Whether entering in the Primary, Elementary, Middle or High School grades, your student will find an academic program that is engaging and ignites a love of learning. In the Primary and Elementary grades, children develop social and academic skills, self-reliance and community awareness. This is accomplished in small classes, averaging about 12 students, where skilled teachers focus on individual needs. Classes focus on building foundational skills in math, reading and writing. Children are introduced to music, art, woodshop, Spanish, science, social studies, equestrian, physical education and outdoor education.
In Middle School, grades 6-8, the curriculum becomes more challenging. Students are presented with an integrated course of study in math, science, technology, and engineering. They develop solid writing, research, and reading skills through a literature-based curriculum in language arts and social science. They also study Spanish and enjoy co-curricular classes in fine and performing arts. Threaded throughout the curriculum are hands-on learning experiences designed to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. In sixth grade, for example, students venture outside the classroom for a series of field-study trips to observe and analyze the local watershed, starting in mountains north of Ojai all the way down to the river estuary in Ventura. In eighth grade, students travel with their class to Washington D.C. to gain a fresh perspective on United States history and government. Whether deconstructing Shakespeare, building skateboards in woodshop or leading an All-School assembly, students are given numerous opportunities for independence and personal growth.
At the high school, grades 9-12, the academic program offers an array of college preparatory and Advanced Placement courses, as well as unique interdisciplinary and hands-on classes such as Environmental Justice, Equine Science, Journalism, Robotics, and Literature of the Wilderness. Beyond academics, students have the opportunity to participate in athletics, equestrian, clubs, community service activities, outdoor education, and much more.
Our graduates attend some of the finest colleges and universities in the country. But they also leave with qualities that don’t show up on a high school transcript: a strong work ethic, a sense of integrity and responsibility, an appreciation of cultural diversity, and a respect for the natural world.