FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2026
Arkansas Outdoor Academy to Open First Outdoor Public Charter School in Little Rock
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas Outdoor Academy is launching a new tuition-free public charter school in Little Rock that places experiential, outdoor-based learning at the core of the academic day.
Arkansas Outdoor Academy will open in Fall 2026, serving grades 6–9, and will add one grade each year through 2030 to serve grades 10–12. Located in the Riverdale area of Little Rock, the school blends rigorous, state-aligned academics with hands-on instruction designed to engage students through movement, exploration, and real-world application.
The school’s model represents a first-of-its-kind public school approach in Arkansas. Unlike traditional schools, where outdoor experiences are occasional or enrichment-based, outdoor learning at Arkansas Outdoor Academy is built directly into the academic schedule. Core subjects are intentionally taught both indoors and outdoors, with approximately half of instruction planned in real-world environments. Through partnerships with local parks and Arkansas State Park systems, public parks and natural spaces are used as regular instructional settings aligned to state academic standards. As a tuition-free public charter school, Arkansas Outdoor Academy centers outdoor, place-based learning as a core academic model rather than a supplemental program.
“Students learn best when learning feels connected and meaningful,” said Christopher Horton, co-founder of Arkansas Outdoor Academy. “This school was created for students whose strengths are not always visible in traditional classroom settings. When learning is active and grounded in real environments, students gain confidence, and engagement increases.”
Applications are now open for students entering grades 6 through 9 for the Fall 2026 school year. Families can learn more and apply at https://www.arkansasoutdooracademy.org/o/aoa/page/apply.
The school is also seeking educators and community partners interested in joining the academy. Information about teaching opportunities and partnerships is available on the school website.
Arkansas Outdoor Academy was founded by Christopher Horton, Teal Lovelady, and Sharon Bennett, educators and community leaders committed to expanding access to innovative public education while maintaining accountability and academic rigor. They believe deeply in the benefits of connecting students to the natural world.
About Arkansas Outdoor Academy
Arkansas Outdoor Academy is a tuition-free public charter school located in Little Rock, Arkansas. Serving grades 6 through 9 at launch, the school combines rigorous academics with experiential, outdoor-based instruction designed to help students build confidence, develop skills, and prepare for future academic and career pathways.
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