Swamp to School is a collaborative environmental education initiative designed to connect Suffolk Public Schools' 4th-grade students with the ecology of the Great Dismal Swamp and the broader Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Through hands-on learning, outdoor field experiences, and classroom-based environmental education, the project aims to foster a strong culture of environmental stewardship in young learners. The project addresses a critical need for elementary-level environmental literacy in the district, expanding existing programs to ensure students not only understand local ecosystems but also see the direct impact of their choices on water quality and habitat health in the region.

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Spearheaded by Old Dominion University, Virginia Wesleyan University, Suffolk Public Schools, the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and its Friends group, this initiative brings a systemic approach to implementing Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs). In addition to reaching every 4th grader in the district, Swamp to School includes professional development for current teachers and training opportunities for future educators. The ultimate goal is to build a lasting foundation for conservation-minded education that benefits students, educators, and the Chesapeake Bay alike.