McKinley Elementary School

The school garden program at McKinley officially began in 2010 with the construction of raised beds and the  development of a standards based garden curriculum. Since then, the garden has served as an outdoor classroom and living laboratory for 3rd-6th grade students emphasizing science, english, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. Along with garden lessons, students are engaged in the garden through after school gardening sessions and an official after school "Garden Club." Over the past two years the garden has expanded to include benches, a mural, automated irrigation,and a California native garden. The McKinley garden continues to promote experiential learning, natural discoveries, and a safe space for the entire McKinley community. On an average afternoon you might find the McKinley Tigers tending to their plants, recording data from their science experiments, or just hanging out with their friends. The McKinley garden program has collaborated with several organizations for support including Veggielution Community Farm, Garden To Table, CommUniverCity, the California Native Garden Foundation, San Jose State University, the Health Trust, and AmeriCorps.