Rock Tree Sky

Ojai, CA

Learning as wondrous as the surroundings

Rock Tree Sky’s founders sought to offer kids an environment grounded not in compliance, but in their natural curiosity and propensity to learn. What began in 2016 as two adults and 17 homeschoolers in a 600 square-foot makerspace and a backyard has become a learning community of over 200 young people on a dynamic campus in the Topatopa Mountains of Upper Ojai, California. Even that beautiful scenery can’t hold a candle to the children’s joy and growth.

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See for yourself

What it looks and feels like

At Rock Tree Sky (RTS), learners shape their education through self-directed exploration. Whether building rockets, growing culinary mushrooms, orchestrating a campus post office, or exploring the creek, each activity is a choice made by the young people. The day begins and ends with consistent rhythms in home base groups, providing a supportive structure. In between, learners engage in myriad activities offered by mentors, specialists, parents, and the learners themselves. Through this approach, learners not only acquire deep content knowledge and valuable skills but also foster a strong sense of self, community, and a genuine love for learning. At Rock Tree Sky, learning, relationships, and joy are far from mutually exclusive—they are interdependent.

Adults here have power with the students—not over them. This place supports the autonomy of children as their own kind of river. That’s why we make offerings, but the kids are free to decide if that’s how they want to spend their time.
ROCK TREE SKY GUIDE

THE IMPACT

13.9x

increase in learner enrollment over seven years

4

public and charter school partners utilize Rock Tree Sky as a vendor for district-allocated enrichment funds, so learners can attend 1–2 days per week

40%

of current high school learners dual enrolled in college classes

MODEL HIGHLIGHTS

Experiential, self-directed learning

Learners follow their passions and curiosities in Rock Tree Sky’s vibrant environment. With access to resources like a wood shop, science and design lab, kitchen, garden, and abundant nature, learners opt into various offerings or pursuits they conceive of themselves.

Educators as guides

In addition to hosting learning opportunities, each Rock Tree Sky educator is the identified “champion” for a home base group of 12–16 similar-aged learners. In this role, they foster relationships, ensure personalized support, witness and help to document learning while building family connections.

Entrepreneurial and internship opportunities

Utilizing community partnerships, RTS supports learners in launching businesses and interning with small business owners. Youth practice 21st-century skills, collaborating on business ideas, accounting, marketing, and the interpersonal skills required in sales.