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Trees Atlanta is on a mission to help young people build lifelong connections to our urban forests. During the 2024-2025 school year, we reached more students, expanded our programs, and deepened partnerships with schools across metro Atlanta, all while planting seeds of environmental awareness and stewardship.

Reaching More Students Than Ever

This academic year, we experienced major growth across all areas of our school programming. 

Through the Trees Atlanta Urban TreeTracker (UTT) program, educators teach one-hour programs in classrooms that engage students in different tree topics. In the 2024-2025 school year our program grew by 28%, reaching 7,650 students across 42 schools.

Participation in our field trips tripled compared to last year, especially with the launch of our Outdoor Learning Labs this spring. Outdoor Learning Labs are now one of three field trip types for students, along with Service Learning Projects and Tree Treks. These experiences bring students outside of the classroom to help their environment, explore the Atlanta Beltline Arboretum, and learn about trees through hands-on activities. 

We also joined schools for 13 special events, almost double the number from last year, including STE(A)M Nights, science fairs, and career days.

New Programs for Student and Teachers

In partnership with Atlanta Public Schools, we debuted Leaves & Lenses, a science-based program for 5th graders that uses microscopes to examine plant cells. This new offering was piloted at Benteen Elementary and Hutchinson Elementary Schools and is designed to align with grade-level standards while giving students a new perspective on plant life. 

This spring, we hosted our first traditional field trip for Drew Charter School’s 4th graders. Students participated in invasive species removal, a scavenger hunt, and an art project for a full day of activities. 

We didn’t forget about the educators! Through a partnership with the Georgia State University Signature Experience program, STEM teachers visited Trees Atlanta to experience our upper level programs firsthand. We also led workshops for Atlanta Public School teachers on how to include more outdoor education in their own classrooms.

Building Stronger School Partnerships

One of our goals this year was to build more sustained relationships with schools. We concentrated on transforming a one-time visit with a classroom to multiple lessons per classroom throughout the year. 

This deeper engagement allowed us to revisit and build on earlier lessons. First graders at Briarlake Elementary School participated in three different classes, and the second graders at Hutchinson, Hawthorne, and Oakcliff Elementary Schools completed four sessions. Each return visit brought more enthusiasm and stronger understanding. 

Trees Atlanta educators taught a program in every single classroom in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade for Benteen, Continental Colony, Garden Hills, Harper-Archer, Mary Lin, and Perkerson Elementary Schools. These school-wide experiences help create a shared foundation of environmental literacy and excitement.

Supporting Project-Based Learning

At two schools, our partnership extended into larger project-based units. Both Drew Charter School’s fourth graders and Amana Academy’s kindergarteners had units related to the urban forest. 

Students began by learning about everyday items made from trees in our Forest Products program, then visited our headquarters for an Outdoor Learning Lab to explore the urban forest in person and create art expressing their gratitude for trees. Students at Drew Charter School applied what they learned to create projects like virtual models of Atlanta’s urban forest, visual art pieces, and public service announcements about how to spark positive change in their local environment. Amana Academy’s kindergarten classes took tree walks of their campus allowing students to learn about the trees near them.

Tree Plantings at Schools

The education team joined forces with the Trees Atlanta Community Forestry team to organize six tree planting projects on school campuses. 

These planting events ranged in scale from 20 new trees at Howard Middle School to 88 new trees across Carver STEAM Academy, Slater Elementary School, and a neighboring park. Trees Atlanta  worked with school administrators to develop planting plans, and local volunteers helped with the planting. Students returned to school with more trees on their campus, creating a more welcoming environment! (Request your own Neighborhood Tree Plantings in your neighborhood.)

At Hutchinson Elementary, students played an especially active role: they helped choose which trees to plant, participated in planning meetings, and joined guided tours of their new fruit trees on Earth Day. Our educators also provided in-class lessons about seed dispersal and forest ecosystems, and engaged families at STE(A)M Night to keep the learning going beyond the school day.

Looking Ahead

We are grateful for the schools that invited us into their learning communities to make connections with students. From single classroom visits to full-campus collaborations, every moment of learning planted a seed that we hope will grow for years to come. 

As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 school year, we’re excited to keep building relationships, expanding access, and empowering the next generation of environmental stewards. Learn more about our school programs and find out how you can book for the 2025-2026 school year.

About the Author

Marley joined Trees Atlanta in May 2024 as the Youth Education Coordinator, working to strengthen ties with schools across Atlanta through our education programs. She brings four years of teaching experience in elementary schools and four years of teaching in environmental education settings. She enjoys biking everywhere she can in Atlanta, stopping to look at random trees, and watching women’s soccer.

Posted on: June 17, 2025