On the outskirts of Boston lies the small coastal community of Nahant, Massachusetts, home to Johnson Elementary School. With just around 130 students enrolled, Johnson Elementary may have a small footprint, but a new Rimol Matterhorn greenhouse is adding something unique to the school.
After joining the district in summer 2024, Superintendent Rob Liebow saw an opportunity to replicate a program that he had championed in his previous role as Superintendent in Rockport, Mass. Rockport had housed a school greenhouse where students grew vegetables that were used in the cafeteria, sold locally and donated to food pantries. “Students learned about business practices and pricing, but the biggest part for the kids was the concept of giving back to those who were less fortunate,” said Rob.
In Nahant, Rob decided to pursue a greenhouse project as part of his new agenda for the district. The first step was fundraising, which was done primarily through donations. An anonymous donor kick-started efforts through a gift of $80,000 towards the project. Community members supported additional fundraising through a “buy a brick” campaign. Participants could purchase a brick and engrave it with a message of their choice, with bricks to be used in the walkway leading to the greenhouse.
As funding progressed, Rob connected with Rimol’s Southern New England sales representative Adam Earle in the spring of 2025. Rob decided on a 20’ x 24’ Rimol Matterhorn Greenhouse, outfitted with fans, shutters and a heater and controlled with a simple thermostat system.
From there, the project moved quickly. Johnson Elementary purchased their greenhouse in the spring and worked with builder Deerfield Greenhouses to complete construction over the summer. The greenhouse will be ready for students to begin growing this school year.
Nahant’s student population ranges from preschool through sixth grade. Each grade level will have a dedicated raised bed, where students can grow crops like tomatoes, lettuce and cucumbers. “We’re a small school, so we don’t have a hot lunch program. We work with Seaside Pizza in Nahant to provide food for the school – which is generally, pizza,” explained Rob. “We plan to supply some of the produce to them so there is something fresh for kids to eat.”
As the program evolves, Rob hopes to continue expanding the greenhouse’s capabilities to incorporate flower gardening, hydroponics or aquaponics. “That may be an after-school club, so the kids that are really interested can get more exposure,” he said.
Rob added, “The community is very into it. It ties the kids together and gives them something to center on. All the kids are excited; it’s right at the front of the school where parents drop off, so they watched it come together. We want the kids to have a good experience, and this will do it.”