Field Study

At St. Bonaventure Catholic School, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Through thoughtfully designed field study trips, students engage in hands-on, experiential learning that brings lessons to life in meaningful ways. From exploring museums, zoos, aquariums, and science centers to discovering the beauty of natural environments, students encounter resources and experiences that simply cannot be replicated in textbooks. These opportunities spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and inspire real-world connections that motivate students to excel academically.

Every grade level enjoys local experiences that complement classroom learning, while our upper grades participate in extended, academically rich trips that build both knowledge and life skills. Signature experiences include 6th grade’s Science Camp, 7th grade’s Science Exploration, and 8th grade’s East Coast Discovery, where students walk in the footsteps of history in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Gettysburg. Together, these journeys help our students grow as curious learners, confident leaders, and faithful stewards of the world around them.

A Sampling of Field Study Experiences

First Grade

Shipley Nature Center and Orange County Zoo at Irvine Park

Second Grade

Aquarium of the Pacific and the OC Center for the Arts’ Philharmonic Society (Disneyland Band)

Third Grade

Knott’s Berry Farm Indian Trails Tour, and Discovery Cube’s Ocean Quest in Newport Beach

Fourth Grade

Ocean Institute & Mission San Juan Capistrano, and Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum

Fifth Grade

Modjeska Canyon and the OC Center for the Arts’ Philharmonic Society (Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra)

Sixth Grade

Outdoor Science Camp in the San Bernardino Mountains (enhanced field study)

Seventh Grade

Marine Science Exploration Trip at the Catalina Island Marine Institute (enhanced field study) and Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Eighth Grade

East Coast Discovery Trip to Washington D.C., Gettysburg, and Philadelphia (enhanced field study) and Museum of Tolerance

Junior High Enhanced Field Study

 

Cost Breakdown

Sixth Grade: Outdoor Science Camp in the San Bernardino Mountains
Cost: Approximately $400

Seventh Grade: Marine Science Exploration Trip at the Catalina Island Marine Institute
Cost: Approximately $400

Eighth Grade: East Coast Discovery Trip to Washington D.C., Gettysburg, and Philadelphia.
Cost: Approximately $3,000

*Note that pricing is dependent on the companies who provide trip-related services and therefore total costs are subject to change on a year-to-year basis.

We understand that the financial obligation for these trips can represent a significant sacrifice for families, but hope that, with adequate planning and student participation in raising and earning funds well in advance, most students will be able to participate.

We are proud of our commitment to offering high quality field student experiences for our students and we are proud of their commitment to doing what they can to assist their families in financing the trips. We encourage families to plan well in advance of the years in which the trips occur to budget accordingly.