The Garden
Dr. Montessori believed that a child’s connection to his or her environment is critical to that child’s well-being. We utilize the natural setting of our campus to integrate everyday experiences with the natural world, from our outdoor classrooms, campus gardens and spaces for creative play to our integrated ecological curriculum.
WSM Garden Coordinator
Meet Ms. Dorian Dugger
“I love working with the children in nature and am inspired by their curiosity, insights, enthusiasm, openness and sense of community. I love that in a Montessori setting we are encouraged to observe the children, to follow their interests, to encourage their explorations. I also very much love Maria Montessori’s focus on and work towards peace.”
Seed-to-Table Gardening
Along with our student-led, school-wide recycling, composting, and vermiculture programs, our integrated ecological curriculum can be seen as children plant, care for, and harvest vegetables year-round in our permaculture gardens. Through the use of these campus gardens and integrated gardening experiences, each child’s appreciation and understanding of the natural world is nurtured by involving them in the processes of planning and maintaining a sustainable, ecologically-friendly garden.
8-Acre Master Site Plan
In 2008, the school completed a master site plan for our 8-acre campus with the collaborative support of the Natural Learning Initiative (NLI), a research and design assistance program through North Carolina State University dedicated to creating stimulating places for play, learning and environmental education. Each year we continue to realize this plan through the investment of school resources and support from parents, faculty and staff, and leadership from our Outdoor Play & Learning Environments (OPLE) Committee. In addition, The OPLE committee oversees our Seed-to-Table organic gardening and composting program, provides advisory support for faculty and coordinates our annual Fall and Spring Garden/Planting Days.
