Schools

School Programs:

Scientific Inquiry. Being observant. Meaning-Making. Forming questions.
Noticing patterns. Seeing interactions. Problem solving.
Inter-connectedness. Cultivating. Exploring.

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A typical field trip integrates our leading-edge Field Studies with Mountain Adventure and/or Wellness curricula. Serving over 2,000 students annually, we customize our programming to meet your goals, needs, and challenges. Top private schools and inspired public schools return year after year. Contact Preston Alden, School Programs Manager, preston@sierraexperience.org

Who We Serve:

Youth of all backgrounds in 4th through 12th grade, with programs ranging from academic rigor to alternative education/enrichment.

Field Curricula:

Forest Ecology • Meadow / Wetland Studies • Climate Change • Snow Science • Geology • Human History Learn More

Mountain Adventures:

Rock climbing • Hiking. Snowshoeing • Kayaking • Skiing • Snowboarding • Yoga • Mindfulness Learn More

Wellness Curricula:

A menu of our most popular programs. Learn More

Aligned with Standards:

Our curricula is shaped by Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), STEM principles, CrossCutting Concepts and science / engineering practices. Learn More

Our Scientific Method:

Ecology & Our approach to scientific inquiry. Learn More

Faculty / Staff Training:

Available by Request. Curricula support, specific modality / method training or field studies adventure-learning retreat. Offered in keynote, workshop, retreat, or on-going formats; at our site or yours.

Well-Rounded Program:

Interdisciplinary; SEL informed. Learn More

Our Faculty:

Leading research scientists. Credentialed and advanced degree teachers. Gifted naturalists. World-class mountaineers. Local ecologists. Holistic Educators. Learn More

Lodging:

Sierra Club’s historic Clair Tappaan Lodge. Learn More

Costs:

Cost of the program is $125 per person, per day (plus tax on meals): includes lodging, 3 meals per day, guide and educational services. The average program is 3-4 days. Scholarships are available. Learn More

“Can we secure your program for our next year’s Freshman Enrichment Block? From all I observed and heard this year’s experience was a home run for all participants, we are eager to keep it going!”

Dr. Al Adams – Headmaster Lick Wilmerding High School

2016-12-17T22:44:26+00:00

Dr. Al Adams – Headmaster Lick Wilmerding High School

“This program was superb, you met all my needs for educational, cultural, outdoor and social experiences.”

Ms. Leslie Trook, Principal A.P. Giannini Middle School

2016-12-17T22:43:51+00:00

Ms. Leslie Trook, Principal A.P. Giannini Middle School

“This great trip has broadened my perspective on the natural world, its history, and my role for its future.”

Kelly 12th grade

2016-12-17T22:38:57+00:00

Kelly 12th grade

“Spending 5 days with 19 kids from both Rural and Urban areas in California, I was impressed and filled with hope at the level of understanding and concern that these young adults have for the future of their communities. Gateway Mountain Center was vital in setting the stage for these kids’ success.”

Anna Toso, Sierra Business Council

2016-12-17T22:47:08+00:00

Anna Toso, Sierra Business Council

“This award for Service is presented to Peter Mayfield for dedication and hard work in helping prevent and reduce the use of methamphetamine in our community.”

County Health and Human Services Dept. 2009

2016-12-17T22:46:12+00:00

County Health and Human Services Dept. 2009

“If the creative fires within our young people are not fed, nurtured, and added to the communal hearth, they will burn down the structures of society just to feel the warmth.”

Joseph Chilton Pierce

2016-12-17T22:44:59+00:00

Joseph Chilton Pierce

“I have seen first hand the powerful impact this program has had on many of our students. The effects are seen in physical and emotional well-being and also academic accomplishment.”

Debbie Spohr, Sierra High School Counselor

2016-12-17T22:45:40+00:00

Debbie Spohr, Sierra High School Counselor

“In the end we will only conserve what we love, we will only love what we understand, and we will only understand what we are taught.”

Baba Dioum, Senegalese conservationist

2016-12-17T22:47:38+00:00

Baba Dioum, Senegalese conservationist

“My guide was extraordinary –brilliant, enthusiastic and energetic, the trip was a terrific success.”

Mike McGarry – math teacher

2016-12-17T22:43:08+00:00

Mike McGarry – math teacher