Sprouts Grant Transforms Outdoor Learning Spaces at Archway North Phoenix

Archway North Phoenix is being transformed into a vibrant outdoor learning and play space. Kelley Cooper, the 3rd-5th grade art teacher at the academy, shared her excitement about the project and the incredible partnership with Sprouts during their Archway North Phoenix Community Garden Day, a collaborative effort with support from Archway families, teachers, and Sprouts employees.

The grant has allowed the creation of several garden spaces designed to foster hands-on learning and connect students with nature. Each grade will have its own six-foot cedar raised garden bed, ensuring accessibility for all students, including those with disabilities. These beds will allow students to grow and rotate crops such as flowers, herbs, and vegetables. In addition to learning about plant growth cycles, students will have the opportunity to turn their harvests into food, whether eaten in the classroom or taken home to share with their families.

The grant, awarded through a nomination by a parent, is part of the grocery chain’s commitment to promote healthy communities. Cooper said Sprouts has gone above and beyond just the financial support. They have also provided resources, training, and their time. “They have about 30 employees out with us today. They have counseled us on purchasing and on how to keep this going [and] the infrastructure that we’ll need for volunteers moving forward. When it came down to sheds and actual tools and things like that, their assistance has been remarkable.”

Additionally, the campus now features a Floral Garden and a Native Garden. The Floral Garden will showcase a variety of plants, including non-native species and annuals that students can propagate and take home. “They’ll be able to see how the sun impacts the growth more as we go throughout the year and the exposure changes,” Cooper explained.

The Native Garden, located at the front and back of the school, highlights drought-tolerant plants with soft textures, providing a lush and inviting environment without taking up much ground space. Cooper emphasized that these gardens contribute to the school’s mission.

“I teach Beauty in my classroom with art with our upper grades at Archway, but to have that message come through to them in real life when they’re out, especially when they’re at a more relaxed play-space is really important to us. And the true beauty of nature, we just want them to appreciate it and really seep into them,” shared Cooper. “And so for us to soften these spaces for them and to give them a true sense of wonder when they’re out here as nature changes, it satisfies our message in so many ways and we’re excited to see how it continues.”

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