AGC cultivates mindful leaders who take action both now and in the future to positively impact their communities and the world beyond. Central to our mission is a commitment to holistic wellness and sustainability that spans from the inside out – developing healthier humans, communities, and ecosystems.
AGC is an innovative Chicago Public Charter School serving students from early childhood through 8th grade. Our nationally recognized school food program grows a significant portion of its own produce on-site, integrating a working teaching garden, hydroponics systems, and beekeeping into the daily curriculum. Every student enjoys fresh, scratch-cooked, nutritionally balanced meals that align with wellness and sustainability goals. Food education is embedded into science, environmental studies, and social justice lessons, ensuring students understand where their food comes from and how it impacts their health and the planet.
We serve 550 students and their families directly and more than 10,000 educators, school leaders, community organizations, and visitors have been impacted through our training, site tours, and workshops.
Key Achievements & Big Impact Statistics:
- 100% of meals meet or exceed USDA nutrition standards—many sourced directly from our on-site gardens and hydroponic systems.
- Reduced processed food purchases by more than 50% since program inception.
- Integrated garden and kitchen education into 100% of grade levels.