LIZARD BLOG
News, Articles, & Updates from different perspectives.
Latest News
A Visit Through Fresh EyesMarch 26, 2026 - 5:39 pm
A Place for All in Tiny TownMarch 24, 2026 - 6:36 pm
Garden Dispatch: Spring is Stirring!March 19, 2026 - 9:56 pm
The Pines Cleanup Service WeekendMarch 11, 2026 - 5:44 pm
OGS 50th Featured in Ojai Magazine ArticleMarch 10, 2026 - 6:32 pm
🌿 Nature is the best teacher! Our High School East–West Psychology class recently had the privilege of immersing themselves in the lush beauty of Taft Gardens, Ojai’s 264-acre hidden gem.
In this wildlife sanctuary, students explored Ecopsychology: the study of how our minds and the natural world are deeply related. Research suggests that just two hours a week in nature significantly boosts well-being, and our students put that to the test! 🌎
To explore ancient Eastern philosophies of interconnectedness, beauty, and harmony, the class conducted a sensory awareness exercise. By pausing to notice the sights, sounds, smells, and textures around them, students observed the immediate shift in their own inner states. 🌱
Here are a few reflections from the exercise:
💬 "To me, nature is medicine. Just like how some people go to a temple during hard times, or even on regular days. Nature reminds us of what’s true and reconnects us to our purpose."
💬 "I feel connected to the place because of the serene energy it exudes."
💬 "When we crossed over the little river, I instantly became aware of my surroundings, it almost felt magnetic."
By learning to notice the small details around us, we are invited to notice the subtle movements within.
📷 Select photos by 9th grade student Novella
#EastWestPsychology #Ojai #EcoPsychology #OutdoorLearning #MentalHealth #StudentLife
Registration is open for our 2026 Summer Camps. Check out the exciting variety of offerings for ages 3-18! ☀️🎉 (linktree in bio)
oakgroveschool.org/programs/SUMMER
#ojaisummercamp #oakgroveschoolojai #prekthru12 #fun #learning #creativity #friends
Thanks to Vitalant all who were able to come out Saturday and give blood in honor of Ruby Doss `15 and her one-year anniversary of needing five blood transfusions to save her life during childbirth. What a way to give back @rubydossequine !
Find a blood drive near you @vitalantca
#everydropcounts #blooddrives #gratitude #oakgrovealumni
Last weekend, a group of our high school and 8th grade students backpacked up Horn Canyon to The Pines campground on Friday evening and spent time continuing to restore the campground—pulling weeds, cutting back brush, leveling tent areas, and helping with general camp maintenance.
On Saturday afternoon, a group hiked up to the ridge and towards Chief’s Peak, enjoying incredible views of the Ojai Valley, and all the way out to the Channel Islands.
We headed back to town on Sunday morning with tired bodies, but energized souls.
It was a rewarding experience, a great adventure, and a lot of fun. We’re grateful for the students’ hard work and adventurous spirit, and we look forward to more opportunities for trips like this in the future.
Thanks to everyone who participated and supported!
#communityservice #backpacking #lospadresnationalforest #friendship #nature #theartoflivingandlearning #oakgroveschoolojai
1 day ago
Oak Grove at the KFI Teaching Conference
Blog, Events, Krishnamurti, News, Parent Education, Staff & FacultyLast month, our Dean of Studies, Will Hornblower, embarked on a trip to India to attend the annual Krishnamurti Schools Teaching Conference in Chennai. Here’s what he found there.
Third Graders Make Acorn Pancakes
Blog, News, Parent Education, Staff & FacultyAs part of their recent social studies project, learning about the Chumash people of this area, our third grade students made acorn pancakes with former Oak Grove Director, teacher, and current Board member Karen Hesli.
Annual Fundraising Tea 2023
Blog, Events, NewsWatch the full Annual Fundraising Tea event including a musical performance and speakers, all reflecting on our theme for the year.
Lizard Talk with Dr. Emily Scibetta
Blog, Events, NewsDuring her Lizard Talk, Emily shared her professional journey in medicine with our high school students and faculty.
Video: The Wholeness of Responsibility
Blog, Krishnamurti, News, Outdoor Education, Parent Education, Staff & Faculty, Student PerspectiveEach year, a guiding theme for the year is chosen. This theme provides opportunities, throughout the year, for our entire school community to reflect on a specific topic of discussion.
DEIB Committee
Blog, News, Parent Education, Parent PerspectiveOak Grove’s committee for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) met in early October to welcome new members and shape our hopes for this school year.
Alumni Profile: Dr. Jayson Waters ’10
Alum, BlogDr Jayson Waters graduated from Oak Grove in 2010. Originally from Australia, he attended the school as a boarder on a scholarship program funded by the American, British, and Australian Krishnamurti Foundations. He shares his Oak Grove story and talks about his work in Quantum Meta-Ethics at the University of Sydney.
Alumni Profile: Genevieve Sky Waltcher ’05
Alum, BlogAlumni Genevieve Sky Waltcher reflects in her brief bio: “Oak Grove was more than a school; it was a family and a sanctuary to learn to be.”
Peace Day 2023
Blog, Events, NewsAt Oak Grove, we acknowledged World Peace Day with a week-long exploration into the notion of peace. Throughout campus, we celebrated Peace Week within the classroom curriculum, through the construction of a collaborative art installation titled “Our Garden of Responsibility.”
Community of Learning
Blog, Events, News, Parent Education, Parent PerspectiveThe Stanford psychologist, Carol Dweck said: “If parents want to give their children a gift, the best thing they can do is to teach their children to love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy effort, and keep on learning.” How can we extend this philosophy to our larger learning community of teachers, coaches, and staff members?