Program Background
Laura Fenn, M.S. Ed recorded her first educational podcast in 2010 for her fifth grade students in the kitchen of her Chapel Hill, NC home. Her idea grew from instructional demands eclipsing opportunities for student activity during the school day.
As an educator for over 15 years, Fenn noticed a direct correlation between her students’ academic performance and the amount of physical activity they regularly had. Out of this simple realization and her commitment to getting students the exercise they desperately needed without sacrificing instructional time, The Walking Classroom was born.
The Walk, Listen, and Learn methodology was an instant success in Fenn’s classroom. Her students’ attitudes about exercise improved, as did their end-of-grade achievement scores.
Now, the national award-winning nonprofit program is engaging over 60,000 students in a variety of educational settings nationwide.
Our mission is simple: to provide educators with age-appropriate, national standards–aligned tools that inspire students physically, mentally, and academically.
Media Inquiries
Please send media inquiries to Lee Ann Obringer.
Recent Press
Students lead board members on Walking Classroom lesson
2018 Impact Award goes to The Walking Classroom Institute!
Walking Classroom Allows Students to Learn While Exercising
Balboa Elementary classroom is testing new walk-and-learn program
The Walking Classroom: Pender Co. students try out a new style of learning
Supplemental Press Resources
Sample Press Releases: (for use by our program adopters)