By: Jon Fulk, Head of School, Blue Oak School
BreakAway! is a cornerstone program at Blue Oak School, pioneered by our founding faculty and the founding Head of School, Scott Duyan, who introduced the concept from his prior tenure at Catlin Gabel School in Portland, Oregon. BreakAway! presents a unique opportunity for both students and educators to immerse themselves in a comprehensive, concentrated learning environment spanning two and a half consecutive days. This program offers a break from the day-to-day classroom setting and routine, allowing participants to engage with a diverse group of peers across different age groups while exploring questions about the world tailored to their interests.
While our daily curriculum already encompasses a wide range of experiences uncommon in typical school settings, BreakAway! takes this a step further by providing students with the chance to delve deeply into a line of inquiry for a brief period. Programs like BreakAway! are one of the many reasons Blue Oak is regarded by so many families as the best private school in the region—where innovation in learning is both tradition and priority.
The primary objective of BreakAway! is to afford students the opportunity to explore subjects that intrigue them, continuing to nurture their curiosity and deepen their engagement. Throughout these quests, participants embark on a diverse range of learning excursions, often extending beyond the confines of Napa. Trips may include visits to coastal areas, San Francisco, Sacramento, the East Bay, and other locales, all carefully selected to align with the thematic focus of each BreakAway! Adventure.
Crafted deliberately by Blue Oak educators, BreakAway! courses are tailored not only to cater to contemporary student interests but also to provide authentic, real-life exposure to various disciplines such as arts, sciences, technology, and humanities. Participants can anticipate transformative experiences, whether unraveling the intricacies of the music industry, studying entomology or space exploration, or gaining practical insights into community planning. We earnestly hope that each participant’s journey yields enduring memories, enriching their educational experience and encapsulating the essence of a Blue Oak education—and reinforcing why we are proud to be known as the best private school for curious, courageous learners.