Exploring Beyond the Classroom

Real-World Expeditions

Each week, students step beyond traditional classroom walls to explore the vibrant San Francisco community through “expeditions”—a unique version of field trips. Throughout their three-year journey, students participate in five to six diverse real-world tracks annually, each building upon the last to deepen understanding and skills

Expeditions & Real-World Application

Wednesday expeditions range from cultural field trips to local museums and historical sites, from tours of cutting-edge technology companies to engaging community service projects. Through these experiences, students apply academic knowledge in real-world settings, understand their role and influence within the community, see the relevance of their studies, and are inspired to think about how they can contribute to society.

KEY EXPEDITION TRACKS

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Students forge meaningful relationships with established partner organizations, embodying a service model rooted in reciprocity. Key partners include Sequoia Living, where students engage with older adults in various activities, and Refuse, Refuse, where students contribute to maintaining trash-free neighborhoods.

MILLENNIUM COLLABORATIVE MICRO-ECONOMY

Students operate an artisan shop, gaining comprehensive business education through product design and creation, marketing and sales, financial management, and real-world application via pop-up shops and online platforms.

CAREER EXPLORATION

This program helps students explore potential career paths through Workplace Visits for 7th graders, offering interactive experiences with professionals across various fields, and Apprenticeships for 8th graders, providing hands-on experience in chosen fields during fall intersession week.

SF NEIGHBORHOOD EXPLORATIONS

Students explore a new San Francisco neighborhood each week, engaging with long-standing community members, local businesses, and historical landmarks.

WELL-BEING

Students explore mental, physical, and emotional health through visits to institutions like the SF Zen Center, Integral Yoga Institute, SF LGBT Center, and the Heart of the City Farmer’s Market.

ARTS + CULTURE

6th grade students visit various museums and cultural centers, including the de Young Museum, Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD), Chinese Culture Center, and Asian Art Museum.

ADVISORY-LED EXPEDITIONS

Students plan and execute two expeditions per year, fostering independence and teamwork through activities like escape room challenges, ice skating adventures, and local food tours.

These diverse expeditions provide students with practical skills, real-world experience, and a deeper understanding of their community and potential future paths.