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Experiential Learning

Students pose during beach clean up

Kirby recognizes the importance of learning beyond the walls of a classroom. Our holistic approach to education includes opportunities for students to learn through experiences that help them shape their understanding of the world while integrating principles discussed in the classroom. These experiences include, but are not limited to, community service projects, field trips and retreats.

2025 International Trip:

Spanish Language and Culture Immersion in Buenos Aires, Argentina

This trip aims to challenge students to build cultural awareness and become better global citizens. Students will strengthen their Spanish-speaking skills while culturally immersed. They will prepare meals and take public transportation, building important life skills

Activities:

  • Tango lesson and show
  • Theater, dance, and  music performances
  • Cooking class
  • Art, dance, or music workshops
  • Soccer game
  • Museum visits
  • Graffiti tour
  • Sightseeing + walking tours
  • Language lessons
  • Language exchange with local students
  • Cultural experiences: peña, mate, asados
An colorful building in Buenos Aires
night view of Buenos Aires monument
Dancing the tango in Buenos Aires

2024 International Trip: Spain & Italy

students eat at hilltop restaurant
Students walk at greek ruins
students pose in front of cathedral
students pose in front of monument
students decend staircase
group photo in a restaurant
group photo in front of colosseum
students eat at hilltop restaurant
students approach cathedral
group photo on steps of cathedral
students engage at a market
walking down cobblestone alley
students pose in front of monument
students on a boat in Europe
Students pose on a boat
narrow street from above

I have so many amazing moments from my time [at Kirby], but one of my most memorable was going to Pompeii with my Latin teacher of six years, Tovah Keynton. Not only was it truly rewarding after so many years of study, seeing my teacher immersed in the subject she is so passionate about was genuinely so beautiful to experience.

Karen Gourlay '24

Intensive Paths

Intensive Paths give passionate students the opportunity to engage deeply with the subject area(s) that they love. When a student elects to complete an Intensive Path, it is noted on their transcript, and they complete a capstone project. 

student goes through tall grass

Retreats

One of our signature programs is the grade-level retreat. These immersive experiential learning opportunities occur in the early days of the school year. All grades participate. Retreats help establish a positive social climate. As a school that builds our success on partnership and community, we believe that providing these shared experiences will help students cultivate meaningful relationships with their peers and teachers.

Past Retreat Destinations

  • Camping, Kayaking, and Exploring Channel Islands
  • Camping and Exploring Monaña de Oro SP
  • Camping and Hiking Point Reyes Nat'l Seashore
  • Washington D.C.
  • Chicago
  • Costa Rica
  • Backpacking Desolation Wilderness
  • Backpacking Yosemite
  • River Rafting on the American River
  • Camping and Tidepooling at Costanoa
  • Civil Rights Tour: Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee

Service Learning

Service learning is an integral part of the Kirby educational experience. We pair service projects, which are hands on learning opportunities, with classroom lessons--producing a holistic learning experience.

Community Involvement Day was inspired by students who sought partnership and support from Kirby in designing academically integrated programs that serve their community.  Last year, Kirby faculty, staff and students logged over 1,000 hours of service in one day alone.

Students have taken water samples on behalf of the county, worked at election polls, organized school-wide clothing swaps, and more. Students are encouraged to pursue capstone projects for their Intensive Paths or Independent Study courses in their own areas of interest. These experiences build leadership skills and provide deeper insight into social, economic, environmental, and other forces that shape our community.