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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

8th grade students sitting around white water rafts smiling
Students build structure out of sticks
Students on a hike
Students smile on a hike
Students pose for the camera outside
Students pose on the beach
Group photo of students on the beach
Students pose in hallowed out tree
Students pose in from of stack of whitewater rafts
Students splash water from their raft during rafting trip
Group of students pose with paddles during rafting trip
Students splash from their raft on rafting trip
Students hold paddles high on rafting trip
Large group photo out in nature on a hike
Four students stand on a stump
Students pose in front of pitched tent with camping gear
Group of students pose on turf field indoors
Student rides strange looking stationary bike on retreats
Students gather in square at tables
Students gather in a circle in front of a greenhouse
Students pose in front of the White House
Student pose in front of Lincoln Memorial
Students walk up stairs of Lincoln memorial
Students pose in front of mosaic giraffe mural
Students pose in front of an elephant at Museum of Natural History
Students pose in front of Washington Monument
Group of students pose in front of a lake in the wildnerness
Student poses near alpine lake
Students hike in wilderness
Students sit at picnic table in the wilderness

Intensive Paths

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 DC
  • Chicago
  • Costa Rica
  • Backpacking Desolation Wilderness
  • Backpacking Yosemite
  • River Rafting on the American River
  • Camping and Tidepooling at Costanoa

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.