90 Years of Learning As It Should Be

Green Acres School founder Dr. Alice Mendham Powell would shake her head as she watched school children sitting at desks, listening to teachers lecture from atop their pedestals and only occasionally sneaking a peek out the window to get a glimpse of nature and the world around them. It all seemed so disconnected. “They’re ruining kids making them sit at tables,” Alice would say. “Think of what they could be learning!”

Alice wanted to change the world and believed that education was the engine of social change. She wanted to create a school where children formed a community to learn from experiences and make connections between school and the larger world. Everyone, even children, would have ideas others listened to and respected—a concept that was virtually unheard of in schools in 1934.

Now, 90 years later, Green Acres School remains a beacon of intellect, joy, and lifelong learning, a unique gem among educational institutions. Its legacy of engaged citizenship and academic excellence continues to this day and is bolstered by the school’s commitment to inclusion and diversity, social justice, service learning, and environmental stewardship.

Nestled on 15 wooded acres in a picturesque neighborhood in North Bethesda, Green Acres is a place where pre-k–8th grade students are engaged in meaningful, authentic learning experiences. As a recognized MAEOE Green School, learning extends beyond the classroom to pristine woods, outdoor pathways, gardens, and streams (particularly advantageous for STEAM learning!), as well as playgrounds, athletic fields, a greenhouse, and an on-site pool. Experienced educators design uniquely tailored curricula to guide children to explore, discover, imagine, create, question, analyze, lead, problem solve, and live with compassion—foundational skills for success in both school and the rapidly changing world beyond.

The evidence backs this up: Green Acres graduates find success in high school, college, and wherever else life takes them, using their solid intellectual foundation, creativity, and strong ethical framework to emerge as leaders in a wide variety of disciplines.

Don’t just take it from us. Here’s what some of our alumni and their parents have to say:

“Green Acres supported our children through their growth and provided them with an unbeatable learning experience without pushing them to forget how to be a kid.” —Anahita P’19, P’21

“Green Acres’ philosophy bred a curriculum that gave me the freedom to explore and find my interests, instead of one that was simply interested in evaluating my intelligence or ability to regurgitate information. So I left Green Acres having absorbed the principle that education isn’t about finding or assessing your limits, but about expanding your horizons.” —Kate ’12

“[My kids] just love school and are excited every day to wake up and get their day going. These are teenagers! Who. Love. School. Think about that. That’s why we chose Green Acres School.” —Andrew P’16, P’21

Welcome to learning as it should be. Get to know us at one of our open houses or events!

Admission Open House | Tuesday, January 14, 9–10:30 AM (Parents only)

Play, Explore, Learn! (pre-k–1st grade) | Sunday, January 26, 10–11:30 AM (Parents must accompany children)

To learn more, visit www.greenacres.org/admission. We hope to welcome you to Danville Drive sometime soon!

11701 Danville Drive, North Bethesda, MD 20852 • 301.881.4100 • [email protected]