Agricultural Education

At The Compass School, agricultural education is woven into the fabric of our project-based learning approach, fostering environmental stewardship, hands-on learning, and community engagement. Students of all ages actively participate in sustainable farming practices, from maintaining our school gardens to managing our composting program, which diverts food waste and enriches our soil.

Through these real-world experiences, students learn the science of agriculture, develop practical life skills, and explore the connections between food systems, sustainability, and their local environment. By nurturing curiosity and responsibility, agricultural education at The Compass School empowers students to become thoughtful, informed advocates for a sustainable future.

Our commitment to agricultural education extends beyond our own campus. The Compass School has helped establish school gardens at 15 schools, benefiting approximately 4,500 students across the state. We also offer opportunities for broader engagement, including after-school enrichment programs, summer farm camps, and an agricultural workforce development initiative. This program provides spring and summer internships for high school and college students from low-income households, preparing the next generation of leaders in sustainability and food systems.

At The Compass School, agricultural education grows more than plants—it cultivates knowledge, compassion, and action for a better world.

The Compass School Farm

In 2017, The Compass School grew the largest school garden in Rhode Island, now a thriving 4,900 sq. ft. educational farm. Sustainability features include student-built hiking trails, a goat paddock, a chicken coop with a green roof, a greenhouse, a high tunnel, an orchard, permaculture plantings, and diverse garden beds such as no-till and medicinal gardens. Serving as a living laboratory, the farm empowers students to address community challenges through STEAM methodologies aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Committed to sustainability, we exceed organic standards by avoiding all sprays and pesticides, instead utilizing integrated pest management with natural solutions like marigolds, compost tea, and diatomaceous earth. Annual testing ensures the safety and health of our water, soil, and compost materials.

Kati Maginel, Farm Director
farmer@compassschool.org

Farm Partnerships: Growing Together for a Sustainable Future

At The Compass School, we believe that education flourishes through meaningful collaboration with families, local organizations, businesses, and community members. Our mission is not only to nurture a love of learning within our students but also to serve as a model of innovation that we share with the greater community.

Our farm partnerships are at the heart of this effort, connecting students with hands-on, real-world learning opportunities that deepen their understanding of agriculture, sustainability, and community impact. By working with organizations like the University of Rhode Island (URI) and Rhode Island College (RIC), we explore the intersections of agriculture, medicine, and education, enriching the experiences of our students and aspiring educators alike.

Our collaborations extend further with partners like Project Green Schools, RI Environmental Education Association, Farm Fresh RI, and Brandon Family Farm. These partnerships have enabled us to:

  • Support local food pantries, including RI CAN and Jonnycake Center for Hope, through donations of fresh produce and potted plants.

  • Provide garden shares (Community Supported Agriculture) for our interns and volunteers, ensuring access to fresh, locally grown food.

  • Host the RI Farm to Sea to School Training Institute, fostering innovative approaches to agricultural education.

  • Offer agricultural courses through RIDE’s All Course Network, providing learning opportunities for students across the state.

  • Run partnership camps with the YMCA of South County, delivering STEM-based agricultural education to campers.

Through these efforts, we create a welcoming and inclusive environment, strengthen community ties, and provide leadership and mentorship opportunities for students. Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable future.

To learn more about our partnerships, schedule a group tour of our campus or book a field trip, please contact us! We also host weekend seminars, conferences, and other professional learning events.