At a Glance

Rooted in the diverse landscapes and communities of San Diego, Pathfinders blends rigorous academics with hands-on exploration to nurture ecoliteracy, cultural awareness, and a deep sense of belonging. Each age group follows a developmentally aligned rhythm that balances structured learning with immersive fieldwork. Whether we’re walking neighborhood trails, studying civic systems, or learning to read for deeper understanding, Pathfinders centers curiosity, connection, and the belief that meaningful education happens everywhere.

Our Programs

  • Our year-round enrichment sessions exist to serve children who thrive when learning feels real, relevant, and rooted in the world around them. Our mission is to blend academic standards with critical inquiry, place-based education, and community storytelling. We believe children are capable of critical thinking, care, and contribution — and that childhood experiences should reflect the complexity, beauty, and urgency of the world they are growing up in. If you’re seeking a learning environment where children are trusted, challenged, and invited to engage with the real world in real time - welcome. 

  • Pathfinders camps offer children the chance to slow down, explore deeply, and connect with the world around them through immersive, place-based experiences. Each camp session is rooted in joy, curiosity, and community — with days spent outdoors discovering trails, neighborhoods, natural spaces, and local landmarks. With a balance of free play, guided exploration, storytelling, and hands-on projects, our camps invite children to wonder, create, and belong. Seasonal camps are offered throughout the year, with extended programming available each summer.

  • Pathfinders is developing a hands-on apprenticeship program designed for teens who are ready to learn by doing, build meaningful skills, and contribute to their communities in real ways. Rooted in mentorship and real-world connection, this program will pair youth with experienced professionals, artists, educators, and change-makers across San Diego. Apprentices will explore their interests, develop practical tools for life and work, and step into their learning with purpose and agency.

At Pathfinders, we believe that children deserve more than preparation for the future — they deserve meaningful connection to the world they live in right now.

We believe that the city is a classroom, that nature is a teacher, and that learning should be rooted in real places, real questions, and real relationships.

We believe that every child is capable of curiosity, insight, empathy, and impact — and that education should nurture these capacities, not flatten them.

We believe in slowing down, asking better questions, and making space for wonder, complexity, and joy.

We believe that to raise children who care for the world, we must let them belong to it — fully, freely, and with purpose.

we commit

Pathfinders is committed to creating an environment where all children, families, and team members feel safe, valued, and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, family structure, age, ability, or socioeconomic status.

We believe that learning is most meaningful when it reflects the richness of the world we live in — and that means honoring diverse voices, lived experiences, and ways of knowing. All members of the Pathfinders community — including caregivers, staff, volunteers, and partners — are expected to uphold and actively support these values.

We believe