Green Acres School

Green Acres School was founded in 1934 by a group of parents and teachers, led by Alice Mendham Powell. The group believed that children are naturally curious about their world and that they learn best in a comfortable, flexible environment. Inspired by the pioneering research of figures such as John Dewey of the University of Chicago and the Swiss developmental psychologist Jean Piaget, the group created a school that balanced children’s social, emotional, physical, and creative development in an atmosphere of intellectual challenge. They established an environment with small classes and a diverse student body, where the primary goal was to help children “learn to think and be creative in their thinking.”

The same progressive principles continue to guide Green Acres today. In all our diversity and vitality, our 320 students and 75 staff work together on 15 wooded acres in a neighborhood near Washington, DC. Passionate teachers not only help students build strong academic knowledge and skills; they also help students become thoughtful, kind, collaborative, curious, and generous of spirit. Children benefit from being part of a community where students, staff, and parents delight in the learning process and where cooperation and inclusion are central to our mission.

For a comprehensive history of Green Acres’ 75 years, please read Think of What They Could Be Learning! The History of Green Acres School, From 1934 to the Present by Lisa Nevans Locke.