The Academy of Saint Paul courtyard garden offers an experience that integrates curriculum with life skills, fostering academic and spiritual growth through stewardship.  The enclosed space provides a safe area which serves as an outdoor classroom for all curriculum areas.

Our school garden has transformed through the years from an open area for prayer and play to an award-winning fully enclosed courtyard featuring a green house, five large vegetable planting beds, picnic tables, four reading benches, and pergola covered prayer benches. Academy of Saint Paul partners with the Bergen County Utilities Authority Environmental Awareness Challenge Grant Program which allows for continued garden enhancements. We welcome alumni leadership, service, and collaboration to enhance the property including an Eagle Scout project which added the four reading benches around the trees.

School gardens serve as living laboratories where students can observe nature, ecosystems, and the interaction of various environmental factors such as soil, water, and weather. By conducting experiments, making observations, and asking questions, students enhance their understanding of scientific concepts through hands-on learning.

Gardening activities involve practical applications of mathematical concepts such as calculating the area needed for planting, determining equal distribution, measuring growth rates, and estimating yields. Our students engage in activities which help apply mathematical skills in real-world scenarios.  

Gardening teaches life skills including faith, patience, and responsibility as they care for plants and manage garden tasks. It fosters teamwork and collaboration as students work together to plan, plant, and maintain the garden.  Students develop problem-solving skills by addressing challenges such as drainage, nutrient levels, pest control, plant diseases, and weather-related issues. They learn to think critically and adapt strategies to ensure the garden thrives.

By growing their own fruits and vegetables, students gain a better understanding of nutrition and are more likely to develop healthy eating habits. This hands-on experience with food production leads to a greater appreciation for fresh, healthy foods.

Gardening promotes environmental stewardship by teaching students about sustainable practices such as composting, water conservation, crop rotations, and the use of natural fertilizers and weed control. Students learn the importance of caring for the environment and the impact of their actions on the planet.  Produce harvested has been used for cooking lessons, lunch ingredients, and donations to the St. Paul RC Church Food Pantry.

School gardens are powerful tools for interdisciplinary education, integrating academic learning, life skills, environmental stewardship, and spiritual growth. Cultivating a school garden provides our students with valuable experiences that extend beyond the classroom and foster a lifelong appreciation for nature and community.  It also produces lovely flowers to admire and tasty vegetables for all to enjoy!