Monterey Road school programs promote exercise, positive school climate, sustainability, and garden time—all integrated across the curriculum. The campus was modernized in 2012 and energy use was reduced by 70 percent over the following five years. Monterey Road has also reduced the use of chemical cleaners by using microfiber cloths for cleaning. The school began an annual student-led waste audit in January 2015. All students separate lunchtime waste into compost, liquid, recyclable, and landfill bins. Students were involved with all steps of the process to design, construct, and maintain the school’s Food Forest, which is designed to function like a forest ecosystem with fruit trees, vegetable plants, California natives, herbs, and berries. The Food Forest is used as an outdoor learning space where lessons are taught in connection with the California Next Generation Science Standards.
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