Living history lessons are a central part of our Open Class approach. These include such adventures as our overnight on the sailing ship Balclutha in San Francisco, and our French Exchange program every two years that brings some 40 French students into our homes for almost 3 weeks. It is a true exchange where last year almost 30 of our students also went to France and stayed with the family of their French guest. The bonds that form during these exchanges can be lifelong, for both kids and parents!

The Balclutha
Ahoy there!
After months of preparation and learning all things nautical we finally had our overnight adventure on the sailing ship Balclutha.

In preparation the kids studied nautical lore, knot tying, navigation, chart reading, sail making, anything and everything that had to do with sailing ships and how they related to early California exploration and settlement.

On the Balclutha the kids were divided into watches, and for almost 24 hours they reenacted what it was like to crew the old sailing vessel, shortly after the San Francisco earthquake in 1906.

Well, now that everyone's had some sleep, we have begun to realize that our voyage was pretty magical! It's sort of hard to come back to the 21st century so suddenly. We couldn't have asked for better weather, a better crew or a better view! Thanks to all who helped make this happen. We're sure you will have all heard varying reports from your young sailors--and we imagine some of the meaning won't sink in for a few years, actually--but this was learning at it's best. And, the teachers report that they thoroughly enjoyed the company--both kids and adults!