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Joan Adler remembers a time when you had to take a dirt road off Old Georgetown Road to get to Green Acres School.

Last weekend, Adler and other alumni reflected on how Green Acres has changed over the decades as the North Bethesda school celebrated its 75th anniversary.

The school was founded in 1934 by Alice Mendham Powell. Students in prekindergarten through eighth grade attend Green Acres, which focuses on fostering the natural curiosity of students.

Today, the school serves more than 300 students and employs nearly 100 staff members.

"The memories here are mostly just being a part of a joyous place," said Adler, the school's development director, who has worked at Green Acres since 1975.

At the celebration, alumni from as far back as 1959 visited the campus, current students sang "Happy Birthday, Green Acres" and families were serenaded by Grammy Award-winning children's musician Dan Zanes. Hundreds of families filled the campus and alumni were treated to a celebratory video from U.S. District Court Judge Peter Messitte, who attended Green Acres in the 1940s.

Last weekend's event is only part of Green Acres 75th anniversary.

In October, the school played host to the Progressive Education Network National Conference. On Nov. 21 and 22, the school will hold a Quilt Show, displaying more than 100 quilts made by Green Acres staff, parents and students. On Jan. 6, renowned researcher Dr. Jay Giedd will speak at the school on the topic of brain development in young children.