Intensive Garden Program
Nothing piques a child's curiosity like exploring a thriving garden.
Since 2005, our Garden Educators have been bringing science to life in outdoor garden classrooms. Through engaging, hands-on, weekly lessons, small groups of students explore the interconnectedness of the health and wellbeing of ourselves, our environment, and our planet.
Our goal is to help students grow into adults who feel a sense of belonging in nature, become environmental stewards, and advocate for a healthy food system.
Curriculum
Every student in Cabrillo Unified School District takes part in HEAL Class in 2nd and 3rd grade.
The class begins each spring with second-graders participating in 13 interactive lessons. In the fall, these students return as third-graders for an additional 13 weeks of learning and discovery.
Rooted in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), our curriculum complements classroom education and integrates culturally inclusive elements. Students learn about Ohlone plant practices, celebrate cultural heritage months through Horticulture Heroes, and engage with bilingual teaching tools like recipe cards to ensure inclusivity.
Curriculum Basics:
🥕 26 weeks of lessons
🥕 Rooted in Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
🥕 Includes culturally inclusive lessons
Program Outcomes:
🥕 A sense of community and belonging in nature
🥕 A willingness to try new fruits and vegetables
🥕 A deeper understanding of where food comes from
🥕 The ability to prepare healthy snacks at home
Currently, our Intensive Garden Program is offered in all four elementary schools in the Cabrillo Unified School District through a long-standing community collaboration.
Start a Garden Program
If you are interested in starting a school garden program at your school site, we can help you! We can provide assistance from site selection and garden design all the way through implementation of our standards-aligned garden program.
Please contact us at gardens@thehealproject.org to learn more.
“HEAL Class makes me feel calm.”
- 4th Grade Student, El Granada Elementary School
“My child is learning good nutritional values of foods…he’s having fun learning and eating new things.”
- Parent of 2nd Grade IGP Student
“I love that they are learning about gardening. Growing food is a basic skill they will carry for life - everyone should learn to garden!”
- Parent of 3nd Grade IGP Student