Since its humble beginnings in a converted garage 30 years ago, Santa Lucia School has been providing a holistic, educational alternative for families in San Luis Obispo County, California. Our school, which now sits on 5 pastoral acres in rural Templeton, CA, embodies the principles of our natural surroundings.
Celebrating life through constant contact with the natural world allows a deep love and respect for nature to develop. Our classrooms, outdoor spaces and frequent field trips illuminate the wonder of the world outside. Providing experiences in nature forms a sound physiological foundation, within and without. Here on our beautiful campus students are encouraged to both explore and reflect. Learning is a way of living. All children start life intrinsically motivated to explore the world around them. They have a healthy appetite for challenge. They are born with fullness of spirit and talent that will develop and unfold over the course of a lifetime.Since 1985 the goal of Santa Lucia School has been to instill a love of learning in an atmosphere offering supportive guidance, a connection to the natural world and our greater community, and peaceful conflict resolution. It is a cooperative environment where parents, teachers and peers work together to bring forth and appreciate the very best in each child. It is a place where no child is ever left behind!
We were treated to a series of plays, and songs designed and presented by the children 1st -8th grade. Bixby chose to be the antelope in his groups performance of "Why Mosquitoes Buzz in Peoples Ears. It was a very entertaining rendition of their favorite Ananse African folk tale. They have spent much time exploring Africa this year as Bixbys good friend Cooper was born there, and played the Mother Owl...whooo did not wake up the sun after a series of misunderstandings among the animals. Bixby's favorite line was "Come here you wascally wabitts", his own addition I think, as the children are encouraged to ad lib. The older group wrote and performed an insightful humorous spoof on how a Bill goes through the political system. It included two past presidents coming back to life to observe the process !!! The middle school chose a West African Dilemma tale complete with a snoring visitor that breaks the village rule of silence at night and how his friends "cover" for him by drumming and making music.
Here are a few random photos. The play was held down the hill on the field stage. After, we all climbed up the hill to the school classroom for a lovely pot luck. The school also has its own creek behind the stage and this creek is an integral part of their school program offering exploration and swimming. I didn't take too many pictures as I mostly enjoyed the children's enthusiasm and good company. These children have a special maturity and confidence that comes from the respect for each other and their families while still retaining the magic of childhood.
The setting..down the hill, across the field
Bixby the antelope and cooper the owl
And...Kelly and Brian
The iguanas..who put sticks
in their ears to stop the annoying noise
from the mosquito buzzing.
The Antelope leads the Owl
They figure out the chain of events
that led to the owl not waking up the sun.
A final song and Bix and Cooper
get to enjoy the rest of the show
Adams and Jefferson, risen from the past
Secretaries and Senators debate an environmental bill.
Complete with supporters with posters
The whole school. Bixby seems to enjoy
listening to the music more than singing.
Its nice to be in a place where
individual differences are accepted.
And up the hill to the pot luck.
Back of Kelly, front of Mike ?
He is kind enough to wait for me !!!!
