Maria Montessori understood the importance of nurturing a child’s connection to the natural world, teaching them to become good stewards of our earth. Since our founding, Children’s Community School has incorporated this part of the Montessori philosophy into our programming. When we had the opportunity to design a new school, we were inspired to incorporate the philosophy into the building itself.
Our school is net zero, meaning it produces as much energy as it uses over the course of a year. An interactive art installation with energy and environmental education components covers a full wall of our multipurpose room. A real-time display of energy production and usage as well as the installation anchors a curriculum for field trip groups and other visitors.The school’s outdoor space includes nature-based play areas; restored native prairie; fruit trees, berry bushes, and vegetable garden boxes; and native trees and perennials.
