Estate partnerships
Learners work with the Lourensford environmental management team to clear alien vegetation and collaborate with research scientists on projects studying the impact of invasive species on water consumption.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
The Newberry 3E’s
At Newberry House, the environment is central to how children learn and grow. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Lourensford Estate, our organically managed and biodiverse campus invites learners to notice, care for and take responsibility for the world around them.
OUTDOOR LEARNING
Outdoor and estate-based learning
Award-winning initiative
In 2019, Newberry learners were recognised in the British Council’s Waters of the World competition for building a water filtration system for the Lourens River.
PREPARED ENVIRONMENTS
A campus built with purpose
Renovation expertise
We repurpose existing buildings rather than building from scratch. Each renovation is guided by Montessori principles, so spaces are calm, beautiful and child-centred while honouring the history of the structures we inherit.
Sustainable growth
Between 2017 and 2025, we improved 28 farm cottages into thoughtfully designed learning spaces, growing the school organically while preserving the character of Lourensford Estate.
Our design principles
Residential-scale environments
Classrooms feel like homes: small, warm and human in scale, so children move through them with ease and ownership.
Minimalist aesthetic
Calm, uncluttered spaces let beautiful materials and the children's own work take centre stage, supporting deep concentration.
Biophilic integration
Natural light, indigenous planting and direct connections to outdoor spaces blur the line between classroom and garden.
Ergonomic and child-centric detail
Every shelf, basin and door handle is sized for the child, quietly inviting independence in every interaction.
EARTH STEWARDSHIP
Hands-on stewardship
Pilot curriculum
Classes across every developmental plane participate in our Earth Stewardship programme, making these principles a normal, lived part of school life.
Real-life application
Middle School learners grow organic produce, younger children tend their own gardens and older learners support community gardens beyond the campus, learning by doing work that matters.
Eco-Schools recognition
In 2024, Newberry House achieved Eco-Schools Diamond Status, the programme’s highest level. This national acknowledgement reflects years of sustained environmental work.
ORGANIC GROUNDS
Organic grounds, daily stewardship
Sustainable maintenance
Our grounds are tended according to organic principles. We compost garden waste, recycle wherever possible and avoid chemical inputs, showing learners that a beautiful campus and a healthy ecosystem belong together.
SALI awards
In 2025, Newberry House was recognised with two South African Landscapers Institute (SALI) awards: Best Waterwise Garden and Best Landscaping & Turf Maintenance in South Africa. This is a meaningful affirmation of the care, craft and earth stewardship practised daily across our living, learning campus.
Ready to experience it for yourself?
Walk through our grounds, meet our team and see the campus in action. Tours run weekly throughout the term. We would love to welcome you.
Book a tour