Experiential Learning
We believe in Experiential Learning, the concept of “learning by doing”. Throughout their JK-8th journey, students engage in hands-on experiences that help to connect their learning to the world beyond the classroom. From exploring tidepools or local farms to snorkeling in a kelp forest off the Catalina coast, learning is grounded in authentic experiences that help students to make connections to the world around them.
Field Trips
In the Upper School, students travel each year to a different region of California for an overnight Outdoor Education trip to gain a deeper understanding of the unique diversity and amazing natural environments California has to offer.
In the 5th and 6th grades, students journey one year to Camp Sea Lab on the Seascape coast to learn more about life on and off the northern California coast and to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park on the central coast to explore the Redwood Forests and learn about natural threats, like wildfires.
In the 7th and 8th grades, students journey to Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada mountains where they explore the unique geology of the Yosemite Valley and the importance of watersheds, as well as Catalina Island off the southern coast with a focus on Marine Science and exploring the kelp forest.
Outdoor Education
In the Upper School, students travel each year to a different region of California for an overnight Outdoor Education trip to gain a deeper understanding of the unique diversity and amazing natural environments California has to offer.
In the 5th and 6th grades, students journey one year to Camp Sea Lab on the Seascape coast to learn more about life on and off the northern California coast and to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park on the central coast to explore the Redwood Forests and learn about natural threats, like wildfires.
In the 7th and 8th grades, students journey to Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada mountains where they explore the unique geology of the Yosemite Valley and the importance of watersheds, as well as Catalina Island off the southern coast with a focus on Marine Science and exploring the kelp forest.
International Trips
Upper School students also have an opportunity to participate in the school’s annual international trip. Trips rotate each year to a variety of destinations, including Costa Rica, Iceland, the Galapagos Islands, and New Zealand, with a focus on outdoor exploration and environmental stewardship.
Service Learning
Upper School students are also empowered to participate in a wide array of Service Learning opportunities, from working with our senior neighbors and serving at the Table of Plenty program to supporting native plant restoration projects and cleaning our local beaches.
During their 8th grade year, each student selects a service organization of personal interest to research, volunteer at, and advocate for as part of the 8th Grade Capstone Project. Students make presentations about their organization and experience to their families, faculty, and peers in the Spring.