Teacher Feature: Meredith Thomas

Middle School Science Teacher and Service Learning Coordinator

In this brief but informative video, we learn more about our middle school’s unique science program from Meredith’s own perspective.

“This is exactly how I envisioned teaching going…being outside, in nature, but also having those classroom elements, it’s like the best of both worlds.” – Meredith Thomas

Recent Blog Posts:

A Place for All in Tiny Town

Blog, Early Childhood, News

While 1st graders were imagining Tiny Town, they also decided our town needed to take care of ALL people and ALL of nature.

Garden Dispatch: Spring is Stirring!

Blog, Garden, News

Spring is here and the garden is buzzing with life and connection between the grades – it’s beautiful to witness.

The Pines Cleanup Service Weekend

Alum, Blog, Garden, News

During 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.

As Our Circle GrowsApril 28, 2026 - 2:07 pm
Trust in Human ConsciousnessApril 28, 2026 - 1:08 pm
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

Instagram

The addition of our four-legged friends joining for one of last week`s high school backpack trips made it extra special. Not only did they carry gear, but they also provided some fresh milk along the way. A nice treat while hiking through our beautiful local backcountry! #packgoats #lospadresnationalforest #springtrips #sespewilderness #theartoflivingandlearning #outdooreducation #highschool #oakgroveschoolojai

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The addition of our four-legged friends joining for one of last week's high school backpack trips made it extra special. Not only did they carry gear, but they also provided some fresh milk along the way. A nice treat while hiking through our beautiful local backcountry! #packgoats #lospadresnationalforest #springtrips #sespewilderness #theartoflivingandlearning #outdooreducation #highschool #oakgroveschoolojai

This weekend Oak Grove School
welcomes the KFA Annual May Gathering. We hope to see you on campus for one of the many offerings.

Learn more: https://www.kfa.org/may-gathering-2026/
#theartoflivingandlearning #oakgroveschoolojai
#krishnamurtifoundationamerica #educationandthesignificanceoflife

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This weekend Oak Grove School
welcomes the KFA Annual May Gathering. We hope to see you on campus for one of the many offerings.

Learn more: https://www.kfa.org/may-gathering-2026/
#theartoflivingandlearning #oakgroveschoolojai
#krishnamurtifoundationamerica #educationandthesignificanceoflife

🌿 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

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🌿 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

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