Across the United States, many urban schools face environmental challenges due to impervious surfaces such as asphalt, which contribute to frequent street and building flooding, heat island effects, and compromised water quality. The Froebel Literacy Academy Green Schoolyard Project, a pilot initiative under St. Louis Public Schools’ (SLPS) Healthy Schools Movement, aims to address these issues and set a precedent for future district-wide Green Schoolyard transformations. Engaged with the Steering Committee and funded by a Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) Project Clear Grant, DTLS helped develop a pilot project that emphasizes ecological health and stormwater management - a holistic approach to site revitalization. Future funding for expanding recommendations across multiple school properties is pending.

Strategically-placed rain gardens with Native Missouri plant communities, pervious pavements, educational signage, and Eagle Stream, a dry creek activated by rain events with a look-out bridge all allow students to observe water flowing through recreational, learning, and play zones.

Green Schoolyards offer vibrant, multi-functional spaces where students can learn, explore, play, and unwind while supporting their mental and physical health. At Froebel Literacy Academy, the story of stormwater is integrated as both an educational and experiential element, enriching students’ daily interactions with their environment.