Cool Schools connect students and teachers to nature by planting trees and creating fun and engaging outdoor experiential learning areas. These spaces cultivate children’s knowledge and awareness of the natural environment.

Research shows outdoor time can result in academic and health benefits for children. According to the University of Champaign Urban of Illinois, kids who spend more time outside end up paying more attention inside. Trees and nature lower aggression and symptoms of ADHD and students are better able to concentrate, complete tasks, and follow instructions. Cool Schools promotes hands-on outdoor environmental activities with a TEKS aligned STEM-based curriculum, so no child is left inside!

Dallas has one of the most challenging urban climates in the United States and has been ranked 8th by the American Lung Association for the worst air quality in the nation for ozone and non-attainment for the EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards. This air quality situation affects over 89,000 children in Dallas. School campuses in Dallas are some of the hottest and least shaded urban heat islands in North Texas.

We launched this program for the health and well-being of Dallas ISD students and to provide solutions to deal with the effects of the urban heat island effect in the area. Presently, 70% of Dallas area elementary schools have less than seven percent tree canopy, while a minimum of 27% tree canopy is recommended to reduce exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays and air pollution.  Texas Trees Foundation’s State of the Dallas Urban Forest Report confirmed that area school campuses are in dire need of improved tree canopies.

• Tree Plantings
• Education and Teacher Training
• Outdoor Learning Seating and Presentation Area
• 1-2 Learning Themes

• Tree Plantings
• Education and Teacher Training
• Outdoor Learning Seating and Presentation Area
• 2-3 Learning Themes
• Large Ticket Amenities

• Tree Plantings
• Education and Teacher Training
• Outdoor Learning Seating and Presentation Area
• 3+ Learning Themes
• Large Ticket Amenities
• Playground

• Tree Plantings
• Education and Teacher Training
• Outdoor Learning Seating and Presentation Area
• 3+ Learning Themes
• Large Ticket Amenities
• Playground
• Community Engagement and Placemaking

Cool School Neighborhood Park Program in 2017, The Trust for Public Land reported only 60% of Dallas residents had a park within a 10-minute walk of home, meaning 513,961 people lacked park access. 

Cool School Neighborhood Parks, in partnership with Dallas ISD, Dallas Parks and Recreation Department, and Trust for Public Land, aim to increase park access in the City of Dallas by converting the schoolyard into a public park after hours and on weekends. A Cool School Neighborhood Park has all the features of a Cool School Park as well as a community entrance, allowing the community to enjoy the new playground, walking trail and benches. Cool School Neighborhood Parks also have community engagement opportunities, park activation events, and art and placemaking elements.

Establish a Green Team of teachers and staff.
This group will lead environmental projects at their school.

Create landscape plan tailored to each school.
Students and teachers contribute their ideas during the design process

Provide educational resources to teachers and students.
Texas Trees Foundation leads a curriculum workshop for teachers and
presents a tree class to students

Organize Planting Day with students, faculty, volunteers, and partners.
From “mulch-kins” to 5th graders, everyone participates to plant and mulch
the new trees at their school