Edible Garden & Environmental Education
Environmental education is an important part of our school-wide science study, and our Edible Garden is the centerpiece of this program.
The garden serves as an outdoor science laboratory where students learn about biology, climate, sustainable practices and environmental stewardship by observing the life cycle of the plants. Students also gain an understanding of where our food comes from and the importance of environmental impacts on food supplies. Additionally, they explore how they can work at home, at school, and in the community to help preserve our environment.
As part of this program, our school partners with Farmscape, the largest urban farming venture in California.
Fall Harvest & Planting Day
Each fall, Kindergarten students plant pumpkins, which they harvest the next year as 1st Graders, and 6th Grade students lead our school-wide Planting Day – an event during which students plant the Edible Garden with the year's crop of vegetables and herbs.
Student and parent volunteers care for our garden, with the help of professional farmers, to keep it vibrant and full of seasonal produce, including squash, cucumbers, zucchini, and watermelon.
SPRING FARMERS' MARKET
In the spring, 5th Grade students turn the produce from the Edible Garden into products that they will sell at the spring Farmers' Market, which they plan and run each year at Open House.
CAMPUS ECOSYSTEMS
Our campus also contains an outdoor garden, representing three distinct ecosystems – mountain, rainforest, and desert – providing students with hands-on opportunities to learn about different environments. Additionally, leading our school's recycling program and learning about composting introduces students to sustainable living practices.