CAPE MAY — Cape May City Elementary School has announced an initiative to expand its school garden, transforming it into a multifaceted resource for academic enrichment and therapeutic support.
Designed to serve students from preschool through sixth grade, the enhanced garden will foster hands-on learning, promote mental and physical well-being, and provide a welcoming space for students of all abilities to connect with nature.
In recent years, the garden has become an integral part of the curriculum, providing students with opportunities to explore sustainability, science and social-emotional learning.
For the 2025-26 school year, the project aims to extend its benefits even further, especially for the growing number of special education students joining the school’s Earth Club.
Research underscores the therapeutic value of nature, and the expanded garden will offer activities designed to address sensory processing challenges, anxiety and emotional regulation, empowering students with unique needs.
“We are extremely grateful to have been awarded a grant this year. While we have had a garden previously, it did not quite meet our vision. This generous grant will enable us to create a Harmony Garden, which will be a beautiful space for everyone to enjoy. The new garden will be accessible to all students, with a particular emphasis on providing a welcoming environment for our special education students.
“This serene area will allow them to come, sit and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, fostering a sense of peace and connection with the outdoors. We are excited about the possibilities this garden will bring to our school community,” special education teacher Nicole Cooper said.
The enhanced garden will feature diverse sensory-friendly plants, accessible pathways and interactive spaces tailored for therapeutic and educational use.
It will provide students with a natural refuge for relaxation and mindfulness, while also supporting lessons on sustainability and environmental stewardship.
By incorporating inclusive and therapeutic practices, the school aims to create a garden that nurtures the minds, bodies and spirits of its students. Through this initiative, the school hopes to inspire a lifelong connection to nature and provide a model for how educational spaces can be reimagined to support holistic development.
Email [email protected] for more information or to contribute to the project.
