Pine Level Elementary School
Cultivate More
Autauga County Schools
Principal: Mrs. Christen Harry
Superintendent: Mr. Lyman Woodfin
The outdoor classroom and garden program at Pine Level Elementary School was designed to meet a critical need by engaging students in hands-on learning that connected academic content to real-world experiences. The garden served as a dynamic extension of core instruction, transforming science lessons into active exploration as students observed ecosystems, weather patterns, and plant life cycles in authentic settings. This space also promoted environmental stewardship and strengthened understanding of how human actions influenced the natural world. Beyond academics, the garden nurtured essential life skills. Pine Level students collaborated to solve problems, demonstrated patience while monitoring plant growth, and accepted responsibility through daily maintenance. These experiences cultivated resilience, a growth mindset, and a sense of pride in nurturing plants from seed to harvest. The program operated as a living laboratory where standards-aligned investigations in science, math, literacy, art, and health converged for students in grades K–5. Its signature seed-to-table cycle enabled students to grow produce and work with the lunchroom manager to prepare harvests for tasting events, nutrition lessons, and limited menu integrations, reinforcing healthy habits. By merging rigorous inquiry with meaningful application and by leveraging community partnerships and grant support, the garden made learning joyful, relevant, and sustainable. It became an integral part of Pine Level Elementary School’s instructional approach and a model of experiential education that benefited every child.
