Growing the School Community

A school learning garden is a shared resource on campus, and cultivating it as a team within and across grade levels actively promotes a sense of unity, school pride, and identity campus-wide. Ground Education’s lessons are designed to promote respect and care for our garden as well as each other and the greater community. For example, after planting, tending, and harvesting their raised bed gardens, third graders donate their produce to a local charity. In this way, children experience the cycle of meaningful work and charitable giving, thus sowing the seeds of generosity.

Our garden programs also offer students’ loved ones a dynamic and accessible way to participate in school life. Families of students are encouraged to assist with learning garden lessons, maintenance activities, and periodic work parties. In addition, children take home knowledge and know-how that will empower families to make informed choices about their health at home.  By sending home seeds, recipes, vegetables, homemade pots, and other materials, parents will have the opportunity to connect with learning garden activities and encourage their children to continue to explore and appreciate the natural world at home.