Monte del Sol Charter School

Monte del Sol is a charter school that was founded under principles of sustainablity; a school garden fits well into the school's values. The mission of the garden program is to engage students in integrated, experiential lessons in an outdoor study area; to create, in collaboration with students, a productive, sustainable, organic garden; to instill values, grow stewardship, and promote activism regarding issues of food, environmental, and social justice; and to encourage critical thinking concerning personal health and diet.

Monte del Sol's diversity is reflected in the current year's enrollment of 43% Hispanic students, 4% Asian students, 48% 'Anglo' students, 5% bi-racial students as well as in the wide range of ability levels.

Monte del Sol's garden has a rich school-garden-to-school-kitchen history. Producing fruits and vegetables on site was a priority from the intial plantings in 2008. Hundreds of pounds of vegetables made their way to the kitchen this fall. A small hoop house has continued providing winter greens for the school salad over the colder months.  

The school's Green Team is active both in the garden and in food justice issues and has initiated everything from food drives to planting starts.