Sustainability Summary:
Rudolf Steiner Lower School currently:
- has a recycling program
- has a community garden
- uses low-flow water fixtures
- uses native landscaping
Outdoor, natural play is an integral part of the Waldorf curriculum and the healthy development of children. As such, the Gardening and Outdoor Education Program is an integral part of the daily activities of students at the Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor. We include concepts such as sustainability, permaculture, food from native plants, and organic and biodynamic gardening. Children receive direct and ongoing experiences with nature to help them develop a harmonious sense of being rooted in the world. In the vegetable garden, our students learn the importance of cooperative work. Third graders harvested pumpkins, potatoes and beans, which are stored and prepared by them for a school-wide Thanksgiving Feast. The Fifth graders Botany curriculum included harvesting potato tubers and carrots, along with planting of radish seeds. Our vegetable garden produced so much lettuce we were able to donate some to the Food Gatherers. The woodlands and meadows are used daily.
Property Description:
The Steiner Lower School, located at 2775 Newport in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a one story masonry structure on a slab. The construction date for the building is 1965. It was originally built for the Ann Arbor School District. There have been no additions to the building. The Rudolph Steiner Lower School occupied the building in 1985. Some minor interior modifications have been undertaken in the building since then.
The building is constructed around a central corridor running east and west. The west wing of building houses the school offices, gymnasium, art room, music room, craft room, mechanical room, and storage areas. The east wing comprises 12 classrooms, each with its own restroom. There are also 4 shared teachers offices with storage. The total gross area of the building is 28,562 SF.
The Steiner Lower School is currently fully occupied. The student body totals 234 children. There are 33 staff. School hours are 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday. Cleaning staff are in the building from 5 to 10 PM. The gymnasium may be in use from 3:30 to 7:00 PM weekdays and for a few hours on Saturday. The art room and 3 classrooms also have Saturday occupancy.
Space heating and water heating for the building is produced using natural gas. All other energy needs are provided using electricity.