Florida Autism Charter School of Excellence

The FACE's community garden allows students with autism to take responsibility for caring for a garden every day. We envision an outdoor classroom where academic skills such as math, science, nutrition, language arts and social studies concepts are taught. Additionally, the hands on sensory impact of working in the garden is very therapeutic to many children with autism. Others benefit from improved social skills due to the partnership with students at Tampa's Learning Gate Community School, whose students work inclusively along side our students with autism. In addition, this project opens up a world of possibilities for students who have limited opportunities due to their special needs. Besides tradional school lessons and gardening skills, students learn the basics of entrepreneurship by selling the produce to farm members. This includes skills in pricing, marketing and sales. The garden give students a better chance at living independent lives despite their challenges, promoting a focus of what children can do rather than what they cannot do.

This program is supported by .