Last week, the 9th graders at Academe of the Oaks got their hands in the soil as they prepared our school garden for the upcoming fall planting season.
Rather than simply learning about plants, soil, and seasonal changes from a textbook, students had the opportunity to experience the work firsthand. They worked together in the garden, preparing the beds and getting the growing spaces ready for new plants.
As the weather begins to cool, our students will return to the garden to begin fall planting.
Learning Through the Garden
At Academe of the Oaks, learning extends beyond the classroom. Our approach to education encourages students to engage with the world around them through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
Working in the garden gives students an opportunity to connect classroom concepts with real-world applications. Preparing soil, caring for growing spaces, observing seasonal changes, and eventually tending plants can help students develop a deeper understanding of the natural environment.
Garden-based experiences can also encourage important skills such as:
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Responsibility and stewardship
- Observation and patience
- Problem-solving
- Understanding seasonal cycles
- Connecting scientific concepts to everyday life
For our 9th graders, preparing the garden is more than simply getting ready to plant. It is an opportunity to participate in a shared project and see how consistent care and preparation contribute to something that grows over time.
Experiential Learning at Academe of the Oaks
Academe of the Oaks is a small private college-preparatory high school in Decatur, Georgia, serving students in grades 9–12. The school emphasizes close relationships, academic exploration, the arts, and meaningful experiences that encourage students to become engaged learners.
Experiences such as working in the garden complement traditional academic learning by giving students opportunities to observe, participate, and apply what they are learning in tangible ways.
As the seasons change, our students will continue caring for the garden and preparing for the next stage of the growing season.
We look forward to seeing what our 9th graders plant—and watching their work take root.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Academe of the Oaks students doing in the garden?
Academe of the Oaks 9th graders recently worked in the school garden to prepare the growing areas for fall planting.
When will students begin fall planting?
Students will begin planting when the weather becomes cooler and conditions are appropriate for fall planting.
How does gardening support student learning?
Garden activities provide hands-on opportunities for students to practice collaboration, responsibility, observation, and problem-solving while connecting learning to the natural world.
Where is Academe of the Oaks located?
Academe of the Oaks is located in Decatur, Georgia, in the Atlanta metropolitan area, and serves students in grades 9–12.
Does Academe of the Oaks incorporate hands-on learning?
Yes. Hands-on experiences are an important complement to classroom learning at Academe of the Oaks, giving students opportunities to explore ideas through meaningful experiences and real-world applications.
Experience Learning at Academe of the Oaks
For families looking for a private high school in the Atlanta area that values academic exploration, close community, creativity, and experiential learning, Academe of the Oaks offers students opportunities to learn both inside and outside the classroom.
Schedule a tour to learn more about Academe of the Oaks and our approach to high school education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the 9th graders do in the Academe of the Oaks garden?
The 9th grade students worked together to prepare the school garden for the upcoming fall planting season.
When will Academe students plant the fall garden?
Students will begin fall planting once the weather becomes cooler and conditions are suitable for planting.
What can students learn from gardening?
Gardening can provide hands-on opportunities to learn about plants, seasonal cycles, environmental stewardship, teamwork, responsibility, observation, and problem-solving.
How does gardening support experiential learning?
Gardening allows students to participate directly in a real-world activity while applying concepts related to science, nature, and environmental awareness.
Where is Academe of the Oaks?
Academe of the Oaks is a private college-preparatory high school in Decatur, Georgia, serving students in grades 9–12.
What makes hands-on learning valuable for high school students?
Hands-on learning gives students opportunities to actively participate in their education, apply concepts in practical settings, collaborate with classmates, and develop skills beyond traditional classroom instruction.
Discover Academe of the Oaks
For families exploring private high schools in Decatur and the greater Atlanta area, Academe of the Oaks offers an educational environment where students can pursue academic interests while participating in meaningful experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
Schedule a tour to learn more about Academe of the Oaks and our approach to student-centered learning.
Interested in learning more about Academe of the Oaks? Contact us today.