friends in our oversized cargo net. Take a walk on our trails, keeping your eye out for the unique objects they are blazed with. And of course explore the woods—perhaps you'll discover art projects blending into the rocks and trees, spot a fox or porcupine, or stumble upon some delicious wild blueberries. There is room for endless discovery at Morse Hill!

Pairing our on site resources with those of the surrounding outdoor locations, we offer countless adventure activities—rock climbing, canoeing, raft building, map and compass, scavenger hunts, mountain biking, caving, camping, and more. We are constantly scouting out new places, coming up with creative activities, and expanding the variety of our offerings.