From: Rebecca W. Thomas, Communications Coordinator
Autauga County Schools
Pine Level Elementary School was named a CLAS School of Distinction for its innovative project, “Cultivate More” – an outdoor garden that grows more than plants and food. The Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools honor highlights the school’s commitment to engaging students through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that connect academic content to the real world.
At Pine Level Elementary School, students grow more than just plants — they cultivate curiosity, responsibility, and pride. The school’s outdoor classroom is more than a garden; it is a living laboratory where science, math, and literacy come alive. Every seed planted grows more than food — it helps develop confident, capable learners prepared for success.
The outdoor classroom and garden program was designed to meet a critical need for experiential learning opportunities. What began as a simple effort to get students outside has blossomed into a comprehensive, school-wide initiative. Serving as a dynamic extension of core instruction, the garden transforms traditional lessons into active exploration as students observe ecosystems, monitor weather patterns, and study plant life cycles in authentic settings. This approach strengthens academic achievement while fostering environmental stewardship and a deeper understanding of how human actions impact the natural world.
Beyond academics, the program nurtures essential life skills. Students collaborate to solve problems, demonstrate patience as they monitor plant growth, and take responsibility through daily maintenance. These experiences cultivate resilience, encourage a growth mindset, and instill pride as students nurture plants from seed to harvest.
“Receiving the CLAS School of Distinction recognition is a tremendous honor for our school,” said Christen Harry, principal of Pine Level Elementary School. “Our outdoor classroom allows students to engage in ways not possible in a traditional classroom setting. We are proud to see our students grow not only academically, but also as responsible and confident individuals.”
Students actively participate in the program’s signature seed-to-table cycle, harvesting what they grow, practicing safe food preparation, and participating in tasting events. These experiences connect nutrition, science, and wellness in one powerful initiative that supports student well-being across all grade levels.
Pine Level Elementary School earned an A+ state report card score with 100% academic growth, and teachers consistently observe students applying the skills they learn in the garden to their work in the classroom.
By merging rigorous academic standards with real-world application, Pine Level Elementary School has created a sustainable model of experiential education. The outdoor classroom has become an integral part of the school’s instructional approach, ensuring that students are not only meeting standards but also becoming prepared, confident learners ready for their futures.
