National Park Schools

Since 2007, the Hainich National Park has been collaborating with various “partner forest schools” in the Hainich region. Starting in the fall of 2026, the existing partnerships will undergo recertification. Other schools interested in partnering with the National Park are also welcome to apply. As part of the recertification or new certification process, the schools will be renamed “National Park Schools.” 

What is a National Park School?

- The entire school community supports the National Park’s philosophy of “Let nature be nature.”

- The National Park is regularly discussed in class and visited in person.

- The school community is committed to preserving our natural environment in its day-to-day activities.

- The school community develops its own ideas and projects to this end and successfully implements them in collaboration with and with the support of the National Park Administration.

The designation as a National Park School is therefore tied to specific criteria. In addition, the National Park Administration organizes professional development sessions and networking meetings for teachers.

All partner schools receive an outdoor sign that identifies them as a “National Park School” from the outside. It is also possible to set up a National Park information corner inside the school building.