The Fairhope Organic School
Where living is learning, and learning is living.
The Marietta Johnson School of Organic Education
EST. 1907 – A private, non-profit, independent school in Fairhope, Alabama for young learners.
Guided by the philosophy of Marietta Johnson, the Fairhope Organic School cultivates the whole child through the principles of Organic Education. Our mission is to foster integrity, self-reliance, and a reasoned social conscience within an environment that protects a child’s natural sincerity. By nurturing an inquiring mind and a healthy body, we empower students to lead lives of purpose and individual responsibility.
learning that grows from the child
“The greatest minds are those able to use the spirit of play in their work.”
Marietta Johnson, 1864-1938
Founder of the Organic School of Education
Teacher, Philosopher, Author
Since 1907, Fairhope Organic School has nurtured children through meaningful learning experiences that honor each child’s natural development — academically, socially, emotionally, and creatively. Our campus offers foundational early learning, arts enrichment classes, summer camp, and afterschool programs in a nature-rich environment where curiosity thrives and a lifelong joy for learning takes root.
What Is Organic Education?
An Organic Approach to Education
Organic education honors the natural rhythms of childhood. Rather than rushing children through standardized milestones, we allow learning to unfold through experience, inquiry, and relationship.
Children are trusted as capable learners and supported by educators who observe, guide, and respond to their individual growth.
COMMUNITY & CONNECTION
Rooted in Community Since 1907
For over a century, families have chosen our school for its strong sense of community, respect for childhood, and commitment to whole-child learning.
The Organic Dream for Every Child
A sound, accomplished body, a sympathetic, intelligent mind, and a sweet, sincere spirit
What Parents
Are Saying
I have to say I am so grateful to find this school! After some other bad experiences, this school involves me as a parent, and loves my children. My kids are are learning, playing & loving it!
This school is committed to providing a well rounded education including pottery, art and wood working to enhance the academic studies. Free spirits, free thinking is encouraged.
Visit Our Campus
The best way to understand Fairhope Organic School is to experience it.
We invite you to visit our campus, meet our teachers, and see children learning joyfully in nature.
A Day in a Life
Organic Education in Action
Alumni Spotlights
Reflections From Then and Now: How the Organic School Stays With You
Alumni Stories
Our graduates have become doctors, lawyers, scientists, teachers, writers, artists, engineers, poets, university professors, dance teachers, potters, computer technicians and entrepreneurs in virtually every field of endeavor. Many of the schools graduates, after traveling and working around the world, have come back to Fairhope. Some never left. If you are an Alumni and want to share your Organic School experience with us, please reach out and let us know!