Chadwick Ocean Institute | Chadwick School

Students dump water samples back into the ocean in San Pedro while at AltaSea.

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Chadwick Ocean Institute

Chadwick is the only K-12 school to establish a permanent learning space at AltaSea — a world-class center for marine research, sustainability and technological innovation located in the Port of Los Angeles. AltaSea’s 35-acre seaside campus features state-of-the-art laboratories, research facilities and collaborative workspaces where students get to exchange ideas with renowned ocean experts, researchers and entrepreneurs. From exploring local ecosystems to championing global conservation, this immersive program brings Chadwick’s experiential learning model to life.

 

Together, we are building a community where science fuels business, innovation drives sustainability and students are at the forefront of preserving our planet’s resources.

Dr. Dijanna Figueroa
Director, Chadwick Ocean Institute and Community Learning Lab

 

AltaSea’s founding partners are at the forefront of marine biology, oceanography and environmental science. AltaSea brings together institutions such as the Southern California Marine Institute, the Annenberg Foundation and the Port of Los Angeles, as well as research collaborators like the University of Southern California and CalTech. With help from these first-rate partners, students are given a hands-on, real-world education in a variety of marine-related fields that cover research projects, lessons in conservation, lab work and more.

Every Chadwick student develops a lifelong appreciation and love for the natural world.

Chadwick third-grade students learn about sharks from the California State University at the School Ocean Institute Community Learning Lab.
Upper School community service students learn about seaweed and kelp at the Chadwick School Ocean Institute Community Learning Lab.
Upper School students posing in front of Alta Sea sign at the Chadwick School Ocean Institute Community Learning Lab in San Pedro.
Upper School students studying seaweed in tanks at the KELP ArK with outreach and partnership associate Hayden Schneider at the Chadwick School Ocean Institute Community Learning Lab in San Pedro.
Students touring the KELP ArK with outreach and partnership associate Hayden Schneider, and make algae presses as part of their training to become Ocean Ambassadors.
Upper School community service students holding a sea urchin at the Chadwick School Ocean Institute Community Learning Lab.
Upper School students posing for a photo with illustrations of seaweed.
Chadwick third-grade students walking in front of the Chadwick School Ocean Institute Community Learning Lab building.
Chadwick third grade students studying shark teeth with magnifying glasses.
Chadwick third-grade student documenting their observations as they look at a shark.

The Chadwick Ocean Institute Community Learning Lab

The Community Learning Lab acts as an innovative educational hub whose programs are already priming the next generation of ocean explorers for meaningful breakthroughs in research, discovery and inspiration. In addition to Chadwick students, the lab also hosts schools from Long Beach and Los Angeles as part of our outreach work — because we believe the ocean is for everyone.

 

Ocean STEAM Programs

Students have a chance to get their hands wet in these immersive courses. These courses connect students with leading scientists and researchers and give them access to the latest resources and information. By getting up close and personal with experts, students really begin to understand the ocean's role in our world.

Chadwick third-grade students learn about sharks from the California State University at the School Ocean Institute Community Learning Lab.