Educational Programs

A classroom like no other

At Headlands Institute your students will discover a learning experience that can’t be found in textbooks. They will learn science, build community, and deepen their connection to the natural world through guided, hands-on exploration of unique rock formations, coastal hills, streams, tidepools, and more. 

For the past 32 years, Headlands Institute has partnered with the National Park Service to offer two- to five-day residential environmental education programs for grades K-12. Our expert educators lead inquiry-based programs that are correlated to state science standards and enhanced by activities that encourage cooperative learning.  We also operate a summer day camp and teen leadership program and offer family nature programs. 

Customized curriculum and individual attention

At Headlands Institute, we’ll create a program designed especially for your class. Our programs place students in small field study groups to ensure plenty of personal attention as they explore the surrounding natural world and work in our labs. 

Our Field Science Educators plan your program with your desired areas of study and academic outcomes in mind. Pre-trip visits, questionnaires, and direct student and teacher input enhance our student-centered approach and allow us to connect the learning that happens in the Marin Headlands to your classroom and home community.

Proven academic benefits

Stanford University's School of Education measured the success of our programs and found:

• 77% of field science programs contained elements of inquiry.
• 100% all programs addressed at least 3 out of 8 intelligences (e.g. verbal-linguistic, bodily-kinesthetic, and visual-spatial).
• 93% of students actively communicated during activities.

View a complete report of the study's findings. 

Additionally, the American Institutes for Research determined that California students attending outdoor education programs raised their science scores by 27% and demonstrated increased motivation to learn.  View a summary.

Established educational framework

Our programs are designed around the components of our Core Educational Framework, which starts with a student-centered approach and incorporates science-based content and multiple teaching methodologies to create opportunities for positive outcomes including:

• personal growth
• development of interpersonal skills
• academic growth
• increased responsible environmental behavior

Maximize the impact of your trip

We offer lesson plans and pre- and post-trip visits from our educators designed to connect learning experiences in the Marin Headlands to your classroom curriculum.

Bring your class to Headlands Institute!

View our rates and scholarship information.

Check our online calendar for available dates.

For more details or a DVD about our program, call Jeanelle Steiner at 415.332.2307 ext 28 or fill out a program scheduling inquiry.