
Athenian Schools Awarded 2026 Waterwise Garden Grant to Support Student Learning and Sustainability
- Categories School News
- Date December 16, 2025
Athenian Schools is proud to announce that we have been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Waterwise Garden Grant, awarded by KidsGardening. The grant includes $1,000 in funding along with an irrigation supply kit valued at $500, which will support the creation of a water-efficient learning garden for students.
This recognition highlights Athenian Schools’ ongoing commitment to high-quality, student-centered education that connects academic learning with real-world experiences.
Bringing Learning to Life Through Hands-On Education
At Athenian Schools, we believe students learn best when they can explore, experiment, and apply knowledge in meaningful ways. The Waterwise Garden project will serve as a living classroom where students can engage in hands-on learning across multiple subjects.
Through this initiative, students will:
- Explore science and environmental studies through real-life applications
- Learn the importance of water conservation and sustainable practices
- Build critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
- Strengthen their connection between classroom learning and the world around them
These experiences support both academic growth and character development—key pillars of the Athenian Schools educational approach.
Supporting Well-Rounded, Future-Ready Students
Athenian Schools provides an accredited, American-standard K–12 education designed to support students academically while nurturing independence, responsibility, and confidence. Our flexible learning model, small class environments, and dedicated teachers allow students to learn at a pace that works for them—without sacrificing structure or quality.
Projects like the Waterwise Garden align with our mission to prepare students for long-term success by combining strong academics with experiential learning opportunities that foster curiosity and responsibility.
Grateful for the Partnership with KidsGardening
We are thankful to KidsGardening for their support and for recognizing Athenian Schools as part of their national community of educators using gardens to enhance student learning. Their focus on sustainability and education closely aligns with our commitment to providing enriching, forward-thinking learning experiences.
We look forward to launching this project and sharing updates with our school community as the garden takes shape.
Learn More About Athenian Schools
The 2026 Waterwise Garden Grant is one more example of how Athenian Schools continues to invest in innovative, supportive education that prepares students for the future—academically, socially, and personally.
If you are a parent looking for a high-quality, flexible K–12 education that emphasizes both academic excellence and character development, we invite you to explore what Athenian Schools has to offer.
Jared has a bachelor’s degree in Entomology and a master’s in Education Leadership. He has been in education for 29+ years, with the first six years as a Life and Physical Science High School Teacher and then as an administrator in various positions for 23 years. In 2016, became an adjunct professor for Utah Valley University in the first STEM Endorsement cohort for Utah elementary teachers. In 2017, Jared shifted his focus to working in charter schools. Jared is passionate about STEM education, with the active integration of art to infuse creativity into students’ learning and solve problems in creative and integrated ways.
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