What is Education?
The Awakening of Intelligence
Inspired by the teachings of Krishnamurti, the purpose of the school is to honor each student’s innate intelligence with the goal of realizing human potential for the individual’s sake, and the sake of humanity, while also providing comprehension and functional knowledge— practical and technical.
Providing an excellent academic program is vital. One must learn to communicate well and be able to deeply explore math, recognize great works of poetry and art, have a solid concept of world religions, geography, and science, develop skills in organization, use tools (physical and technological), be comfortable with public speaking, create and read music, and explore a somatic understanding of one’s body through sports, yoga, breathing, and dance. One must be able to develop proficiency in exploring the natural world and in traveling in cultures different from one’s own.
What, however, is required for the honoring of one’s innate intelligence? This aspect of our purpose is a bit more difficult to implement, as the teachings suggest that there is no way or method. We approach this, therefore, with openness and inquiry, opportunities for self-reflection, silence, pure observation, physical and psychological space, stretching our comfort zone, exploring our relationship to nature, ourselves, others, and the world. All this could be seen as within the realm of self-understanding, as a way to awaken the individual child’s perfect intelligence.
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Complete this brief form to connect with Joel, from our Admissions team.
“Education in our schools is not only the acquisition of knowledge but what is far more important – the awakening of intelligence which will then utilize knowledge. It is never the other way round. The awakening of intelligence is our concern in all these schools, and the inevitable question then arises: how is this intelligence to be awakened? What is the system, what is the method, what is the practice? This very question implies that one is still functioning in the field of knowledge. The realization that it is a wrong question is the beginning of the awakening of intelligence. The practice, the method, the system in our daily life make for a matter of routine, a repetitive action, and so a mechanical mind. The continuous movement of knowledge, however specialized, puts the mind into a groove, into a narrow way of life. To learn to observe and understand this whole structure of knowledge is to begin to awaken intelligence.”
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Preschool through High School, Boarding, & Parent Ed
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The Mirror of Relationship
J. Krishnamurti, world-renowned teacher on the entire field of human consciousness and founder of Oak Grove and schools in India and England, wrote many letters during 1978-1980 to stay in touch and convey his philosophy “that these schools are not only to be excellent academically but much more.”
In this short video from 2019, students read excerpts from his 1978 Letter to the Schools emphasizing the meaning of relationship and intelligence.
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
Tomorrow is Today
Blog, NewsOn August 28,1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his most famous speech, “I Have a Dream.”
What is Education
Blog, NewsAt 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.
MLK Day Celebration 2021
Blog, News, Student PerspectiveWe are always honored to be part of this important community celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who said, “Change does not roll on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.”