Northern Light School

Program Type: 
Garden Classrooms, Kitchen Classrooms
Grade Level/Age Group: 
Kindergarten, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School
Number of Individuals Program Serves: 
140
Year Founded: 
2017
About the Program: 

Northern Light School's mission is to provide a high quality education for children from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. The faculty and staff create an atmosphere where every child can grow academically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, to become healthy, productive members of their families and communities. The focus is on academic excellence as well as non-violence, acceptance of differences, respect for the environment, and the moral advancement of humanity—so that the children develop an understanding that they have a responsibility to make a difference in the lives of others.

Northern Light's Living Classroom program furthers this mission by involving students in all parts of the gardening process. From planting seeds, to vermicomposting food scraps, harvesting, and eating the produce, students learn about the cycles of nature, the importance of diversity, and the need to care for our planet.

The innately hands-on activities engage students in enhancing their five senses, developing communication skills in a team environment, and cultivating patience. Students make observations and predictions, draw diagrams, and develop critical thinking skills through inquiry.