When nature is the classroom
Jeff Barrett
Jeff is a landscape architect and outdoor teacher. He founded the Blue Mountain Wild School in East Canada, inspired by his desire to connect children with nature. The school turns the traditional concept of education inside out, with classrooms set in the forest, allowing students to learn in dynamic outdoor environments. Following the Ontario Provincial Curriculum, Jeff teaches a ‘living curriculum’ that adapts to natural events, fostering engagement. Jeff’s school emphasises collaboration across ages, prioritising development and sustainable happiness through playful, experiential learning.
Listen to Jeff
“Nature is an incredible force for a lot of elements in terms of brain development and happiness. And so our big focus really at this school .. would be on brain development and developing sustainable happiness.”
Jeff Barrett
Jeff Barrett
Jeff Barrett is the founder of Blue Mountain WILD School in Ontario, Canada, with a strong background in outdoor education and ecotourism. He has taught at institutions including Upper Canada College and Outward Bound and holds two Master’s degrees in Planning and Landscape Architecture. Jeff also developed ecotourism projects with Indigenous communities in Canada, and guided expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic. His work fosters changemakers through meaningful, nature-based education, blending his passion for wilderness and sustainability with innovative learning experiences.
Jeff Barrett