Experiential Education

As they scale imposing cliffs, students prepare to take on college entrance exams, career paths, and relationships that work. The turn of a potter's wheel becomes associated with the joy of self-expression. Air that burns like fire in the lungs while skiing through freshly fallen powder becomes a preview of future risks on behalf of excellence. Based on the premise that field experience greatly enhances classroom learning, Oakley organizes students' recreational learning into Module Programs. These programs explore service opportunities, the arts, and outdoor education adventures. Here, students master various skills, improve natural abilities and are motivated to share their capabilities with others.

Our module program is syllabus and credit based, designed to offer in depth seven week immersion in a variety of skills, passions, and opportunities to give back to the community. The students are immersed in module coursework all day on Friday and all day on Saturday, logging in 16 hours of course time each weekend.

Click here for Outdoor Recreation Equipment and Attire list >>

Click here for a list of Module Course Offerings >>

Each module has components of community service, skill building and immersion in maintenance and repair of equipment, and lots of fun and enjoyment. It is our hope that each student can take any of these newfound passions and implement them in their daily or weekly lives once they are young adults creating their own independent, balanced life during and after college.

We offer a choice of up to 10 different options each 7-week block with courses falling into three main focus areas: service opportunities, the fine arts, and outdoor education adventures. Students are asked to participate in at least one 7-week fine arts course, one 7-week community service course, and at least two 7-week experiential courses. After fulfilling these requirements, the students are free to explore and enjoy the many choices available to them each session.

• Our outdoor education options include kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, river ecology and fly fishing during the spring, summer, and fall. The majority of our student body takes advantage of ”the greatest snow of Earth” through alpine, telemark and Nordic skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing during the winter season.

• Our fine arts options include ceramics, sculpture, photography, print making, furniture making, puppetry, 3D design, and public art. Students spend time on campus in our art studios, but they are also out on snowshoes with their cameras taking pictures, down in Salt Lake City touring museums, attending art shows and taking part in fundraising and community involvement through the arts.

• Our community service options include working with city elementary schools teaching English or reading, equestrian services for children with disabilities, volunteering at the recycling center, cooperative home building, trail maintenance with the Forest Service, women’s and youth shelter support, and substance abuse and recovery programs. Students also apply physical skills within the community through active volunteering and racing in mountain bike races, triathlons, foot races and winter sports events. Click here to learn more about how Oakley Students Give Back >>

Community service hours are counted and documented on our student transcripts for each trimester of credit.

Click here to view module instructors and staff >>

Oakley Snowriders 2008