Since the founding of The Garden School, the farm has been an integral part of daily life by providing a practical and hands-on learning experience for all students. The farm is home to two donkeys, Pacem and Freida, two goats, Caramel and Marshmellow, and several chickens, whose names vary on the child and class you ask, but we call them Flopa, Butterscotch, and Oreo.
Our Joyful Beginnings and Kindergarten programs enjoy weekly walks to the farm to say hello and feed the animals. Our Grades programs often come to the farm to help with chores or visit our farm animal residents. However, no class has more knowledge about the inner workings of farm life and animal care than our Third Graders. For the entire year, Third Grade works the learning farm daily to feed the animals, clean up the farm yard, provide water, and ensure our animal friends are safe and comfortable.
In addition to helping care for the animals, our farm is also home to our school garden. All classes participate by planting seasonal vegetables and/or harvesting them when the time is right. At carpool, you may spy farm-fresh eggs and seasonal vegetables going home with the students. The children delight in showing off the fruits of their hard labor.
Through visiting and tending to the garden and farm, our students develop a deep sense of ownership and responsibility for the animals and plants they care for. Ask your child about their favorite part of the farm!
