In 1998 Tuckahoe Elementary was due for a full-scale renovation. The teachers, students and parents realized that they had a great opportunity to effect positive change. They decided that they would design and build a model schoolyard. Today the Tuckahoe's Discovery Schoolyard boasts seven outdoor classrooms. These unique learning environments include an interior courtyard with a pond and waterfall, a vegetable garden, an ancient plaza and Greek pavilion, a Colonial Village, a native species garden, an NWF-certified habitat with amphitheater, a Bean Sprout Corner, an art and observation patio and a Friendship Garden. The outdoor classrooms are designed to teach Arlington's curriculum and Virginia's Standards of Learning objectives in science, literature, social studies, art, math, health and music. Six of the gardens are specifically designed to the curriculum of each grade level.

In 1994 the initial efforts were made to foster environmental education at Tuckahoe Elementary. The project started with a simple butterfly garden and bird watching habitat. A year later the Schoolyard Committee began to offer what was referred to as Expedition Days. During this event students attend a variety of outdoor expeditions led by parents, staff and volunteers. Activities include bird watching, planting, erosion control, nature photography and tree study. In 1996 the Friendship Garden was built, complete with a raised, ADA-accessible plant bed. Shortly thereafter a Bird Watching Club was established. The Schoolyard also built a greenhouse in order to nurture new seedlings. In 2002 the students raised money by selling organic vegetables, herbs and house plants at their Spring Plant Sale.

Tuckahoe intends to embark on a new, one-half acre land management project in the schoolyard that will teach habitat restoration, erosion control and watershed management. "Project Oasis" will correct erosion on a severe 40 degree slope and will include hillside planting and terracing, a water garden and an ADA accessible "learning" playground for students and the local community. The project will provide students with an opportunity to participate in a hands-on habitat restoration effort and will serve to improve the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The group has presented their model at a "Roots and Shoots" garden conference and has co-hosted a national "Youth Gardening Symposium" with the American Horticultural Society. They have developed more than a dozen partnerships with local and national organizations like Toshiba America Foundation and the Dominion Power Educational Fund. They received two major grants from the Virginia Environmental Endowment and Captain Planet. The Schoolyard has also received a Toyota Tapestry grant for innovative science application and integration.

According to TNC, "The Tuckahoe's Discovery Schoolyard aligns with the mission of the Nature Conservancy by focusing on habitat conservation, including removal of invasive species. It is inspirational to see an elementary school leading a culturally-themed outdoor leaning area. The Conservancy looks forward to working with the school as an affiliation and welcomes the opportunity to share conservation knowledge regarding watershed management issues. Congratulations on your partnership focus and your commitment to environmental stewardship."