A culmination of our Outdoor Education curriculum, Fall and Spring Treks provide students with opportunities to build community, connect with nature, and build skills such as resilience, self-reliance, and teamwork. These skills develop over time as students expand their comfort zones and gain confidence. Jr. Elementary students begin with a day trek and build skills throughout their elementary years, working toward the skill needed for the multi-day backpacking trip they will participate in when they reach Jr. High.

“When taking treks in the elementary program, I was able to further my connection with the outdoors and my hands-on education. I still reflect on these experiences with great joy and think about how they helped me become the person I am today.” - Sebastian Schuyler

“I still remember the first backpacking trip the Jr. High went on, the feeling of accomplishment as we crested the ridge and made it to the lake. I remember being hungry and sore, but in that moment, looking out across the crystal clear water, I couldn’t bring myself to care.” - Harlow H. J. Hunt

The elementary curriculum is based on the idea of Cosmic Education. Elementary students have a curiosity about the entirety of the Universe and are ready to venture beyond their classrooms in their quest for knowledge. Student-planned outings are supported by our family volunteers as small groups go out into the community to consult with local experts about topics of interest. Elementary students organize and plan small group outings to places such as the library, museums, or the ABQ Biopark to research topics of interest.

“I remember visiting the Maxwell Museum to view the bones of small mammals as part of my research for a report I was working on; that was the day I learned what ‘taxidermy’ meant.”
Elsa Molina