The Joy Lab:
A Forest School
Where Curiosity Leads the Way.
Nestled in the beautiful Blue Hills region of Milton, Massachusetts, The Joy Lab is a K–8 micro-school designed to honor childhood, spark curiosity, and cultivate strong, independent learners. Our days blend focused morning academics with deeply engaging project-based and self-directed learning each afternoon.
We believe school should feel joyful, purposeful, and connected to the real world.
Programs
Lower School
(K-2)
A warm, play-rich environment focused on:
Early literacy and numeracy foundations
Hands-on exploration
Social-emotional development
Creative expression
Middle Grades (3–5)
Students begin to explore deeper:
Independent reading & writing
Multistep project cycles
Teamwork and creative problem-solving
Introduction to research skills
Upper Grades
(6-8)
Leadership and independence flourish:
Advanced inquiry projects
Entrepreneurship and financial literacy
Science labs & field studies
Community engagement
Preparation for high school
Our Mission
The Joy Lab empowers students to learn with purpose, curiosity, and independence. Through a balanced blend of focused academics, real-world projects, and self-directed exploration, we cultivate capable learners who think critically, collaborate effectively, and engage meaningfully with their community and the natural world. The type of playful outdoor discovery typically associated with summer camp happens here. year-round.
The Blue Hills Advantage
Learning With Nature as a Partner
Our Milton campus sits at the edge of the Blue Hills Reservation—7,000+ acres of trails, fields, ponds, and wildlife. Students regularly engage in:
Environmental science
Nature journaling
Seasonal observation
Outdoor challenges and exploration
Community stewardship
The outdoors bring joy, grounding, and real-world science to every school week.