An addition to Canterbury High School will expand its educational opportunities.

A $25,000 donation from an anonymous donor allows the school to build a greenhouse off the school's science wing. The greenhouse will act as a living laboratory for at least one class and hopefully more later. “This is a unique opportunity for our department,” said Ted King, science department chair, who will also teach a new horticulture class this fall.

The class will be open to all students and will offered them a more “relaxed” learning experience, as King explained, as opposed to their typical science curriculum.

“This is more to learn some skills that they will carry through their life,” he said. “This is more of a practical application of plant biology.”

The greenhouse will be 18 by 24 feet and will feature a gothic-style roof with plastic windows. King said for the most part the greenhouse will be self-sufficient with controlled temperatures and a watering system. A committee comprised of teachers, students and parents has been formed to explore exactly how the greenhouse will be used and what “extras” should be included in the purchase.

The plan at this point is to have the students use the greenhouse for soil preparation, planting seeds and cuttings, plant breeding, genetic engineering, plant biochemistry and plant anatomy and physiology. Students will also care for greenhouse-grown nursery stocks in a variety of flowering plants and then gain further knowledge outside of the greenhouse in the planning and execution of campuswide floral displays, according to a news release.

King said the school - more than likely, the students - will assemble the greenhouse when it arrives from a company in Alabama. He explained that the school has a May-term program that will allow students to work hands-on with a professional contractor while helping to build the structure.

The greenhouse is expected to be completed by the end of May so that it can be used at the start of the next school year.

King is looking forward to the opportunity. He said it has always been on his wish list to build a greenhouse at the school.

“It's unlimited the things you can do,” he said of the year-round structure. “Hopefully the greenhouse will have unlimited purposes to serve Canterbury and the Canterbury community.”