Getting an Early Green Education

For some, an eco-friendly way of life can’t start soon enough. Parents who wish to instill environmentally friendly values in their children from an early age now have the opportunity to enroll their tykes in Le Petit Paradis in New York City.

The school’s founder, Christina Houri, a French expatriate, told the New Yorker Magazine that she was inspired by Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth to create an environmentally conscious learning establishment.

The pricetag runs at $12,995 per year for each child. According to the school’s website, kids will enjoy organic snacks in an environment of non-toxic cleaning products, fully recyclable furniture and bamboo floors. Teachers will speak to the preschoolers in French only, and part of the daily routine will be centered on teaching children about an eco-friendly way of life.

The school combines a Montessori and “Bank Street” approach to education, allowing both “practicality and independence” and “imagination and creativity.” Says Le Petit Paradis’ mission statement: “We contribute a unique service using education, psychology, communication, caring and nurturing with elements of creativity, play recreation, enthusiasm, fun, humor and lots of love resulting in confidence, independence, high self-esteem and overall happiness. That’s why we call it The Little Paradise!!”

(Photo by Darren Hester)