Unique Environment
Conscious Spaces That Celebrate A Child’s Spirit
We believe that our schools are a visual testimony to the humanity and sensitivity of children.
They are places that spark imagination and celebrate the spirit of creativity. Every day and in every environment, we seek to exemplify beauty and inspire children to appreciate it. When they come to our schools, children and grown ups alike feel welcomed in their full, colorful, multi-lingual humanity.
Gardening
Reconnecting Children to the Beauty of Nature and Life
Our gardening program engages children’s minds, spirits, and bodily senses through the activities of gardening, cooking, and eating. In the process, our students are educated as thoughtful, responsible citizens of planet earth.
Beginning in Kindergarten, our interdisciplinary garden curriculum serves as a biological classroom for the scientific study of life cycles and as a place where lessons in history, culture, art, math, and language come to life in fascinating new ways. As students progress through the program, they delve deeper into the practical work of maintaining a healthy, productive garden—acquiring skills in planting, tending, harvesting, composting, pest management, and water reclamation in an organic garden.
Students also become “eco-literate” and develop an understanding of important ecological principles in the garden and learn to apply these principles to major environmental issues in our world today.
Eco-Literacy
The Farm to School Table Project
Part of the educational mission of Anneliese Schools is to inculcate in children a deep awareness of the environment. Since the school’s inception, children have been taught how to grow food and how to take care of nature.
The farm to school table curriculum is interdisciplinary, connecting the garden to science, math, art, literature and anthropology. Children learn how ecological principles and environmental issues relate to a working garden and the environment, as well as the link between vibrant food harvested from the school’s gardens and nutrition.
Recess
Exercising Your Child’s Body, Mind, Heart and Spirit in Nature
Recess is very important for fostering friendships, exercising the body, balancing the mind, and interacting with the natural world. During recess, we encourage creative, imaginative play rather than toys that dictate the play, which instills in children exploration of nature and cooperation.
We provide children with plenty of room and daily opportunities to develop coordination and balance, to dance to rhythms and melodies, and to exercise their muscles and imaginations on our beautiful grounds.
Nutrition & Wellness
From the school’s inception in 1968, nature and the environment have been core aspects of our curriculum, philosophy and daily practices – including nutrition.
Anneliese Schools recognizes the deep connection between nutrition, access to nature, and a student’s ability to function and learn effectively, which is why improving wellness within our community is always a top priority. Our Wellness Manifesto is a testament to this dedication to nutrition and wellness.
Our commitment to land stewardship is multifaceted – in our school lunch program, we serve fresh organic fruits and vegetables, many of which are grown on our own farms, and we reduce packaging by preparing all children’s meals and snacks. Students and teachers enjoy their meals with reusable plates, cutlery and cups. Our food waste is minimal and is turned into compost for our campus gardens.
Anneliese's Animals
Learning to Experience and Respect All Sentient Beings
The animals on our grounds represent our appreciation and reverence for all living beings. Most of them came to Anneliese via community members who rescued injured animals or could no longer care for them. They do not live in their native environment, but our animals are treated with care and respect.
Children have the opportunity to observe the daily habits and expressions of the various animals on site: miniature horses, alpacas, goats, chickens, doves, and peacocks, to name a few. On their way to class, nature walks, or during recess, students can take in the many ways animals move, eat, show affection, and communicate. In addition to their daily observations, there are many opportunities for students to work more closely with some of them through the Mini-Readers and Animal Care program.
Cultural Beauty
Inspiring Spaces Adorned with Cultural Beauty
Reflecting our philosophy of inspiring the whole child, we create and honor cultural beauty in our classrooms and spaces. Classrooms, gathering places and common areas are lovingly decorated with Persian rugs, antique furniture, paintings, and art objects. Children are encouraged to connect with their humanity through handmade toys and objects from various cultures and periods of history and by interacting with peers, animals, nature, and their teachers.
The Value of Whole Child Education
At Anneliese Schools, we believe that there are so many parts of a child that contribute to who they are as a person. We design a learning environment that awakens and cultivates the infinite potential of the child’s mind. By teaching to nine different intelligences, we develop the education of the Whole Child, ensuring that each student is a well-rounded, confident, independent learner who thinks deeply and critically, takes risks, and grows in their humanity.