Whether it's rock climbing or studying the geology of rocks, students at Campus Canyon School will have a rock solid foundation in academics through experiential learning. The school's unique partnership with neighboring Moorpark College through the College Connection Program enhances and expands learning opportunities for Campus Canyon students.

Second grade teacher Ms. Fesmire said the Moorpark College campus, which is within easy walking distance for her students, is a great learning resource and one of her students' favorite field trips. "It's a wonderful experience for both the students and teachers to be able to visit the facilities at the college," said Fesmire. "For example, our students had the opportunity to work side-by-side with a geology professor in the college's well-equipped geology lab."

"The students benefit from the professors' expertise and have fun," she continued. In addition to the special hand-on learning opportunities, Fesmire said there are other advantages of the school's College Connection Program. "By introducing college in such a positive and fun manner, the students are excited and motivated."

"By having a connection with the college, we're hoping the children will automatically think that college is just a continuation of their education," added Fesmire. Principal Linda Bowe agreed, "They see that learning goes on. It's lifelong."  

In addition to the benefits for the Campus Canyon students, the College Connection Program also provides opportunities for Moorpark College students. "They get the opportunity to apply what they have learned through teaching our students," explained Fesmire.

Located adjacent to Moorpark College at 15300 Monroe Avenue, Campus Canyon is a California Distinguished School. In partnership with Moorpark College, they've developed the unique College Connection Program to enhance and expand learning opportunities for students through campus visits and special programs with the college staff and students. Campus Canyon is a friendly and nurturing neighborhood school for students in kindergarten through fifth grade who live within the school's boundaries or who get special permission to attend through the district office. The school focuses on strengthening academics through experienced-based, higher level learning. Beginning with its full-day kindergarten program, it encourages children to continue their education and become life-long learners.

Nationally Recognized Teaching Zoo Inspires Cross-Curriculum Learning for Campus Canyon Students

Some days it's "a zoo" at Campus Canyon…that's because the students are within easy walking distance to America's Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College. The zoo, used for the college's nationally known Exotic Animal Training and Management Program, is a great place for students of all ages to learn.

 Whether it's a kindergartner learning about habitats or fifth graders collecting observational data for their research papers–the zoo has become an integral part of the school's curriculum and one of the favorite walking field trips for Campus Canyon students.

The zoo is a natural fit for third grade students studying animal classification, structures and adaptation, according to Donna Schimanski, a third grade teacher at Campus Canyon. "As part of the state's life science standards, our third graders learn the classifications of animals–reptiles, mammals, amphibians and birds," explained Schimanski. "Then when we walk to the zoo and the students have the opportunity to observe the animals and practice classifying them according to the different structures they've learned to identify." 

Schimanski said the first-hand experience with the animals really helps the students. "They tend to remember experiences that involve their senses–seeing, touching, smelling. It's a great way for them to learn, and they enjoy it." 

Located on five acres on the campus of Moorpark College, the zoo has almost 200 different animals. This extraordinary collection includes a Bengal tiger, African lioness, camels, a spotted hyena, mountain lions, a California sea lion, a variety of primates, birds and many other exotic and endangered animals.

One of the students' favorite animals is the cougar, since it is the Campus Canyon mascot. "We begin our unit on report writing by working together on a cougar report," explained Schimanski. "Seeing the live cougar during our zoo visit really benefits the students as they work on that project."

In addition to science and writing skills, Schimanski said she even uses the zoo trip as a point of reference for lessons in math. "We learn about measurement by using the relative size of animals and comparing length and height."

Visiting the zoo is just one advantage that Campus Canyon students experience because of the school's "College Connection."

Located adjacent to Moorpark College at 15300 Monroe Avenue, Campus Canyon is a California Distinguished School. In partnership with Moorpark College, they've developed the unique College Connection Program to enhance and expand learning opportunities for students through campus visits and special programs with the college staff and students. Campus Canyon is a friendly and nurturing neighborhood school for students in kindergarten through fifth grade who live within the school's boundaries or who get special permission to attend through the district office. The school focuses on strengthening academics through experienced-based, higher level learning. Beginning with its full-day kindergarten program, it encourages children to continue their education and become life-long learners.