Today, H-E-B presented Will Smith Zoo School with a $250,000 donation that the nature-based preschool will use towards its scholarship endowment. As an advocate for education initiatives in Texas, H-E-B’s gift aims to provide even more children access to the Zoo School’s innovative learning environment.

At the check presentation, H-E-B Partners (employees) helped Will Smith Zoo School students plant spring flowers in Charlie’s Garden, an outdoor education space at the school. As an additional gift just in time for Spring Break, H-E-B announced it will give away 500 San Antonio Zoo tickets to local community organizations focused on youth programs.

“Will Smith Zoo School is an amazing example of what nature can offer our future generations,” said Winell Heron, H-E-B Group Vice President of Public Affairs, Diversity and Environmental Affairs. “With this gift, H-E-B recognizes the innovative approach the school takes towards nature-based learning.”

Started in 2004, Will Smith Zoo School is a high-quality, nature-based preschool for children ages 3-5. Each day, the children discover the natural world through activities fostering academic, emotional and social growth. Teaching through a lens of conservation and zoology, the Zoo School staff provides a flexible program that offers activities that enhance children’s appreciation of nature, environmental education and science learning.

“We are honored that H-E-B is making this generous donation to help us create the first ever educational endowment to Will Smith Zoo School,” said Tim Morrow, CEO & Executive Director of San Antonio Zoo. “This marks the beginning of an endowment that will provide unprecedented opportunities to offer tuition assistance to underserved children in the San Antonio community.”

Will Smith Zoo School is one of the only fully-licensed preschools in San Antonio that uses nature as the integrating thread, tying together the school’s philosophy, methodologies, classroom design and outdoor spaces.