Hands-On Learning for a Sustainable Future: Community Montessori School Honored with Kentucky Green School Award

Community Montessori School in Lexington is the recipient of the Kentucky Green School Award for Excellence in Environmental Education.

As a proud member of the Kentucky Green Schools (KGS) program, Community Montessori School's Green Teams took on a variety of impactful action projects during the 2023-2024 academic year. These projects provided students with hands-on opportunities to engage with environmental issues while fostering a deeper sense of community responsibility.

In the fall, 7th and 8th grade students participated in the KGS Water Investigation, where they explored topics like watersheds, water conservation, and the connections between water use and their local community. As part of their learning, the students installed rain barrels on campus and led educational efforts to raise awareness about water conservation.

In the winter, Lower Elementary students turned their attention to waste management by diving into the KGS Waste and Recycling Investigation. They explored current recycling and composting practices at the school, then created engaging presentations to educate the wider school community on how to improve these efforts. Building on their findings, the students developed an action plan aimed at enhancing recycling and composting practices throughout the campus.

These hands-on projects not only deepened students’ understanding of environmental issues but also empowered them to make a tangible difference in their school and community. In recognition of their efforts, Community Montessori School was honored at the 7th Outdoor Learning Symposium in May.