Los Angeles as our extended campus

Curiosity gets sparked by real places and real people, so we go and find them.

Learning Expeditions are purposeful field trips that turn Southern California into a classroom for hands-on discovery and cultural connection.

Los Angeles is one of the most diverse, culturally rich, and dynamic cities in the world, and we use that. Expeditions take students across neighborhoods, museums, parks, and institutions where they meet experts, ask questions, and put themselves in new environments. Each trip is designed to be developmentally appropriate, hands-on, and connected to what is happening in class.

Recent expeditions

Santa Monica Public Library

Research, storytelling, and what a public resource is for.

Chavez Ravine

The history of the neighborhood that existed before Dodger Stadium.

California Science Center

The Space Shuttle Endeavour, and the engineering and astronomy behind it.

Olvera Street

Dia de los Muertos altars, and the symbolism and community behind the tradition.

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

The water cycle, landforms, and local ecology, on foot.

Santa Cruz Island

Untouched ecosystems, endemic species, and the human role in conservation.

The annual camping trip

Two nights of community building, outdoor education, and environmental stewardship. More about camping.

A PS1 student presenting research to classmates

Skills that outlast the trip

On expeditions, students learn to navigate public spaces, ask thoughtful questions, engage respectfully with experts, and collaborate with peers. That builds confidence, independence, and adaptability.

They also get to practice real problem-solving, reflection, and teamwork. Students begin to understand that learning is not something that happens in isolation.