ELKINS — A $10,000 grant will assist in the creation of a new outdoor learning program, to be known as the Muddy Boots Academy.

Highland Adventist School has received the $10,000 grant from the Versacare Foundation. The Muddy Boots Academy will serve students from prekindergarten to first grade, with an accredited school program that will prioritize learning in an outdoor setting, officials said.   

“We are excited to bring outdoor learning to Elkins,” Cheryl Jacko, principal of Highland Adventist School, said. “Research has shown the many advantages to early learners when they spend time in nature. Those advantages

include an increase in creativity and problem solving skills, better test scores, higher grade point averages, decreased behavioral problems, and leads to a more active, healthy life. 

“Our new Muddy Boots Academy class will spend time each day learning and exploring in our new Muddy Boots outdoor classroom on our 5-acre campus,” Jacko said.

“Children today do not take time to play outdoors as they did a generation ago. Long school hours, after school programs, time spent on homework, and safety concerns have crowded out lively outdoor play

for young students. We want to change that.”

Officials said the Muddy Boots Academy will open in August and provide a full school program for students in Pre-K through Grade 1. HOPE Scholarship scholarships will apply for eligible students in grades K-1. 

The school is limiting enrollment during the first year of operation, so early enrollment is recommended.

Applications will be taken starting June 18.  For more information about the Muddy Boots Academy and how to apply, email muddybootsrfun@gmail.com, or call Highland Adventist School at 304-636-4274 and leave a message.