We the Peacemakers: How Montessori Makes Peace

MARCH 25, 2010 — Santa Cruz, New Mexico, is home to the Camino de Paz School and Farm, a working organic farm and private middle school. In addition to academic pursuits,  sixth through ninth grade students are responsible for the care of fields, greenhouses and animals including goats, sheep,  horses and chickens. Students attend the full-day school program during the weekdays. On weekends, students take turns traveling to a local farmer’s market where they sell farm-raised vegetables, eggs and hand-made cheeses and crafts.

During my visit, I spoke with students, staff and school founder Patricia Pantano about how the community of Camino de Paz School and Farm works and learns cooperatively with one another and with nature.