Green School

The school is dedicated to educating for sustainability through community-integrated, entrepreneurial learning in a natural environment. It employs a learner-centred approach that prioritizes 21st-century skills, iRESPECT values, and a "sustainability lens" to prepare students for a changing world. The pedagogy emphasizes connection to self, others, and the earth, utilizing a strategy that builds wonder and joy to foster an intrinsic desire to protect the environment.

The school offers a programme spanning Kindergarten (ages 3–6), Primary School (Grades 1–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12). The curriculum is delivered through three frames: "Proficiencies" (structured learning in maths, science, English, and Afrikaans), "Thematics" (interdisciplinary, theme-based units), and "Experiential" (hands-on, real-world projects). With a 1:10 teacher-to-learner ratio, the school provides a personalized learning path for each student.

High school learners follow a four-year programme and graduate with an American High School Diploma. This qualification provides graduates with access to tertiary studies, entrepreneurial pursuits, or the world of work. The school aims to equip learners with the skills, knowledge, and sustainability-focused mindset necessary to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

The school admits learners whose academic and personal needs can be met by its available programmes and support services. The admissions team conducts a thorough assessment of an applicant's learning needs prior to making placement decisions. While the school strives for inclusivity, it reserves the right to refuse admission if it determines a learner will not benefit educationally from the environment.

The school follows a mutual enrolment process involving a prospective parent profile, an online application, and an application fee. Families meet with the Admissions Team and Head of School, and children participate in a taster day or Zoom meeting to determine fit. Upon acceptance, a non-refundable placement fee is required to secure a seat. The school offers sibling discounts and provides scholarships for learners in Grades 9 to 11 who meet specific academic and citizenship requirements.

The school day varies by age: Kindergarten runs from 08:15 to 13:00 (with aftercare until 16:00), Grades 1–3 from 08:15 to 14:30, and Grade 4 and above from 08:00 to 14:45. After-school activities, including sports and cultural programmes, are held Monday through Thursday from 15:00 to 16:00. The school hosts various open days and offers speciality architectural and garden tours for the public.

Located on an 8-hectare site near Paarl, the campus is designed according to the Living Building Challenge (LBC) standards, featuring regenerative energy and water systems, zero waste-to-landfill practices, and endemic flora. The grounds include individual learning neighbourhoods, a communal area, sports fields, vegetable gardens, fruit forests, and medicinal gardens. Buildings are constructed from locally sourced materials and designed for natural light and ventilation, creating a connection to the surrounding mountains and vineyards.

The school provides a range of after-school activities from Monday to Thursday, including sports and cultural programmes. Physical education and sports are central to the experience, with opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing facilitated by the campus's location near the Drakenstein mountains. Additionally, all learners participate in art and music lessons, with regular opportunities to perform at weekly assemblies.