Celebrate Nonprofits - San Roque School

Where students are artists, scientists, historians, mathematicians, poets, actors, athletes, musicians, and scholars of the world around them

At San Roque School and San Roque High School, rigorous academics are incorporated into real life experiences to educate the whole child.

"We believe that when children are afforded opportunities to pursue their natural curiosity, harness it as an academic force by engaging in meaningful and guided experiences, they learn more deeply, and ultimately transform themselves and the world around them," commented Headmaster Mike Hagan and research consultant Ralph Cordova.

"Being a progressive independent private school allows us the freedom from a confining educational system, where decisions are sometimes based on politics and adult agendas and not necessarily on research and solid theory about how children or people engage in learning," stated Hagan. "At San Roque School we are only accountable for what is best for children. Teachers and the administration make curricular decisions based on research about how children best learn, with respect for both the individual and the community of learners."

Facilitators develop a plan for each student, or group of students, and implement it in a manner designed to best meet those children's needs. Students participate in meaningful activities, which help facilitate the development of values, respect for themselves and others, cooperation and a livelong love of learning.

Development of mathematical concepts and scientific thinking and processes are integrated into a varied curriculum which encourages students to explore the world around them, and challenges them to respond on many levels of thinking and learning.

Understanding of the world and history is facilitated through a course of study where children are encouraged to view specific events, times and people from a variety of perspectives.

San Roque students don't just learn science - they become scientists.

San Roque doesn't just teach reading and writing -
their students become authors and poets.

San Roque School and San Roque High School offer a full complement of academic programs and electives for all age groups. Specialists support all programs, including science, art, music, science, athletics, foreign language, technology, drama, horticulture and culinary arts.

Kindergarten, elementary and middle school programs are based at the San Roque neighborhood campus, 3214 Calle Cedro, Santa Barbara. A licensed preschool is also available.

The San Roque campus was recently renovated and all studios (classrooms) include state-of-the-art technology and other amenities that create an environment where children have the greatest opportunity to grow and learn.

The cozy library holds more than 30,000 volumes and includes a fireplace; many authors have enjoyed reading to the students in this comfortable space. A science lab and an art room with a kiln offer space for children to explore and create. An art patio, science garden and outdoor classroom spaces were created so that children could connect with nature and the environment. An amphitheater, for dramatic presentations and musical programs, lies at one end of the lush green courtyard in the center of the school. The teaching kitchen serves an educational purpose and allows families to share breakfast with their children and teachers before each school day. Three separate playgrounds provide for children of different ages.

Children of all ages conduct research in the community. Recent field trips include Catalina Island Marine Institute at Fox Landing, a private ranch on the Gaviota Coast, and a historic Montecito estate.

San Roque School will offer a full course of classes for 9th and 10th grade students starting in Fall 2005. These classes will be based at the new Garden Street Campus, 2300 Garden Street in Santa Barbara. San Roque High School students use a variety of local venues as their classrooms.

San Roque School is now enrolling all grades, pre-school to 10th grade, for fall 2005. San Roque School encourages and admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin. For an application or to arrange for a tour, please call 687-3717, ext. 128, or visit our web site: www.sanroqueschool.com.