Experiential and Outdoor Education at Crossroads School
At Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences, some of the most meaningful learning happens with a backpack on and dirt under your shoes. Whether students are hiking in Joshua Tree, stargazing on an overnight trip, or working together on a ropes course, they’re learning lessons that no textbook can teach. The school’s Experiential and Outdoor Education (EOE) program helps students stretch their minds, challenge their comfort zones, and build the kind of skills that stick — like leadership, teamwork, and good old-fashioned grit.
How Crossroads School Brings Learning to Life
Experiential education at Crossroads is designed to help students connect their studies to real-world applications.
Outdoor Adventures That Build Confidence
Outdoor trips at Crossroads are more than just fresh air and scenic views. They’re filled with challenges that help students grow in confidence and independence. Upper Schoolers have trekked through Joshua Tree, climbing rocks by day and practicing yoga at sunset. Sixth and seventh graders have explored the Wind Wolves Preserve, learning about the environment while strengthening their bond as classmates. It’s the kind of learning where muddy shoes and big smiles go hand in hand.
Real-World Learning Through Hands-On Projects
The hands-on approach doesn’t stop when the tents are packed up. Crossroads integrates experiential learning right into the curriculum. Science labs are inquiry-based and messy in the best way. Elementary students head off on overnight adventures to explore astronomy and marine biology, connecting classroom lessons to the real world. Upper Schoolers take part in ecological field studies and long-term science projects that encourage them to think critically and get their hands dirty — sometimes literally.
The Lasting Impact of Experiential Education
These experiences don’t just teach facts. They shape how students approach the world. They learn how to lead without bossing, how to work as a team without losing their voice, and how to adapt when things don’t go as planned. Whether it’s solving a group challenge on a hike or navigating a complex problem in the community, students leave these programs a little more confident and a lot more prepared.
Developing Leadership and Teamwork
You can’t learn teamwork from a slideshow, and you definitely can’t fake leadership on a trail with tired classmates and one map. Crossroads students learn to lead by doing. They support one another, take turns making decisions, and figure out how to move forward together. These are the kinds of experiences that build quiet confidence and real-life problem-solving skills.
Need Help? Cardinal Education Can Lend a Hand!
The independent admissions consultants at Cardinal Education can offer expert guidance on private school admissions, prepare for interviews and tests, and, of course, refine your personal statement. With academic coaching, test prep, and private school admissions support, we ensure students present themselves as top candidates.
For expert insights on maximizing your child’s chances of admission to Crossroads School, contact us today and let our experts guide you through the process!
Related Articles:
How to Get Into Crossroads School: What You Need To Know
The Arts at Crossroads School: Inspiring Creativity and Expression
Social Justice at Crossroads School: Empowering Students to Create Change
Frequently Asked Questions
- What types of outdoor activities do students participate in?
Outdoor education at Crossroads is anything but boring. Students swap desks for dirt trails and fluorescent lights for starlit skies. From camping trips to guided hikes and ropes courses to environmental projects, every experience is designed to build character, confidence, and connection. They might learn to navigate with a compass, pitch a tent, or work together on a conservation project. These aren’t just fun excursions — they’re hands-on lessons in leadership, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving. Whether they’re helping preserve natural habitats or tackling a team challenge in the wilderness, students come away with new skills and some pretty great stories too.
- At what grade level do students start experiential learning?
Experiential learning kicks off early at Crossroads, starting in the younger grades with nature walks, group projects, and hands-on science activities that spark curiosity. As students grow, so do the adventures. Middle Schoolers take on day trips and overnight journeys that push their limits in all the right ways. By the time students reach high school, they’re diving into internships, field research, and travel experiences that give them a serious head start for life after graduation. Crossroads builds these opportunities step by step, so students gain confidence, resilience, and real-world skills every year along the way.
- Are outdoor trips mandatory for all students?
While outdoor trips are a big part of the Crossroads experience, the school knows that one size doesn’t fit all. Most trips are encouraged, and some are built right into the curriculum, but there’s always room for flexibility. Not every student is going to feel at home on a camping trip or a ropes course, and that’s okay. The goal is to make these learning experiences meaningful and accessible, not stressful. Families can chat with teachers or administrators to find alternatives that still keep students engaged and growing. What matters most is that every student gets to learn in a way that feels right for them.
