Our Programming

An Intimate Learning Community

Students thrive in a close-knit educational environment supported by an exceptional 1:5 mentor-to-student ratio, ensuring personalized attention, meaningful relationships, and individualized guidance.

A Bilingual Environment

Students not only learn a second language but also develop a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking—cultivating empathy, global awareness, and meaningful connection across communities.

Multigenerational Collaboration

Students engage in meaningful, multigenerational learning experiences, collaborating across age groups to cultivate empathy, mutual understanding, and a rich exchange of diverse perspectives.

Building a Foundation Through Nature and Connection

In the primary and middle school years, fostering a love for nature and exploration is essential. This student-centered program immerses learners in the natural world, guided by mentors who nurture curiosity, creativity, and self-discovery. With a 1:5 mentor-to-student ratio, every child receives personalized attention, empowering them to take ownership of their learning journey.

Daily Activities

  • Outdoor Discovery - Each day begins with outdoor exploration, allowing students to engage directly with the natural world. Mentors lead nature walks, scavenger hunts, and sensory activities that encourage students to observe, question, and wonder—building curiosity through hands-on discovery.

  • Scientific Inquiry - Guided by student interests, groups explore scientific themes such as ecology, botany, and animal behavior. Mentors facilitate experiments, investigations, and field studies that help students apply the scientific method to real-world contexts, deepening their understanding of how living systems connect.

  • Creative Expression - Nature is a powerful muse. Students channel their inspiration through projects like leaf rubbings, clay sculptures, and nature mandalas. Mentors encourage artistic risk-taking and experimentation, helping students express their unique creativity while strengthening focus and mindfulness.

  • Outdoor Play and Physical Activity - Unstructured outdoor play is essential for physical, social, and emotional well-being. Students participate in games, sports, and nature-based challenges that promote cooperation, resilience, and joy. Mentors ensure every child feels supported and included as they develop confidence and a love for movement.

Community Work

  • Community Commitments - Each day at GESE begins with purpose and shared responsibility. Students collaborate in mixed-age groups to complete communal tasks—maintaining the grounds, assisting with school projects, preparing meals, or organizing materials. After meals, students work together to clean up, cultivating respect, teamwork, and a sense of contribution.

  • Community Garden - Our school garden is a cornerstone of learning. Students plant, tend, and harvest fruits, vegetables, and flowers, sharing their yield with classmates and local families. Mentors integrate lessons on sustainability, soil health, and food systems—helping students see the direct connection between care, effort, and nourishment.

  • Community Farm - Extending their connection to nature, students learn about animal care and sustainable farming practices. They help feed, water, and tend to animals while harvesting eggs, milk, and produce to share with the community. These experiences foster empathy, responsibility, and a deep respect for living systems.

  • Education Outreach - GESE students extend their learning beyond campus by sharing their knowledge with younger learners and community groups. Through workshops, presentations, and guided tours, they become confident communicators and ambassadors of sustainability and stewardship.

  • Community Events - Weekly gatherings—such as outdoor picnics, nature walks, and community dinners—bring families, students, and neighbors together. These events celebrate student learning and strengthen bonds between school and community, embodying the “village” spirit at the heart of GESE.

  • Partnerships with Local Businesses - GESE fosters strong connections with local artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs. By sourcing tools and materials locally, students learn the value of community economics, sustainability, and ethical commerce. These partnerships teach practical skills like budgeting, negotiation, and teamwork while strengthening local networks.

  • Community Improvement Projects - Students and mentors actively contribute to the broader community through service projects—restoring green spaces, organizing clean-ups, creating public art, or collaborating with local organizations. These experiences empower students to see the tangible impact of their efforts and develop a strong sense of civic responsibility.

Academic Exploration

  • Student-Led Investigations - Students pursue inquiry-based projects that align with their personal interests. Mentors act as facilitators, guiding them through the process of questioning, researching, experimenting, and presenting their findings with confidence.

  • Interdisciplinary Connections - The natural world provides endless opportunities for cross-curricular learning. Mentors integrate science, math, language arts, and social studies into outdoor and experiential activities, helping students understand how disciplines connect in meaningful, real-world ways.

  • Field Studies and Citizen Science - Students engage in authentic research experiences by participating in citizen science initiatives and field studies. Mentors guide them through data collection, analysis, and interpretation—empowering them to contribute to real scientific knowledge while developing critical thinking skills.

  • Project-Based Learning - Project-based learning allows students to explore complex themes through collaboration, creativity, and reflection. Mentors design units that address environmental and social topics, guiding students through inquiry and problem-solving that lead to tangible outcomes and deeper understanding.

  • Reflection and Self-Assessment - Reflection is an integral part of learning at GESE. Students regularly assess their growth, set goals, and celebrate progress. Mentors foster a growth mindset, encouraging students to view challenges as opportunities for learning and self-discovery.

The student-centered, nature-based model at GESE empowers learners to become curious, compassionate, and capable stewards of the planet. By nurturing student interests, fostering a love of nature, and building strong community ties, this program cultivates essential life skills—resilience, empathy, and leadership. Together, students and mentors create a vibrant learning community where every voice is valued and every contribution matters.