Application and reporting

Application deadline is October 15

Our online application system opens by early March, and applications become accessible for the coming school year once the previous year’s reports have been submitted. The application deadline is October 15 of the current school year. Access the 2025-2026 Application questions here.

Report deadline is July 31

Our online reporting system opens in late October and is accessible only after a school’s annual application has been approved. Schools can open and complete their report once they finish their outdoor school experience. When all schools in a given district have completed their individual reports, the district may then submit the report package for reimbursement. The final report deadline for the previous school year is July 31. Reports submitted after the deadline will not be reimbursed.

While the deadline is July 31, we encourage you to report as soon as practical after the outdoor school experience concludes. Submitting before the end of the school year is strongly encouraged.

New Outdoor School Online Application and Reporting System (OARS) reporting structure

To enhance our data quality and evaluation of the Outdoor School Program, we have revised how information is collected and reported. We have streamlined the reporting process to create a shortened and restructured report. Learn more about these changes on the reporting page linked below.

Review reporting changes

Credit: Miguel Acuña (Cropped from original)

How to report and apply

Please read the instructions on this page to understand the process thoroughly. When ready, use the button link to access the online application and reporting system (OARS).

Please contact your outdoor school regional program manager or the main office ([email protected]) if you have questions.

Access the Outdoor School application and reporting system