Santa Cruz County Resident Outdoor Science School

Santa Cruz County Resident Outdoor Science School is a school without walls or desks where classes take place in the forest, at the edge of the creek, in the chaparral, and in the meadow. The program emphasizes hands-on learning in the science of ecology, focusing on the relationship between living things and their environment. Students share cabin living, which includes sharing chores and living in small groups, and high school students serve as cabin leaders with supervised leadership training and community service.

• Ages: 10–12 years old
• Schedule: Fifth- and/or sixth-grade students attend for four or five days living on site

The mission of Santa Cruz County Resident Outdoor Science School emphasizes ecology as the main subject area and aims for understanding of basic ecological concepts. The program also emphasizes the 3 Rs: respect, responsibility, and reliability, which are reinforced through sharing chores and small group living, and encourages students to understand the importance of a positive attitude and being willing to adapt to new settings and situations. The Santa Cruz County Outdoor Science School maintains a certification from the California Outdoor School Association (COSA), a statewide network of outdoor schools and faculty managed by local educational agencies. The program is sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education and is led by Director Heather MacDougall Molloy and Superintendent Dr. Faris Sabbah. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education seeks corporate partnerships to support hands-on science and real-world learning experiences connected to this program.

Last updated March 21, 2026.