We envision GESE as a transformative adventure rooted in nature. We empower learners to explore their passions and strengths, fostering creativity and community impact through play and personalized exploration.

At GESE, passion drives our students to engage deeply in learning through personal interests, projects, and play. They benefit greatly from community-oriented collaboration and unstructured play in nature.

GESE is a student-centered, nature-based program where students learn through a bilingual, multigenerational setting. We emphasize personalized learning, community engagement, and a connection to nature through outdoor activities, scientific inquiry, creative expression, and communal responsibilities.

At GESE, the Learning Journal revolutionizes student assessment by offering a dynamic, continuous record of each student's development across academic and socio-emotional domains. This innovative tool allows for real-time documentation of achievements, challenges, and growth, adapting to each student’s unique needs, and celebrating their individual learning journeys.

The Elementary focus at GESE prioritizes nurturing academic excellence and well-being by creating a supportive environment that fosters curiosity, differentiated instruction, and social-emotional growth. We provide tailored academic support, promote inquiry-based and collaborative learning, and integrate social-emotional learning to build resilience and a sense of community among young learners.

The Middle School program at GESE emphasizes academic excellence and holistic well-being. We provide advanced learning opportunities, critical thinking development, and comprehensive college and career readiness support, paired with social-emotional guidance, mental health awareness, and resilience-building. The program aims to empower students to navigate the complexities of their educational and personal growth confidently.

GESE redefines educational spaces by empowering students to design and build their own learning environments, from conception to construction. This innovative approach places students at the forefront, guiding them through brainstorming, design, and legal processes with support. The result is a dynamic and sustainable school that reflects the creativity and diversity of its community, transforming students into empowered designers and builders of their future.

At GESE, our bilingual program integrates a second language into our curriculum, reflecting and enriching the cultural diversity of the community. We select languages based on local relevance and our staff's expertise, ensuring that language learning is both authentic and culturally immersive. By fostering bilingualism, we prepare students to engage meaningfully with a diverse world, supporting their academic and interpersonal growth.

At GESE, we believe community is our greatest teacher. That’s why we bring children of all ages — and a handful of caring adults — together each day to learn, lead, and live side by side. In this mixed-age model, learners build empathy, patience, and collaboration skills naturally, while taking part in real-life tasks that sustain and nurture our school community.

At GESE, our school kitchen is a culinary hub where students not only prepare meals but also hone essential life skills like teamwork, responsibility, and creativity. This hands-on classroom teaches the art of cooking with a focus on simplicity, cleanliness, and sustainability, empowering students with organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills, while fostering an appreciation for mindful eating and environmental stewardship.

Rabbits, chickens, and goats are key to sustainable farming, providing students with hands-on learning about animal care, agriculture, and environmental stewardship. These animals offer significant benefits like soil health enhancement and pest control. Ducks, bees, and pigs further enrich the educational experience, teaching students about diverse ecosystem management, pollination importance, and efficient food waste utilization, fostering a comprehensive understanding of sustainable living.

At GESE our diverse gardens serve as dynamic, hands-on learning environments. From vegetable and flower gardens to butterfly and rain gardens, each space is designed to educate and inspire, teaching students about sustainable agriculture, ecological cycles, and biodiversity. Through cultivating, managing, and utilizing these gardens, students develop practical skills, understand the farm-to-table process, and learn the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship.

At GESE, our carpentry program equips students with practical skills in woodworking and construction, enhancing their ability to design and build. This hands-on program supports our vision of sustainability and creativity by allowing students to create furniture, play structures, and contribute to the campus. Through these activities, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, helping to foster teamwork and ownership.

At GESE, our needlework program teaches students vital skills such as sewing, knitting, and crocheting, emphasizing sustainability and creativity. This hands-on learning experience not only enhances fine motor skills and patience but also instills values of resourcefulness and environmental stewardship. Through needlework, students learn practical life skills, foster self-reliance, and contribute to a culture of sustainability, making needlework a cornerstone of our educational model.

GESE integrates school and community life, creating a hub that reflects the spirit of a connected village. Through shared experiences, including weekly community meals, families, students, and neighbors come together to nourish both body and spirit. Our goal is to promote cultural immersion, local collaboration, and economic sustainability. It is through these practices that GESE aims to help revitalize local pride, strengthen bonds, and build a more resilient, thriving community.

At GESE, we actively engage the community in volunteering and employment, welcoming individuals with diverse skills and backgrounds. Our approach enriches our educational environment, fosters community involvement, and strengthens ties through shared skills and passions, enhancing the learning experience for all.

Research in neuroscience, psychology, and education confirms the benefits of short, focused academic instruction, meaningful outdoor learning, hands-on tasks, intergenerational collaboration, strong community involvement, and the presence of more caring adults. Every element of this model is intentional, evidence-based, and transformative.

With two decades of experience in education and a deep expertise in teaching and development, the founder of G.E.S.E. is a passionate advocate for systemic change, driven by her personal commitment to create a better educational system for her own children. Recognizing the urgent need for improvement, she is dedicated to providing a healthier and more effective educational alternative for all kids.