Verdi EcoSchool Cultivates Community Through Urban Farm Education in Eau Gallie, Donating Over 1000 lbs of Food Annually

Melbourne, FL – The Verdi EcoSchool, a not-for-profit urban farm school in the Eau Gallie Arts District, continues to serve as a unique educational model on the Space Coast. Recognized as the first school of its kind in the southeastern United States, the EcoSchool emphasizes project and place-based learning, earning it the prestigious Drexel Fellowship.

Founded as a 501c3 not-for-profit in 2016, the Verdi EcoSchool operates on the banks of the Indian River Lagoon. It uses the broader community as its campus, creating an immersive learning environment for children. This approach aims to foster an understanding of healthy communities and demonstrate that local change is achievable.

The EcoSchool has established meaningful partnerships with prominent organizations, including the Brevard Cultural Alliance, Florida Tech, the Brevard Zoo, and the Florida Historical Society. These collaborations amplify the school's impact and deepen its roots within the community. Through these partnerships, the EcoSchool extends its educational philosophy beyond its immediate grounds.

Community projects form a core part of the EcoSchool's mission. Its campus gardens produce over 1000 pounds of food annually, which benefits community members in need. Other initiatives include free Storytime events at various community gathering spaces and an intergenerational herb garden project at the Victoria Landing assisted living residence. Additionally, the EcoSchool partnered with the Brevard Cultural Alliance and AMI KIDS to build a garden at Heritage High School, further extending its reach into local education.