SUSTAINABILITY ACADEMY AT LAWRENCE BARNES

Sustainability Academy at Lawrence Barnes is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the Burlington School District school district, located in Burlington, VT with about 188 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 5th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 22 teachers, Sustainability Academy at Lawrence Barnes has a student/teacher ratio of about 8:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The Sustainability Academy at Lawrence Barnes, located in Burlington, Vermont, is a unique public elementary school that integrates environmental stewardship and social responsibility into every aspect of its curriculum. As part of the Burlington School District, the academy operates on a mission to prepare students to be "stewards of the earth" by fostering a culture of curiosity, community engagement, and hands-on learning. The school is deeply rooted in its neighborhood, frequently utilizing the local community as a classroom to teach students about interconnectedness and the practical application of sustainable practices in daily life.

Beyond traditional academics, the academy places a heavy emphasis on project-based learning and place-based education. Students are encouraged to explore complex real-world challenges through initiatives like school gardens, energy conservation projects, and local ecology studies, which help them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By blending academic rigor with a strong commitment to environmental and social equity, the Sustainability Academy strives to empower its diverse student body to become active, informed citizens who are equipped to build a more resilient and sustainable future.

For more information, contact Sustainability Academy at Lawrence Barnes at (802) 864-8480 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.