The School of Organic Education
The School of Organic Education | Nature / Farm School
When I first heard of The School of Organic Education I assumed it was a newer school. It seemed that a new “organic” school would fit in nicely in our increasingly “green” society. Or, I thought, maybe it was founded in the back-to-nature era of the 60s or 70s. I was very surprised to find out the School of Organic Education in Fairhope Alabama is over 100 years old! The school’s founder, Marietta Johnson, was truly ahead of her time—she preceded Maria Montessori , Rudolf Steiner, and A.S. Neill. In 1907, she founded a school based on the belief that a school should "minister to the health of the body, develop the finest mental grasp, and preserve the sincerity and unself-consciousness of the emotional life." Today's students learn concepts in much the same way as Mrs. Johnson's students did. They observe nature, record what they learn, and utilize reference materials to confirm their findings rather than study a textbook that describes nature. Nature's wonders, holistic learning and natural learning (not state standards) are the cornerstone of this school. I find that very refreshing!
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