Farm-to-School Programs

"...the concepts and curriculum helped us make sure we were targeting our learning objectives. This is important for school groups, especially standards based public education"
-- Kindergarten Teacher, Monte Vista School

The Farm-to-School Program works to build beautiful and healthy communities by integrating sustainable agriculture and school curriculum.

Our goal is to connect the primarily urban school population in and around Santa Barbara, CA with the food and farmers that sustain them.

Opportunities for K-12 and homeschool groups include:
* farm-based tours and educational programs

* farm-site and school gardens
* educational consultation

Through the Farm-to-School Program students recognize where their food comes from and the connection between food and well-being.

Schools are encouraged to engage in programming regardless of financial opportunity.

To schedule a program contact Tiffany Cooper at (805) 967-7369.

Programs Offered:

School Tour (K-12; 60-90 minutes hours)

Join us on our beautiful urban farm for a walking tour, instruction, games, simple harvesting, and stories. This opportunity is a perfect introduction to our farm, whether you are interested in learning about where food comes from or about fungus, bacteria, and invertebrates that help break down soil. We will cater to the needs of your students to ensure an inspirational and educational experience that aligns with California State Standards.

Farm Day (K-12; 1/2 or full day)

Join us on the farm for a half or full day experience with an interactive walking tour, instruction, farm work, participation in harvesting, shared picnic meal, games, stories, experiments, and more. We will design a day for your students to gain a true farm experience. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions of the farm crew or just take in the sounds, smells, and tastes of life on a farm.

School Garden Project @ Fairview Gardens

We'll do the watering, you bring the students! 

Designate Fairview Gardens as your school garden and an extension of your school. We have growing space, seeds, plants and tools to host your classroom and school. Our school garden space contains space for your school as well as communal space to be shared with other schools. We encourage inter-institutional programs as part of this offering.

Off-Site Farm Campus @ Fairview Gardens

Designate Fairview Gardens as your school’s farm campus. We will custom design programs including instruction and scientific exploration, outdoor classroom space and meals with your school throughout the year. You will have access to our educational and farm staff for programming and/or you can use the farm on your own. You may find our mulberry tree the perfect location for language arts or math lessons or stage the chickens for an inspirational painting project.

School Consultation

Utilize our experience in farming and teaching at your school or in your school garden.  We will visit your school garden and provide growing advice and or instruction to either staff or students. We will also assist in the development of your school garden or in planning if you are just beginning.

Scholarships Available!!

We encourage all organizations interested in our programs to call and discuss scholarship opportunities. We may be able to offer reduced rates for our programs or work with you to identify funding to support your school’s program. We may also try to identify schools interested in sponsoring partnering schools in our programs.

Printable Map to the Farm

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