“Transforming Education and Sustainability: The Inspiring Story of the Garden School Foundation at 24th Street Elementary School”

The Garden School Foundation in Los Angeles has been making a significant impact on the education and environmental awareness of students at 24th Street Elementary School for the past two decades. What started as a small group of residents and friends breaking up asphalt and cement to plant shade trees and a garden has now blossomed into a thriving outdoor learning center that covers a lush acre of land.

Elizabeth Hall, the foundation’s head of outreach and development, emphasizes the critical role that the 24th Street School gardens play in teaching climate literacy to the 453 pre-kindergarten through fourth-grade students, 90% of whom are classified as low-income. The foundation has developed a curriculum for outdoor learning that is integrated into regular classroom science lessons and other subjects, particularly language arts.

Principal Veronica Brown describes 24th Street Elementary as “special,” highlighting how students learn about food production, cooking, and composting. The school was recently named a California Green Ribbon School, recognizing its efforts to reduce environmental impact, improve health and wellness, and provide effective environmental education.

One of the unique aspects of the garden program is the close relationship between the foundation and school staff, which has helped the program weather staff changes and budget challenges within the Los Angeles Unified School District. The foundation raises funds to support a full-time garden-based teacher, part-time staff positions, a free farmers market for school families, and a lunchtime share table for students.

The ultimate goal of the garden program is to instill lifelong sustainability habits in students and their families. Last year alone, the school turned 16,000 pounds of cafeteria food waste into 1,600 pounds of compost, demonstrating the tangible impact of hands-on environmental education.

Overall, the Garden School Foundation’s work at 24th Street Elementary School serves as a model for how schools can integrate outdoor learning, climate literacy, and sustainability practices into their curriculum. With a focus on experiential learning and community engagement, the foundation is making a lasting impact on the lives of students and families in the Los Angeles area.