Real-world Learning Experiences
Students experience education outside of the classroom.
Middle and Upper School students spent Outdoor and Experiential Education week connecting with nature, volunteering, visiting colleges and learning new skills. These real-world learning opportunities stretch students outside of their comfort zones, strengthen their connections with classmates and teachers, and enrich their school experience and personal growth.
Middle School Outdoor Education
The Middle School programs focus on the outdoors where students make explicit connections to their science curriculum. The universal goal is to help students face challenges and adversity in a safe, encouraging environment to develop their independence, resilience and confidence which are paramount to their well-being as adolescents.
"Catalina really helped me relax and appreciate nature and my friendships," offers Kate Fay ’28.
"I had a chance to meet new people,” shares Andrew Hamson ’28. “In Catalina, I wasn’t as self-conscious and lost the fear of being different. I did what I wanted and hung out with who I wanted without being scared."
"Catalina really helped me relax and appreciate nature and my friendships," offers Kate Fay ’28.
Grade 7 students were welcomed by dolphins, pelicans, sea lions and flying fish as they journeyed to Catalina Island. Students enjoyed learning about local flora and fauna on hikes, paddling through an obstacle course on kayaks, snorkeling and team-building activities. Some groups headed into the science center after collecting plankton samples where they viewed them under a microscope. The lab offered a chance for students to touch horn sharks, rays and urchins.
A large group of students showed up for the polar plunge at 7 a.m. to jump-start their day in the cold ocean water. Evenings were spent with astronomy talks, movies, a night snorkel, a campfire talent share, art projects and a dance.
Grades 5, 6 and 8 venture to various destinations throughout the year.
Upper School Experiential Education
Building a foundation of dignity in relationships among students, faculty, community, environment, and the self is the goal of the Upper School program. Opportunities offer a chance for students to engage with the world and look beyond themselves to understand their purpose.
“I made lifelong friends and memories on my trip to Berlin,” shares Gabriel Rosen-Ahmed ’25. “My favorite part was visiting the Holocaust Memorial because, even though it was deeply troubling, it helped me visualize everything I have learned in class.”
“While in Germany, we visited the U.S. Embassy where one of the officers spoke to us,” recalls Shane Montal ’25. “His job seemed so incredible, and I think I would enjoy it as a career. I believe every student came out of Experiential Education week feeling like a new person and having a new perspective on the world.”
Grade 9: Students left their cell phones behind and spent four days at El Capitan Canyon in the Santa Barbara area bonding as a class and building relationships. The trip focused on team building, community service, outdoor education and social development while students hiked, sea kayaked, played games and challenged their limits on the high ropes course.
Grades 10–12: Students chose from a variety of overnight program options including international travel to Berlin; hiking and camping in Utah; rebuilding New Orleans with the ongoing Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Ida relief; kayaking and snorkeling off Santa Cruz Island; and learning the history and culture of Charleston, South Carolina.
School-sponsored college and culture tours included trips to Philadelphia, Boston and Texas. Students visited a wide variety of schools to get an overview of the different types of colleges. LJCDS alumni met with students to share their stories and catch up with faculty in different cities. Some seniors chose to focus on the college admissions process back home or planned their own college visits.
For those who preferred to stay in the area, day trip options included SCUBA certification; mindfulness and its effects on the environment and top athletes; day hiking in San Diego County; visiting local STEM leaders in industry and academia; volunteering for organizations that focus on the unhoused; and Fishing and Finance for students with a passion for the ocean and the stock market.
View a slideshow of photos below.
La Jolla Country Day School
9490 Genesee Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-453-3440
© 2024 La Jolla Country Day School
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La Jolla, CA 92037
858-453-3440
© 2024 La Jolla Country Day School
Privacy Policy
COVID-19 Prevention Plan
