MAKAWAO, Maui — The garden is the place to be at Montessori School of Maui. At least that's what the students overwhelmingly indicated in a recent survey.

"They just love this place," said Heather Peterson, the school's naturalist, standing amid the well-tended greenery at the center of campus. "Whenever they have some free time. they seem to end up here."

It's no wonder: The school takes seriously its mission to teach children to be responsible stewards of the Earth. Learning how to grow fruits, vegetables and other plants is fun and an integral part of the school's outdoor classroom.

"We develop the whole child," said Cynthia Winans-Burns, head of school. "If future generations are going to have the chance to live in harmony with the Earth, then it is our responsibility to provide the opportunity to learn about their natural environment."

MOMI, as it is called, has been at its Makawao campus since 1992. The private school offers programs for children as young as 18 months and through Grade 8. The 196-student population is at capacity, and the school is preparing to expand onto undeveloped neighboring land.

The Earth-based curriculum uses the whole campus as a classroom. The central area of the campus is a greenbelt that leads to the garden. Rock arches support wooden trellises that in turn enclose a rock 'auwai used to irrigate the vegetable, herb, flower and taro gardens.

An award-winning set of sustainability guidelines and curriculum — including lessons in mathematics, botany, art, reading and practical life skills — have been developed in partnership with professor Stephen Medor of the University of Hawai'i School of Architecture and Hawai'i Rebuild.

With Peterson, a Montessori-trained naturalist, and Tom Talbert, master gardener, on staff, all levels from toddler through the upper elementary student experience the "Living Classroom." Each classroom designs, plants and tends its own gardens. Children plant and tend a taro patch; lei are produced throughout the spring from flowers grown in the garden.

What are you most proud of? Being able to nurture the school's mission and build on it with partnerships in the community, said Winans-Burns.

Best-kept secret: The school is preparing to double its campus size, from 4 1/2 to 9 acres, and take in more enrollment. The school's waiting list is about as long as its 196-student enrollment.

Everybody at our school knows: C.I. "Bugs" Barton, the school's beloved maintenance caretaker.

Our biggest challenge: Maintaining the school's mission and character while undergoing expansion. That mission calls for educating "the human potential" and to prepare students for stewardship in the world.

What we need: Assistance to help accomplish the upcoming expansion.

Special events: The Maui Music Fest, the school's annual fundraiser, Nov. 20. The event will feature Willie Nelson and Friends, one of whom will be Jack Johnson.

Reach Timothy Hurley at thurley@honoluluadvertiser.com.