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Rock Tree Sky
Rock Tree Sky, nominated by Clayton Christensen Institute, is an elementary/middle/high school in Ojai, California that describes itself as a independent (private) school serving learners from a primarily suburban/rural area.
Location Ojai, California
Governance Independent (private) school
Grades Prekindergarten, Elementary, Middle, High
Students 220
Locale Suburban
Executive Director Jim Bailey
Demographics
Percentage of students*
—
English Learners
30%
Free/Reduced Lunch
—
Students with Disabilities
African American or Black 3%
American Indian/Alaska Native —
Asian 2%
Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 1%
Hispanic or Latino 7%
White 75%
2+ Races 12%
Why Rock Tree Sky was nominated
The environment is full of engaging resources for students to use to learn and create. The adults are incredibly caring and focused on learners. The environment has a fascinating partnership with the local school district and local charter schools., Rock Tree Sky was founded by parents and professional educators to offer children an environment grounded in natural curiosity and propensity to learn rather than compliance, serving as a homeschool enrichment and support center. It was started to meet the needs of homeschooling and independent study families who wanted a child-centered home base and community learning hub with flexible part-time options. What makes it distinctive is its groundbreaking partnership with the local school district's independent study program (Summit School), which provides financial accessibility while preserving learner autonomy—a model they've shared with 15+ other programs nationally. Students have complete agency to choose daily activities from mentor-led offerings or self-ini...
Student experience design
The student experience at Rock Tree Sky is designed to: -Foster interest-driven, relationship-rich learning that allows students to explore their curiosities. -Provide time, tools, and freedom for learners to develop confidence and personal agency. -Create a non-formal, non-classroom environment where learners engage in hands-on, creative experiences. -Encourage healthy relationships with peers and mentors in a supportive, inclusive community. -Celebrate learning without competition or grade-based evaluation, emphasizing curiosity and creativity.
Core Practices
| Core Practices | Length of Use |
|---|---|
|
Community And Business Partnerships |
5+ years
|
|
Student Advisories |
5+ years
|
|
Self-paced Learning |
5+ years
|
|
Multi-age Classrooms |
5+ years
|
|
Student-led Goal Setting |
5+ years
|
All Practices
AI For Learning Materials
AI For Teacher Productivity
AI-assisted Tutoring
Anti-racist Practices
Assessments For Agency And Self-directed Learning
Blended Learning
Career Prep And Work-based Learning
Co-leadership
Competency/mastery-based Education
Culturally Responsive Practices
Early College High School
Extended Learning Opportunities
Flexible Staffing & Alternative Teaching Roles
All Courses Designed For Inclusion
Interdisciplinary
Individual Learner Profiles
Individual Learning Paths
Project-based Learning
Peer To Peer Support
Place-based Learning
Restorative Practices
SEL Curriculum
SEL Integration School-wide
Social Justice Focus
Students Access Their Own Data
Students Develop Projects
Trauma-informed Practices
Tutoring
key reasons for innovating
Respond to stakeholder demand or advocacy
Date Updated: 4/1/2025
*Canopy profile data is self-reported or sourced from NCES data, then verified by school leaders.