During most of the academic school year, Upper School students spend a large part of each day learning in classrooms and science labs. For one week in April, we take all students out of the classroom to embark on immersive, project-based, experiential learning and discovery. Students have the opportunity to stretch their limits, deepen their sense of community with teachers and peers, broaden their knowledge through hands-on, real-world application of what they are learning in the classroom, and have meaningful service-learning experiences.
Each trip has a primary focus including service, adventure, leadership, or exploration.
This year, freshmen headed to the Central Sierra mountains for team building, high and low ropes courses, hiking in the snow, and songs around the campfire at Camp Sylvester near Pinecrest Lake. This outdoor adventure experience is designed to build community and challenge students to stretch out of their comfort zones through immersion in the great outdoors.
Sophomores headed to Catalina Island, off the coast of Southern California, to swim, hike, snorkel, connect with classmates, and learn about marine ecosystems. This trip is designed to allow students to grow personally through new experiences and challenges, while building upon the 10th Grade Biology curriculum as students learn about the uniquely beautiful island of Catalina through land and water adventures.
Juniors and seniors had their choice of adventures this year, including trips to Los Angeles for big city museums, cultural attractions, and local history; grabbing backpacks and climbing shoes for a trip to Pinnacles; a service-learning and cultural exploration of Puerto Rico, and international trips to Korea, Costa Rica, and Belize designed to encourage our students to become active global citizens.
Spring Discovery is just one way that SD students put their education into action. This yearly tradition reinforces our belief that what students do with their education is just as important as their academic achievement.