Consider too this is not for pure efficiency its a learning experience for the kids at the end of the day! A heap seems easier to show-and-tell for them

will keep this in mind when I give feedback to the school leaders a few weeks from now

cryotosensei

No its just easier, more direct and natural.
Worms will follow around the deposits of compostable material and work it into the soil for you. 
You can target where you want the soil enriched.
Dig in the scraps and then plant over the top a few weeks later.

Interesting! Direct burial works fast for sure, but heap gives you usable compost you can measure. Did you compare soil health results between both methods?

Chikasunbeats

It is usually easier and more effective to simply dig food scraps directly into the soil.

Bury them about 200mm (8 inches) down and the worms will flock to them and process them within a few weeks.

the_stacker_muse

science

My experience creating a composting pile

Composting in a heap is over rated.
It is usually easier and more effective to simply dig food scraps directly into the soil.
Bury them about 200mm (8 inches) down and the worms will flock to them and process them within a few weeks.