The number of Open Air Schools at present in England is at least thirty-five, with an attendance of at least 2,500. Forty-two other cities are listed as carrying on some form of open air education.
In the United States the Open Air School movement, from its inception, has been closely connected with the general anti-tuberculosis movement.
The credit of establishing the first Open Air School in America belongs, as previously stated, to Providence, Rhode Island, where the work was begun in January, 1908. The school was opened in a brick school house in the center of the city. A room on the second floor was chosen and remodeled by removing part of the south wall. For the wall thus removed windows were substituted. These extended from near the floor to the ceiling, with hinges at the top and with pulleys so arranged that the lower ends could be raised to the ceiling. The desks were placed in front of the open windows in such a manner that the children received the fresh air at their backs and the light over their shoulders. Suitable clothing was provided for cold weather and, in case of necessity, soapstone foot warmers were used.
The school was started as an ungraded school and ten pupils were enrolled at the time of its opening, the number later increasing to twenty-five. Practically all children were selected by the visiting nurse of the local League for the Suppression of Tuberculosis from infected homes under her supervision. In a few instances children with moderately advanced lesions were admitted.
The children reported at 9 a. m. and a recess was given at 10:30, when they were served soup. At noon they had a light lunch of pudding served with cream, hot chocolate or cocoa made entirely with milk. Some of the children brought additional food from home. All of the cooking was done by the teacher. Careful attention to general cleanliness and hygiene of the teeth was insisted upon. Individual drinking cups and tooth brushes were provided. The children took turns in washing dishes, setting the table and helping
to serve. Children were dismissed at 2:30 p. m. They were provided with car tickets by the League for the Suppression of Tuberculosis, some for traveling both ways, some for one way only, depending upon the means of the family. During school session light gymnastic exercises were given and proper methods of breathing taught. In the spring they had a garden to work in.
The Providence school is at present a part of the general school system. The school supplies and teacher's salary are furnished by the Board of Education. Food and carfare are supplied by the League for the Suppression of Tuberculosis. A physician is delegated by the League and one of the regular Medical Inspectors of the city schools works in co-operation with him.
Providence has at present two schools, with an attendance of forty. One more Open Air School and two roof classes may be provided by the Board of Education in 1914. In addition, the Providence League for the Suppression of Tuberculosis conducts a Preventorium for thirty children at the Lakeside Preventorium, Rhode Island.