A group of passionate educators who inspire students to learn and value our natural world through garden-based education
MISSION AND GOALS
Living Classroom's mission is to make education come alive and empower the next generation by growing environmental champions, inquisitive learners, and healthy eaters. We support a new generation of students that are excited about science, connected to nature, and are equipped to build a future that is environmentally sustainable. Living Classroom provides a full service program that includes: complete lesson plans that include all materials needed for each lesson, detailed instructions and training for volunteer docents, garden design and installation, garden maintenance, and interpretive signage.
Learn More About Who We Are
- What We Do - Our programs and curriculum
- Schools We Serve
- Our Team and Board of Directors
- Our Supporters
History of Living Classroom
Vicki Moore, the Founder of Living Classroom, knew that there had to be a way to bring nature to the classroom so students could learn from nature on a regular basis - without having to take a field trip to do so. During this time Ms. Moore was also building a native habitat garden at Oak School, followed by the Oak School Edible Garden. Ms Moore realized that a structured, educational program was needed to take advantage of all the learning opportunities the gardens provided.
Living Classroom began as a special program in the Los Altos School District in 2007-2008, supported by a one-time CA Department of Education school garden grant. This grant allowed Ms. Moore to develop the program and pilot lessons informally with K-3rd grade teachers. The Living Classroom program officially launched in the 2008-2009 school year. After many successful years of progressive growth, the Los Altos School District was sufficiently impressed with the program. The district hired the Living Classroom staff as district staff and took over fully funding the program.
In 2013, Living Classroom became a separate 501c3 non-profit organization, while also expanding the program into the Mountain View Whisman School District. Over several years Living Classroom expanded to all 11 schools in grades T/K- 6th. Funding from the Mountain View Education Foundation, the El Camino Healthcare District Community Benefit Program, Morgan Family Foundation and community organizations enabled this robust growth.
Read more about our history here.
Living Classroom began as a special program in the Los Altos School District in 2007-2008, supported by a one-time CA Department of Education school garden grant. This grant allowed Ms. Moore to develop the program and pilot lessons informally with K-3rd grade teachers. The Living Classroom program officially launched in the 2008-2009 school year. After many successful years of progressive growth, the Los Altos School District was sufficiently impressed with the program. The district hired the Living Classroom staff as district staff and took over fully funding the program.
In 2013, Living Classroom became a separate 501c3 non-profit organization, while also expanding the program into the Mountain View Whisman School District. Over several years Living Classroom expanded to all 11 schools in grades T/K- 6th. Funding from the Mountain View Education Foundation, the El Camino Healthcare District Community Benefit Program, Morgan Family Foundation and community organizations enabled this robust growth.
Read more about our history here.