At Ojai Valley School, we strive to develop the intellectual and personal growth of all of our students – and Outdoor Education is a core part of that goal. The Outdoor Education program on both campuses introduces students to the stunning mountains, canyons, deserts, and beaches in the West, while teaching students how to respect and care for our fragile environment. Students in grades 9-12 participate in multi-day backpacking and camping trips in the Sespe Wilderness, Sierra Nevadas, Channel Islands National Park, and beyond. They also participate in rope course challenges, day hikes, seminars, environmental community service projects, and at least one required six-week course in Outdoor Education.

Whether hiking local trails or climbing 14,000-foot peaks in the Sierras, students experience the inherent value and beauty of places untrammeled by man. And they develop the confidence, coordination, and strength of character that will serve them for a lifetime.