School Sprouts Educational Gardens are innovative, custom-designed, curriculum-based programs for all schools, community centers, and afterschool programs that serve preschool through twelfth grade. We design and implement dynamic gardens that act as hands-on learning laboratories for scientific inquiry, writing and reflection, cultural studies, application of mathematical concepts, and health and wellness activities. Our services include garden design and construction, instruction, and collaborative planning for a diverse array of educational programs and institutions. We also offer consulting services for schools and institutions interested in starting or expanding their school garden program.
As interest in local foods and agriculture increases so does the recognition that we need to teach our youth about where their food comes from and the importance of a healthy diet. Through collaborative planning with teachers and education professionals, School Sprouts designs customized programs that meet schools’ needs while providing programming that engages students hands and minds.
The gardens we grow are a natural space within the schoolyard where students can experience academic subjects in a fun and relevant way while growing and becoming familiar with fruits and vegetables.
School Sprouts Educational Gardens was founded in 2007 by Hope Guardenier. As the Executive Director of School Sprouts Educational Gardens, Hope has been instrumental in designing and implementing nearly 20 teaching gardens throughout the Pioneer Valley. She works with schools, community centers and afterschool programs to realize a vision of outdoor classrooms that allow for hands-on learning and meaningful work. Hope has a M.S. in Environmental Science with experience in curriculum development, program coordination, and 20 years of teaching in the outdoors. She is passionate about connecting youth of all ages to their food and bringing learning to life. During the growing season, when she is not in school gardens, she can be found at Farm and Garden Camp at Hampshire College. She and her family garden, cook, tend animals, play, hike, and live in Western Massachusetts.
As interest in local foods and agriculture increases so does the recognition that we need to teach our youth about where their food comes from and the importance of a healthy diet. Through collaborative planning with teachers and education professionals, School Sprouts designs customized programs that meet schools’ needs while providing programming that engages students hands and minds.
The gardens we grow are a natural space within the schoolyard where students can experience academic subjects in a fun and relevant way while growing and becoming familiar with fruits and vegetables.
School Sprouts Educational Gardens was founded in 2007 by Hope Guardenier. As the Executive Director of School Sprouts Educational Gardens, Hope has been instrumental in designing and implementing nearly 20 teaching gardens throughout the Pioneer Valley. She works with schools, community centers and afterschool programs to realize a vision of outdoor classrooms that allow for hands-on learning and meaningful work. Hope has a M.S. in Environmental Science with experience in curriculum development, program coordination, and 20 years of teaching in the outdoors. She is passionate about connecting youth of all ages to their food and bringing learning to life. During the growing season, when she is not in school gardens, she can be found at Farm and Garden Camp at Hampshire College. She and her family garden, cook, tend animals, play, hike, and live in Western Massachusetts.
