Business Details
Environmental Charter High School & Community Farm in New Haven
Common Ground is a pioneering center for learning and leadership dedicated to connecting individuals across ages and identities with their urban environment. Founded on principles of environmental stewardship and social justice, we operate as the nation's longest-running environmental charter high school, an urban demonstration farm, and a community environmental education center. Our mission empowers students and community members through authentic, place-based learning rooted in sustainability, equity, and active engagement with nature. With over two decades of experience, we cultivate leaders who contribute to a just and sustainable world through innovative educational programs, hands-on farming practices, and community-driven initiatives. Our expertise in integrating academic rigor with real-world environmental action has earned recognition as a U.S.Department of Education Green Ribbon School and recipient of the National Building Hope Award. As a trusted institution in New Haven, we maintain transparent operations, prioritize community collaboration, and demonstrate unwavering commitment to educational excellence and ecological responsibility.
Services
Environmental Charter High School
Urban Farm Programs
Community Education
Mobile Market
Farm-to-Table Initiatives
Youth Leadership Development
Highlights and features
- We offer the nation's longest-running environmental charter high school program
- Our 20-acre campus combines urban farm, forest, and community learning spaces
- We integrate college preparatory curriculum with hands-on environmental stewardship
- Our graduates achieve 90% college admission rates through personalized support
- We maintain a 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio for individualized learning
Associations and certifications
- U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School
- National Building Hope Award
What people say
Powerful leadership development
Hands-on environmental learning
Strong college preparation
Community-focused programs
Dedicated staff
Services
Environmental Charter High School
Our charter high school combines college preparatory academics with environmental leadership development. Students engage in project-based learning through farm work, forest ecology studies, and community sustainability projects. The program prepares graduates for college success while cultivating environmental stewards through hands-on experiences in urban agriculture, climate science, and ecological conservation.
Urban Farm Programs
The urban demonstration farm models sustainable agricultural practices while providing fresh produce to New Haven residents. Through educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and the Mobile Market initiative, we teach sustainable growing methods, operate composting systems, and maintain production gardens that serve as both learning laboratory and community food resource for local residents.
Community Education
Our environmental education center offers programs connecting people of all ages with nature through forest hikes, garden workshops, and sustainability training. The campus features 20 acres of forest trails, educational gardens, and wildlife habitats that serve as living classrooms for school field trips, after-school programs, and public environmental education initiatives.
Mobile Market
The Mobile Market brings fresh, locally grown produce to New Haven neighborhoods from July through November. This initiative increases food access while educating residents about nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and home gardening techniques. The program operates seasonally, following a route that serves multiple community locations throughout the city.
Youth Leadership Development
Through the Green Jobs Corps and POWER leadership program, students gain real-world experience in environmental stewardship, community organizing, and sustainable business practices. Participants develop professional skills while contributing to campus sustainability projects, leading educational activities, and implementing community improvement initiatives that address local environmental challenges.
People
Genevive Goubourn-Walker
Executive Director
A proud New Haven native with decades of experience in community development and environmental education. Previously served in leadership roles at local nonprofits before becoming Executive Director in March 2025. Brings extensive knowledge of urban sustainability initiatives and community engagement strategies.
Monique Frasier
School Director
Oversees academic operations at Common Ground with a focus on environmental curriculum integration. Brings extensive experience in progressive education models and college preparatory programming. Committed to creating inclusive learning environments that connect classroom instruction with real-world environmental challenges.
Rebecca Holcombe
Director of Community Programs
Manages public-facing environmental education initiatives and community engagement efforts. Specializes in developing accessible programs that connect diverse audiences with nature and sustainability practices. Coordinates school field trips, after-school programs, and public events at the New Haven campus.
Joel Tolman
Director of Impact & Engagement
Responsible for measuring organizational impact and facilitating community partnerships. Works with schools and organizations interested in replicating Common Ground's environmental education model. Coordinates visitor programs and community collaboration initiatives that extend the organization's reach beyond New Haven.
Victoria Zucco
Food Justice Education Coordinator
Leads farm-based education programs focused on food systems equity and sustainable agriculture. Organizes workshops on urban farming techniques, nutrition education, and community food security. Connects high school students with hands-on learning opportunities through the urban farm operations.
Questions
What makes Common Ground's high school unique?
Our environmental charter high school integrates academic learning with hands-on experiences on our urban farm and in the West Rock forest. Students earn college credits while developing leadership skills through sustainability projects.
How can families get involved with the urban farm?
Families can participate in farm work days, attend gardening workshops, or join the Mobile Market program. Volunteer opportunities and educational programs are available for all ages throughout the year.
What community programs are available?
We offer school field trips, after-school programs, summer camps, and adult education workshops focused on environmental stewardship, sustainable agriculture, and nature connection for New Haven residents.
How does the Mobile Market operate?
Our seasonal Mobile Market runs July-November, bringing fresh produce from our urban farm to New Haven neighborhoods. It combines food access with educational opportunities about nutrition and sustainable growing practices.
What leadership opportunities exist for students?
Through Green Jobs Corps and POWER programs, students gain experience in environmental stewardship, community organizing, and sustainable business practices while earning leadership credentials for college applications.
How do you connect classroom learning with real-world experience?
Our curriculum integrates academic subjects with environmental projects - math classes plan garden layouts, science students study climate impacts through art, and English classes explore social justice through performance.
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Reviews (2)
Keina Camacho
Sep 07, 2021
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Amazing it's full of great supportive people and they are all so kind and they try to push you to always do your best
Kate C.
Jul 12, 2019
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This is a review for their summer camp program. My two daughters have come every summer for 8 years and it is truly 5 stars! The camp staff are great with the kids. The kids come home dirty, tired, and educated & engaged. They hike, fish, cook, garden, they have animals at the school and they bring in Animal educators with more animals. The program is truly amazing. Before and after camp hour care is available but costs more $. I can truly say we've never had a bad summer here and it's a great campus.
