Experiential Learning
In the Lower School, Service Learning is integrated into core classroom instruction, specialist classes, “Buddy” groups of mixed ages, and X-Care. The specific project or activity is determined by the curriculum and by the interests of the students and teachers. Students have cleaned Lake Merritt, collected food for the food bank, sewn baby quilts, and worked to expand recycling and composting on campus. Through “Growing Up G.R.E.E.N.,” every time a student plants a seed for the RDS garden, they plant another that, once a seedling, will be donated to community gardens in Oakland.
In the spring, K-5 students participate in Good Cents for Oakland. Students learn about community and historic helpers, discuss/vote on issues (Kids, Planet, Animals), and organize a Penny Round-up. Third to 5th grade students on the Student Roundtable coordinate student elections, research issues, and interview potential non-profit recipients of funds. In 2007, students focused on helping animals, 
raising funds for the SPCA. In 2008, students voted to help the planet, raising over $2,500 in pennies and coins – a record for Good Cents – for Oakland Technology Exchange (OTX West), a non-profit dedicated to bridging the digitaldivide in Oakland by refurbishing and providing high quality computers to the Oakland community. Students also organized an E-Waste recycling fair for OTX-West, re-directing over 8,000 pounds of E-Waste away from the landfill.
Beginning in 4th grade and continuing throughout Middle School, our students embark on an outdoor adventure for 3-6 days. The purpose of these trips is to bring our students into environments they might not otherwise be exposed to, to deepen their appreciation for others, the environment, and themselves.
4th grade: Mosaic Outdoor School helps students celebrate diversity,become aware of stereotypes and prejudice, learn to respect themselves and others, and develop skills in communication and nonviolent conflict resolution.
5th grade: The Marin County Outdoor School at Walker Creek Ranch inspires and motivates students to achieve an appreciation of the natural world. Using principals of thematic instruction, the Outdoor School enhances students’ critical thinking, processing, and socialization skills.
