The California Outdoor Schools Association (COSA) was established in 1978 as a membership organization for outdoor school principals, directors, and county office personnel who have the unique experience and expertise to accurately assess the quality of an outdoor program and its facilities. Committed to finding ways to make the outdoor school experience available to all students, COSA utilizes their Residential Outdoor Science School (ROSS) certification process to ensure a high quality academic, safe, and appropriate learning environment for fourth through seventh grade students served in California’s Outdoor Schools. COSA is dedicated to ensuring that all students in California have the opportunity to participate in an outdoor school experience as delineated in California Education Code Sections 8760–8774.
Link to California Outdoor School Association website with California Department of Education
For over 70 years, Walden West has provided hands-on, outdoor school experiences in the environmental sciences for the children of Santa Clara County. Walden West's main facility in the Saratoga hills uses the outdoors to teach science concepts while introducing students to natural environments. Annually, Walden West serves over 6,000 students during the school year and 2,000 more during the summer.
All Walden West programs are based on the Next Generation Science Standards and integrate Common Core objectives. In addition to a respected week-long residential program for fifth and sixth-grade students, Walden West offers created and operates Growing Gardens for Growing Minds to engage students in outdoor garden-based lessons at their own school sites.
"When my son got off the bus on the way home, his smile was shining so brightly that I could tell he had a truly wonderful time. Seeing that made my heart feel warm. As a parent, I also felt a bit anxious since it was his first time experiencing something like this. However, thanks to the support of the teachers and instructors, he was able to have an amazing experience. I sincerely appreciate it from the bottom of my heart." - Parent of a 5th grader who attended Walden West Outdoor School
