Field Work and Trips Abroad
Immerse, Understand, Connect
Located in the heart of historic Santa Barbara, close to downtown, the ocean and the mountains, Garden Street Academy is surrounded by a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Our goal is to maximize experiential opportunities by heading out as frequently as possible on trips that are planned to take advantage of these treasures. Close to home we visit museums, galleries, libraries and theaters, either in partnership with other organizations or as part of trips that students create and implement themselves.
Further afield, we head out to the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary, Los Padres Forest, and to urban centers such as Monterey, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Additional excursions have included Yellowstone National Park, Washington D.C. and New York City. Our international trips for High School students have included Paris and London. Our field trips guide students towards increasing independence and self-reliance, instill confidence and are above all educational and fun.
Outdoor Education
Contemplate and Conquer
Our Outdoor Expedition program was established to expose students to California’s rich array of habitats while challenging participants to exceed themselves when engaged in the rigors of hiking, backpacking, kayaking and mountaineering. Students learn about the basic principles of “expeditionary behavior” and discover that success usually depends on spirited teamwork and excellent individual attitudes. Students practice “Leave no Trace” ethics and endeavor to leave a forest trail or mountain slope better than they found it. Several expeditions are taken annually to venues such as Catalina Island, Los Padres National Forest, Mount Whitney, Mammoth and central California.