The Green School

the bridge was the first piece of construction; it also was washed away in 12/10 and just rebuilt..... it was just re- dedicated.... by offerings of course

 
http://www.ted.com/talks/john_hardy_my_green_school_dream.html

  With great fanfare, The Green School opened around 3 years ago.  I heard the Ted Talks (see link) and read the piece in the NYTimes afterward.
I was not especially interested in visiting the school (except to view the architecture) until I heard some of the students perform last year at an music festival at the Arma.  They were excited and exciting.  I think my own hesitation stemmed from "another educational hot-house serving the elite.......in paradise........but beyond the reach  for those who are indigenous"

Everything is Aesthetic (+recycled)

Diandra LOVES coffee and is always on a quest to find the BEST

pushing the bamboo limits

reminds us of Maple Street School (!) in soaring  beauty

everything is handmade and sustainability is a must

Pushing the boundaries with construction, and with a goal to be off the grid (hydro), the Green School does provide an aesthetic new paradigm.With plangent success one roams the campus in awe. Whether it will be sustainable as to educating is still to be seen. (they are still operating at a loss, even though tuition exceeds $10K) In its nascent stage it has been unable to provide the 30% scholarship awarded to Balinese children which is clearly stated as their mission.  Right now it is an international school, with families relocating from around the world to send their children. and become part of the community.  The location  is very remote (30 minutes from Ubud). 

eyebrow windows?

animal husbandry + organic farming on the curriculum

always new projects

"living" fence

The school does employ over 200 local people....and its organic farm feeds over 450 meals a day. Every day. Quite impressive.  As Diandra and I walked around we saw many trial gardens set up by each classroom.  These gardens were incorporated into their learning of various subjects.Currently, the school provides classes up to 11th grade (last year it was10th)....and they will be attempting to graduate students next year.
Walking around in a tour (provided 2x week), there certainly were A LOT of people interested in the school; multinational and well-heeled.  There were 60 or so in the tour.  Diandra first noted, "this sure doesn't feel like Bali".  And in this observation she was absolutely correct.
Thus observed, we were happy to see what the school is striving for.... and we will continue to watch for what it truly accomplishes.
 *ALERT* Teachers.......... they are ALWAYS looking....... so perhaps this could be a departure from sameold/sameold......and your opportunity to live in paradise.

the elusive Bali Starling

kindergarten classroom

bamboo flooring

cabinet

amorphic bamboo bookshelves

Pirate ship

walking through the bridge spanning the Ayung River

travelin' woman