Environment

=Cypress School is committed to preserving the local environment...= =Carmel River=

There is a natural creek running through the property, which feeds into the Carmel River. The Carmel River was named number 8 on a list of 10 most endangered rivers from the American Rivers 1999 survey. It is the only endangered river in California. Cypress School nurtures partnerships with the wealth of local expertise on river restoration in its effort to incorporate authentic authentic project based learning centered around preserving Carmel River.

=Cypress Hall=



Cypress Hall is the central gathering place of our school. It was built using only local contractors and building products.

All materials used in constructing the school will come from no more than 500 miles away.

The school plans to leave the majority of the property undeveloped, attracting native wildlife species to the campus.



//The landscape will be low-impact, drought tolerant, and will consist of species native to Central California.//
 * 27,300-gallon rainwater system with above ground tanks
 * Carmel Valley and the surrounding area are home to many "green" companies, who will value our mission. One example of such a company is Rana Creek, a design company located in Monterey that completed one of the first, and several subsequent, LEED Platinum projects in California.
 * Our school site lends itself to outdoor learning spaces that take advantage of the low rainfall and moderate climate.

Wildfires, drought and habitat destruction are everyday issues that residents in Carmel Valley face. The Cypress School will address these concerns in the design of its campus, as well as the focus of its curriculum.