Leading regional nonprofit serves 7,000 students daily, leveraging recess to bring out the best in every child
BOSTON – October 1, 2026 – Playworks New England, a leading nonprofit using the power of play to improve children’s physical and emotional well-being, is celebrating its 20th anniversary of working with Boston Public Schools. Part of the national nonprofit Playworks, which has been bringing play and youth development programming into schools for more than three decades, the local chapter serves 7,000 students a day in 17 metro Boston schools, including 12 in Boston. Playworks New England uses seamless, cost-effective methods to improve school culture and academic performance with recess already part of the school day, dedicated staff and no expensive equipment required.
“We want to create schools where every student feels safe, included and ready to learn; schools where kids have fun and build positive relationships with their peers and teachers,” said Max Fripp, executive director of Playworks New England. “Recess is the perfect place to bring these school environments to life, and in doing so, we know kids will show up to school more and present their best selves.”
Playworks New England’s growth has been driven by school leaders who want more out of daily recess. The nonprofit reports that on average, Massachusetts elementary schools offer 20 minutes of recess a day, with many students receiving even less. Attendance is where the newest evidence points. A 2025 University of California, Berkeley study looked at Title I schools, which serve students from low-income families. Those with Playworks programming had significantly lower chronic absence rates than similar schools without it. The gap held after accounting for school size, income, and student demographics.
Closer to home, educators report changes in how students get along. In a 2025-2026 survey of 166 educators in Playworks New England schools:
96% said Playworks helps students build positive relationships with their peers.
96% said it helps students communicate respectfully.
95% said it helps students experience joy during the school day.
Playworks New England supports schools through a range of programs, including direct services led by full-time, school-based Playworks staff, training and coaching for schools and youth-serving organizations, as well as the Junior Coach program, which empowers students to take on leadership roles and help create positive play experiences for their peers. Playworks also offers “SparkPlay,” a digital product, as well as free resources on its website. Together, these services help Playworks reach 70,000 kids across New England with positive play and great recess this school year. To learn more about Playworks New England, visit www.playworks.org/new-england/.
About Playworks New England
Playworks New England helps schools build communities where every child can experience the benefits of safe, healthy, and inclusive play. Through direct service and professional development programs, Playworks partners with schools to strengthen school climate, foster positive peer relationships, and help students develop leadership and social-emotional skills. Programs such as the Junior Coach leadership program empower students to become role models for their peers while creating more welcoming and inclusive school communities. As part of a national nonprofit organization, Playworks New England works alongside educators and school partners to ensure that play is a meaningful part of every child’s school day. For more information, please visit: Playworks.org/NewEngland.
