As a former K-12 educator pursuing a doctorate in science education, my focus has been on sustainability education for a while. As I begin to formulate a proposal for my dissertation I have been gathering information from various journals (including the recently launched journal for sustainability education) in search of support for the topic of “green schools”. Perhaps one of the most intriguing such schools opened two years ago in Bali, Indonesia. Referred to simply as Green School, this preK-12 focuses on green studies, creative arts, science, mathematics, and English.

A BBC story hails the school as the future. The curriculum follows a rigorous path, potentially leading to the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. IB is a  comprehensive, demanding course of study comparable to the Advanced Placement (AP) system in the United States. Students combine theory with practice by implementing the ideas they learn in an organic garden. Food is either produced in these gardens or locally sourced. This practical application of knowledge fits in well with best practices in education. In addition, the school relies on collaborative approaches to learning, another key pedagogical tool that aligns with the current understanding of how people learn.

Among the school’s buildings is the largest bamboo structure in Asia. As the BBC’s Karishma Vaswani reports, this economical and locally available material with its open sides serves a multitude of functions. The fast growing, renewable materials and lack of air conditioning system reduce the impact of the materials and are well suited for the area.

For those interested in attending the school, admissions and pricing information can be found on the website. As part of the school’s philosophy, there are 20 local students who receive scholarships enabling them to attend. Not only does this diversify the student body, but it also serves as a major component of the social equity component of sustainability.

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