Aprendizaje experiencial y de servicio
Learning that happens outside the classroom unlocks deeper levels of understanding and appreciation. Whether that’s through a regular practice of giving back to the community or via an international journey, it makes a difference in students’ lives and in our communal future.
Open to the World
The more exposure students have to the many cultures that exist around us, locally and globally, the better stewards they become. Experiential and service learning makes our lives more meaningful.
Aprendizaje experiencial
Students from Preschool to Grade 8 venture beyond campus on field trips that explore the rich cultural landscape of their neighborhood, their city, and the broader Bay Area. These experiences – which range from visits to museums and libraries to explorations of nature preserves and cultural centers – open students up to the lessons that can only be taught outside of the classroom, and offer unique opportunities to learn through hands-on inquiry.
Upper elementary and middle school La Scuola classes travel across the state — and world — for multi-day adventures. These hands-on experiences demonstrate how science, art, humanities, and more connect with in-class learning and the themes students are exploring.
These learning experiences are just one way we help students be open to the world.
4th Grade | Three-day NatureBridge Experience in the Marin Headlands
5th Grade | Five-days of Camping at Caritas Creek
6th Grade | Five-days of Camping at Nature Bridge in Yosemite
7th Grade | Five-days of Camping in Mendocino
8th Grade | Two Weeks in Italy: La Scuola students engage in intercultural and language immersion and service within a global context during this annual travel-study trip to Italy. This journey is the culmination of all our students have learned and experienced during their years at La Scuola.
In Italy, our near-graduates experience first-hand how their academic learning fits within a far broader historical, cultural, and political context. They test their Italian, challenge their assumptions, and step closer to adulthood.
Service Learning
La Scuola International School students participate in service learning projects beginning in elementary school, culminating in the PYP Exhibition — in-depth inquiries into real-life issues with learnings synthesized for sharing with the community. More detail on service learning and community engagement at La Scuola is available here.
Residential Service Learning Project | 7th Grade
Each year, La Scuola seventh graders engage in a residential community engagement and service learning project that addresses the needs of underserved populations in San Francisco.
For example, in one recent year our students worked in the food pantry at the Women’s Building in the Mission District. This service work inspired a math project in which students applied statistics to analyze data on food distribution and demographics to improve the Women’s Building reach.
Community Projects | 8th Grade
The Community Project is the capstone assignment of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. Through this, eighth graders research and address a community issue, then publicly present their findings.
In recent years, La Scuola students have engaged with issues including food insecurity, hate speech, and the accessibility of mental health resources. Through Community Projects, students sharpen their critical thinking skills and meaningfully engage in community service.