LIZARD BLOG
News, Articles, & Updates from different perspectives.
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Difficult ConversationsApril 26, 2026 - 10:30 pm
The Art of Living & LearningApril 19, 2026 - 5:08 pm
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
🌿 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
5 days ago
High School Winter Showcase 2024
Arts, Blog, Events, High School, HS Showcase, News, Showcase, Student PerspectiveEnjoy video and photos from this year’s High School Winter Showcase highlighting theater, dance, studio arts, ceramics, woodworking, & music.
Alumni Profile: Eric Olsen ’12
Alum, BlogEric worked as a communications director and senior advisor on Capitol Hill before returning to California to join the USC Rossier School of Education.
Fourth Grade Field Trip to Santa Cruz Island
Blog, News, Outdoor EducationBy integrating literature, history, geography, art, and science, this experience of visiting the Channel Islands helps students to build a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Annual Fundraising Tea 2024
Blog, Events, NewsWatch the full Annual Fundraising Tea event including a musical performance and speakers, all reflecting on our theme for the year.
Why We Give
Blog, Giving, Parent PerspectiveWe feel strongly that the world needs more places like this. Krishnamurti talked about education and “the flowering of goodness.” That is a perfect way of explaining what we see in the students all around this campus.
Video: A Light to Oneself, A Light to the World
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.
Violet’s Tea Poem
Blog, High School, News, Student PerspectiveViolet McMurray ’25, a student passionate about writing and horse riding, shared a poem during this year’s tea.
Alumni Profile: Shannon Ross ’14
Alum, BlogAfter studying and traveling the world, she is back in Ojai and runs her company Springer, which develops innovative products for pets.
Alumni Profile: Malika Lindsay ’90
Alum, BlogMalika attended Oak Grove from 1984 to 1990 when she graduated as the school’s first Black student and first OGS class to travel to India. She currently lives in Mississippi, where she works as a college counselor and independent educational consultant.
In Service of Our School for Open House
Blog, High School, NewsIn preparation for welcoming all of our current students and families for Open House, our high school held its first Service Day of the year.