Trusting the Natural Intelligence of Children
“Let’s Begin with a Moment of Silence.”
At Oak Grove School in Ojai, California, we often share moments of silence with our students, from preschool through 12th grade, as a whole community, in small groups, and individually. We begin, and sometimes end, assemblies, events, and meetings with silence. Silence is weaved through our learning and teaching practices, including academics, arts, and outdoor education. We trust children’s natural intelligence and believe that self-understanding is essential to the full expression of that intelligence. These things are at the core of our ethos as a school.
What is a Moment of Silence?
A moment of silence can be an act of remembrance, tribute, prayer, or compassion; it may be a form of meditation and mindfulness. Often, silence is found in relationship with nature, in deep academic attention, and in complex problem-solving.
A Practical & Important Practice
According to scientific research, silence can assist us to concentrate, be more creative, achieve a higher level of awareness, cultivate more patience, provide a sense of calm, and encourage a higher level of learning and productivity.
“…if I think back to my schooling at Oak Grove, silence speaks loudly to what Oak Grove tries to foster in its students. We were never really instructed on what to do with the silence. It was not time for prayer, although maybe some use it that way. It was not a time to “think about what you did.” Actually, it was more like ninja training than either of those. It cultivated our long-forgotten attention spans. The silence we held together worked. You didn’t have to believe anything for it to work, it still worked, in the sense that it honed our abilities to sit with ourselves, in a very practical way.”
— Juna Rosales Muller ’06
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The Wholeness of Responsibility
Our theme for the 2023-24 school year
Each year we choose a school theme as a way to frame our ongoing inquiry into the intent of the school as articulated by our founder, J Krishnamurti. The following is a short video based on this year’s theme, The Wholeness of Responsibility.
Thought Provoking Posts & Student Articles:
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
The Pines Cleanup Service Weekend
Alum, Blog, Garden, NewsDuring a recent Spring weekend, a group of our high school and 8th grade students backpacked up Horn Canyon to The Pines campground for a weekend of fun and community service.
OGS 50th Featured in Ojai Magazine Article
Alum, Blog, News, Staff & Faculty, Student Perspective“More than 50 years ago, in the spring of 1975, Fred Hall, then editor of the Ojai Valley News, asked philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti a simple but pointed question: In a valley already full of public and private schools, why start another one?”
50th Anniversary Weekend RSVP
Alum, Blog, Events, NewsJoin us for a weekend of connection, reflection, and celebration with all those who have helped shape our community over the years.