We create learning gardens that grow successful students.


For a teacher, a garden is more than a beautiful place or a veggie patch. It is a powerful learning tool, as critical to a student’s academic success as a computer or a microscope. To help students succeed, REAL School Gardens creates learning gardens in low-income schools and trains teachers how to use them to improve student engagement and academic achievement. 

We Build Learning Gardens
For most schools, the first step is to create the learning garden.  The REAL School Gardens program unites teachers, parents, businesses and the students themselves to design a learning garden tailored to each school’s unique needs.   Then, in one satisfying day of service, hundreds of volunteers come together to create a beautiful place for children to learn and grow.

We Train Teachers
After the garden is built, our partner schools enter a multi-year training program to learn how to use their new teaching tool to get REAL results.  Our seasoned and certified educators provide on-site one-on-one training with teachers, sharing proven tips and techniques tailored to each teacher’s individual needs.  Teachers also get ready-to-use lesson plans that are easy to implement and continue to receive new activities and garden materials to help them succeed.  

REAL School Gardens = REAL Results
Our partner schools have seen 12%-15% increases in standardized test score pass rates.  Science scores saw the largest increases, placing students on a path for success in a professional job market that increasingly requires STEM skills.  Our program is proven to make teachers more effective and get students more engaged in learning.  Schools gardens also make children happier and healthier, giving children a space to build skills and habits that last a lifetime. 

We Build Learning Gardens

For most schools, the first step is to create the learning garden. The REAL School Gardens program unites teachers, parents, businesses and the students themselves to design a learning garden tailored to each school’s unique needs. Then, in one satisfying day of service, hundreds of volunteers come together to create a beautiful place for children to learn and grow.

We Train Teachers

After the garden is built, our partner schools enter a multi-year training program to learn how to use their new teaching tool to get REAL results. Our seasoned and certified educators provide on-site one-on-one training with teachers, sharing proven tips and techniques tailored to each teacher’s individual needs. Teachers also get ready-to-use lesson plans that are easy to implement and continue to receive new activities and garden materials to help them succeed.

REAL School Gardens = REAL Results

Our partner schools have seen 12%-15% increases in standardized test score pass rates. Science scores saw the largest increases, placing students on a path for success in a professional job market that increasingly requires STEM skills. Our program is proven to make teachers more effective and get students more engaged in learning. Schools gardens also make children happier and healthier, giving children a space to build skills and habits that last a lifetime.