We are proud to offer institutional greenhouses and structures which combine customized beauty and durability, allowing you to provide educational opportunities for years to come. We have everything you need from complete packages that include everything you need to operate a school or institutional greenhouse program, including flowerpots, tools, propagation supplies, and greenhouse accessories. We aim to create well-made greenhouses that transform ordinary outdoor spaces into beautiful, functional outdoor classrooms. Our design team works directly with you to ensure seamless integration with your property. Whether you have two students or two hundred students, Gothic Arch Greenhouses can design a greenhouse system that meets all of your needs.

Our structures are designed to the specifications of your area’s wind and snow load, and we offer ADA-compliant features as well. For a greenhouse that can withstand high wind and snow loads, Gothic Arch Greenhouses offers the best around. Our greenhouse experts work directly with you or your architect, contractor, or project manager throughout all stages of your greenhouse build, from design and permitting through installation, operation, and enjoyment. Our specialists will work closely with your team to determine the needs of your institutional greenhouse with regards to layout, type of glazing system, and greenhouse equipment. We understand that this process can seem overwhelming at times. We recommend using our easy to follow, Five Phase plan as a guideline to help streamline your ideas, develop a budget, and provide information about all of the things you will need to be successful during every step of the process. Using the number of students you will be accommodating is an effective benchmark in determining what your program will require in terms of growing space, tools, equipment, storage, accessories, and more. Our plans are broken down by enrollment level, making it easy to see exactly what you will need to build and develop a successful, enjoyable learning environment.

In order to stay up to date with changes and trends in agriculture, we have a full range of hydroponic, aquaponic, and aeroponic systems and products to help you learn, teach and share these new, eco-friendly, sustainable growing methods. Whether you want to reduce chemical usage, use water more efficiently, increase your growing space with vertical gardening, or even cultivate fish, we have a system that will help you achieve your goals.

With framing options in wood, galvanized steel, and aluminum and with glazing options including all glass glazing, all polycarbonate covering, or a combination of both with single and multiwall choices in each, and with lengths from 12 foot to 100 foot long structures, your greenhouse ideas can come alive. Although a rigid cover is best for school greenhouses, we also offer polyethylene plastic covers to schools on a tight budget. Our experienced team will select institutional greenhouse materials and equipment that will ensure an energy-efficient facility with minimal maintenance costs and maximum service life. We will also take into account the changing demands of your growing environment and allow for the flexibility required for your institution or school curriculum.

1. Starter Greenhouse Kits Ideal for:

• Ideal for: Younger students or beginners in gardening.
• Features: Small, easy to assemble, and can be placed indoors or outdoors. These kits often include seed starter trays, a watering system, and sometimes educational materials.

2. Portable Greenhouse Kits Ideal for:

• Ideal for: Schools with limited space or those that wish to move the greenhouse between locations.
• Features: They are lightweight, easy to set up and take down, and have transparent covers for maximum sunlight. Some models come with wheels.

3. Hydroponic Greenhouse Kits Ideal for:

• Ideal for: Advanced science projects focusing on alternative growing methods.
• Features: Soilless growing system that teaches students about water-based growing techniques. These kits can range from simple tabletop setups to larger, more complex systems.

4. Solar-Powered Greenhouse Kits Ideal for:

• Ideal for: Projects focused on sustainability and renewable energy.
• Features: Utilizes solar panels to power ventilation or heating systems. Great for teaching students about energy efficiency and green technologies.

5. High Tunnel Greenhouse Kits Ideal for:

• Ideal for Large-scale projects or school gardens.
• Features: Larger in size, these semi-permanent structures can accommodate a variety of plants and are great for year-round gardening. They require more effort to set up but offer extensive learning opportunities.

6. Educational Greenhouse Kits Ideal for:

• Ideal for: Comprehensive educational experiences across all grades.
• Features: Often come with curriculum materials, experiment kits, and other educational resources tailored to classroom use. These greenhouses are designed with schools in mind, focusing on durability and safety.

7. Cold Frame Greenhouse Kits Ideal for:

• Ideal for: Season extension projects.
• Features: Simple, low-cost structures that allow students to learn about microclimates and how to grow plants outside of their normal season. Easy to use and set up.

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8. DIY Greenhouse Kits Ideal for:

• Ideal for: Engaging students in building and design principles.
• Features: These kits provide all the necessary materials and instructions for students to build their own greenhouse, offering hands-on experience in construction and engineering concepts.

Selecting the Right Kit

When choosing a greenhouse kit for your school, consider the following:

• Educational Goals: Match the kit with the specific learning objectives of your science projects.
• Space Availability: Ensure the greenhouse fits your available outdoor or indoor space.
• Budget: Kits can vary widely in price, so choose one that offers good value for educational purposes within your budget.
• Durability: Look for kits made from quality materials that can withstand the weather and are frequently used by students.

Each kit has unique features and benefits tailored to educational needs and project goals. Integrating greenhouse kits into school science projects enhances learning outcomes and promotes environmental stewardship among students.

1. Identify Potential Funding Sources

• Government Grants: Many government departments (education, agriculture, environmental protection) offer grants for projects that promote environmental education and sustainability.
• Private Foundations: Foundations focused on education, environmental stewardship, and community development often provide grants for school projects like greenhouses.
• Corporate Sponsors: Businesses, especially those in the agriculture, gardening, or environmental sectors, may sponsor school greenhouse projects as part of their corporate social responsibility programs.
• Local Community Organizations: Local gardening clubs, environmental advocacy groups, and community foundations sometimes offer small grants or in-kind donations for educational projects.

2. Research and Eligibility

• Carefully research each potential funding source to understand their funding priorities and eligibility criteria. Tailor your proposal to align with their goals and requirements.
• Deadline Awareness: Note application deadlines and required materials to ensure timely and complete submissions.

3. Develop a Strong Proposal

• Project Description: Clearly articulate the objectives, educational benefits, and sustainability aspects of your greenhouse program. Highlight how the project will enhance STEM education, promote healthy eating, or contribute to environmental awareness.
• Budget: Provide a detailed budget that outlines how funds will be used. Include costs for construction, materials, educational programming, and any ongoing maintenance.
• Community Impact: Emphasize the broader impact of the greenhouse, including community engagement, potential for local partnerships, and how the project will serve as a model for sustainability.
• Sustainability Plan: Demonstrate how the greenhouse will be sustained beyond the initial funding period, including plans for curriculum integration, community involvement, and potential revenue-generating activities (e.g., plant sales).

4. Leverage Local Partnerships

• Partnership Benefits: Proposals that include partnerships with local businesses, universities, or community organizations can be more attractive to funders, as they show broader community support and resource sharing.
• In-Kind Donations: In addition to monetary grants, seek in-kind donations (materials, expertise, labor) from local partners to reduce costs and strengthen your proposal.

5. Application Submission and Follow-Up

• Attention to Detail: Carefully follow all application instructions and review your proposal for completeness and accuracy before submission.
• Follow-Up: After submitting your proposal, it’s appropriate to follow up with the funding organization to express your gratitude for considering your application and to offer additional information if needed.

6. Utilize Online Grant Databases and Resources

• Grants.gov: A comprehensive database of federally funded grants, searchable by category, agency, and eligibility.
• Foundation Directory Online: A resource for finding and researching private foundation grants, with detailed profiles on funders.
• Local State Department of Education: Often provides listings or resources for educational grants available to schools in your state.

7. Prepare for Reporting Requirements

• Reporting: Be prepared to meet any reporting requirements set by the funder, including progress reports, financial accounting, and evaluations of the project’s impact. This demonstrates responsible stewardship of the funds and can help secure future funding.

Final Tips

• Start Early: Grant writing can be a time-consuming process, so start well ahead of deadlines.
• Engage the School Community: Involving students, parents, and teachers in the grant application process can strengthen your proposal and demonstrate broad support for the project.

Finding and applying for grants requires effort and perseverance, but securing funding can make a significant difference in the feasibility and success of your school greenhouse pro

Results from research studies have indicated that early outdoor experiences are important in the long-term development of children because they impact later career choices and conservation efforts. Agriculture and horticulture have been important for thousands of years. However, as human pressures on the environment increase, schools have been given a greater degree of responsibility to educate children on environmental issues. Cultivating a love of gardening, agriculture, and conservation is easy in an engaging, interactive, hands-on learning environment.

The benefits of hands-on learning are numerous. They include increased retention, improved problem solving, opportunities for immediate feedback, and extra practice. Hands-on training allows learners to master skills before working in real-world environments. Our greenhouses provide a safe, fun, effective environment where students can learn and retain the necessary skills to garden, grow food, care for the environment, use tools and equipment properly, and work alone or as a team.

Studies have also shown that gardening, farming, and landscaping improves mental health and promotes healthier lifestyles in adults. Nature-based therapy has rapidly grown in popularity, specifically in correctional facilities and long-term living facilities. Our institutional greenhouses make ideal environments to reap the benefits of the therapeutic properties of horticulture and agriculture. Rather for rehabilitation purposes or for relaxation, institutional greenhouses have proven to help adults achieve their goals.

We would love the opportunity to make your greenhouse dreams come true. Our goal is to ensure that your institutional greenhouse will be a place for plant life to flourish, students to learn, and where children and adults alike will learn the value and importance of horticulture. We take pride in the institutional facilities that we have designed and constructed, as well as the relationships we have developed. We hope you will consider Gothic Arch Greenhouses for your future campus greenhouse projects. Give us a call today at 1-800-531-4769 (toll-free).