LIZARD BLOG
News, Articles, & Updates from different perspectives.
Latest News
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
6 days ago
Middle School Sports
Blog, Images, NewsMiddle School sports have kicked off with friendly volleyball and flag football games with Villanova Preparatory School.
9th Grade Environmental Science Class Visits Poco Farm
Blog, High School, NewsOur 9th grade Environmental Science class takes a trip to Poco Farm, a local nonprofit regenerative farm that opens its doors for hands-on learning opportunities.
Why We Give
Blog, Giving, Parent PerspectiveWatching our children learn and grow on this campus is something we will forever be grateful for.
Meet Our Gardening Teacher
Blog, News, Student PerspectiveGardening Teacher and OGS alumna, Arianne offers first, second, and third graders the chance to get immersed in our school garden.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Blog, NewsAs we enjoy our three-day weekend, it is important to think about what it is we commemorate and celebrate on Indigenous Peoples Day. Historically, Americans have not learned much that is authentic about the people who lived on these lands before, during, and after the arrival of the Europeans, and we seek to change this narrative at Oak Grove.
Age & Stage Meetings
Blog, News, Parent Education, Staff & FacultyAli Danch, our Director of Pastoral Care, School Counselor, and Parent Education Coordinator, talks about our recent and upcoming Age & Stage meetings.
Oak Grove Update
Blog, Parent EducationIn this Oak Grove School update, Head of School Jodi Grass explains how, as of this year, Oak Grove is 49 years old and is showing all the signs of a healthy middle adulthood.
Peace Day 2024
Blog, Parent EducationWe acknowledge Peace Day with a week-long exploration into the notion of peace and culminating in a Peace Day assembly and Lizard Group fun.
Letters of Intent
Blog, Parent EducationLetters of intent are communications that teachers write to families at the beginning of the school year which share their beliefs about children’s competence, identify key concepts that children will be learning, and reflect on the local and global community.
Age & Stage Booklet
Blog, Parent EducationOak Grove School’s Age & Stage Booklet provides a snapshot of child development recognizing that development unfolds in separate, predictable stages and is a measure of individuality, not conformity.