Redwood Day’s Signature Programs are where specialized instruction meets real-world application. These distinctive experiences transform learning into leadership, allowing students to apply and expand their knowledge far beyond the classroom walls. Whether they are using Oakland as a living laboratory, opting into high-school-style Advanced Topics electives, or building social-emotional courage through our Equity and Inclusion work, every program is designed to cultivate the agency and intellectual skills your child needs to thrive.
Oakland as a Classroom: Learning Without Walls - the City as Our Classroom
Our signature Oakland as a Classroom program transforms the entire city and the Bay Area into a living laboratory for real-world discovery. We break down the traditional "school walls," sending students into our vibrant community for meaningful, hands-on experiences that cultivate empathy and advocacy. For our students, learning truly moves beyond the classroom to inspire a deep appreciation for the region we call home.
The program evolves across every grade level, from foundational service-learning projects in Lower School to student-led grants in Middle School that directly fund local causes. The journey culminates in 8th grade with mini-internships and professional shadowing alongside Oakland’s civic, business, and nonprofit leaders, empowering students to investigate, iterate, and innovate for the heartbeat of our city.
The city of Oakland is woven directly into our curriculum. Through immersive residency programs and key partnerships, our campus becomes a creative hub featuring local innovators and leaders. This direct connection empowers every student with the agency and intellectual courage to be truly ready for anything.
As part of our Oakland as a Classroom initiative, our AT Leadership class stepped beyond the classroom to explore the vibrant Lake Merritt area of Oakland. During their visit to Oaktown Spice Shop, students had the opportunity to learn from a local business and experience firsthand the creativity, entrepreneurship, and community connections that make Oakland such a dynamic place to learn.
In this video, students visit the Oaktown Spice Shop where they had the opportunity to learn more about small business in the community to help deepen their understanding of the world around them.
