As spring takes hold in Chicago, Morgan Park Academy students are digging into the growing season — literally.
Through a vibrant partnership between faculty, students, and dedicated parent volunteer Emily Lambert, Lower School is bringing sustainability to life with hands-on garden learning experiences that connect directly to the classroom.
This season’s planting kickoff — led in part by Lambert, a Master Gardener and MPA parent — has energized young learners as they prepare garden beds, explore native plant species, and begin cultivating a campus environment that supports pollinators and local biodiversity.
Lambert’s work with students exemplifies the power of community engagement in education, blending expertise with authentic, joyful learning.
“At MPA, we believe learning should extend beyond the walls of the classroom,” said Dr. Laura Ferrell, Associate Head of School. “Emily’s leadership has helped us get messy and create meaningful opportunities for students to engage with the natural world while building knowledge and responsibility.”
The gardening initiative is a key component of the school’s broader commitment to sustainability. Students are investigating ecosystems, understanding the role of native plants, and exploring how environmental stewardship impacts their community. These experiences are intentionally aligned with the MPA curriculum, ensuring that hands-on work in the garden reinforces core concepts in science, environmental studies, and conservation.
From pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, Morgan Park Academy integrates sustainability and conservation into its academic programming. Lower School students begin by learning foundational concepts such as plant life cycles and habitats, while older students expand into ecological systems, climate resilience, and environmental responsibility. The garden serves as a living laboratory, one that evolves with the seasons and grows alongside the students.
This work also reflects MPA’s investment in creating outdoor learning environments that foster curiosity, collaboration, and real-world application of knowledge. Through initiatives like pollinator pathways, raised garden beds, and outdoor classrooms, the school continues to expand opportunities for experiential learning rooted in sustainability.
As the growing season begins, MPA’s garden is a space for discovery, stewardship, and community. With the support of engaged families like the Lamberts, students are cultivating not just plants, but a deeper understanding of their role in caring for the world around them.
