Five Program Goals

I.  Identity:  Students will develop feelings of self-acceptance and self-worth based upon awareness of factors influencing self-definition, including ethnic ancestry and cultural heritage.

II.  Diversity:  Students will become aware of and value the many similarities and differences among individuals and among diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural groups within the community, the United States and the world.

III.  Culture:  Students will develop awareness of what "culture" is and the way cultures are alike and different.

IV.  Conflict:  Students will demonstrate interpersonal skills positive relation and/or constructive response to conflict between individuals and among groups.

V.  Prejudice & Discrimination:  Students will develop sensitivity to stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination in its many forms.

What is the Balboa Park Program?

The Balboa Park Program exists to support integration in our schools by teaching all fifth grader students about the unique historical, biological, and cultural resources which models and encourages respect, understanding, and appreciation for individual and cultural diversity.

For over 25 years students in the Balboa Park Program have made new friends and learned while working in small groups from schools across San Diego.  We know that ethnic and racial stereotypes can be overcome by enabling children of different backgrounds to work together on interesting tasks in a neutral, non-threatening setting.  This year over 10,000 fifth grade students will become experts on the Balboa Park while participating in this unique, and popular, outdoor education program.

As a key part of San Diego Unified School District's integration efforts, the Balboa Park Program brings students from three to five San Diego public schools together to learn in outdoor settings.  During their five days in the park children participate in a variety of activities designed to improve their knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to culturally diverse peers.

What will my child do in Balboa Park?

San Diego Zoo Studies:  An ever popular aspect of the Balboa Park Program involves visiting the world famous San Diego Zoo.  Understanding and acceptance are nurtured in small teams of extraordinary collection of animals and plants from around the world.

Balboa Park Museum Studies:  Many students' first experience with the rich cultural and educational resources of our city's museums occurs during their time with this program.  Every participant will visit and study the collections in several of the museums in Balboa Park.  Many students encourage their families to return to a favorite museum and San Diego adults often remember museum experiences of the Balboa Park Program for their entire lives!

Balboa Park Outdoor Studies:  Under the leadership of highly trained staff, groups of students study desert, aquatic, and canyon ecosystems.  While making friends and learning about the history of Balboa Park, students also discover a wealth of information about plant life during their walks between the museums, the zoo, and the outdoor studies.

What will my child need in Balboa Park?

Students should dress according to the weather and be sure to wear shoes that are comfortable for walking.  Since it is often cool in the morning and warm in the afternoon, we suggest layers of clothing so your child can adjust to San Diego's unique climate.

You may pack a lunch or have the student order a free school lunch.  We can also provide a free milk for your child.  Be sure to park lunches and drinks from home in a disposable container since students will be unable to carry lunch containers home.  We request that you send no carbonated beverages or glass containers since these can cause a mess after transportation.

Send inhalers or other medications if your child has a prescription.  Throughout the day students stop to use the bathrooms and drink water; your child will never need canteens or water bottles.  Since students are not permitted to carry anything onto museums; please do not send any items home.

Friday is photo day and students are welcome to bring cameras on that day only.  Please check batteries and film since we cannot buy these items in the park.  Students do not shop during the week so please do not send money with your child.

Are parents welcome to visit the Balboa Park Program?

We encourage parents to spend a morning or afternoon with the program during the week that their child spends in Balboa Park.  Please call us at 619-293-4459 a day or two before you plan to visit so we can save a spot for you with your child's group.

Unlike the experience of a school field trip, the students in the Balboa Park Program are learning from a carefully planned multifaceted curriculum which occupies every moment of their week in the park.  As you visit the Balboa Park Program please remember that your child's participation in the program involves interaction with children from a variety of schools.  We rely on parents who visit to help their children pay full attention to the teacher at all times.

We look forward to having you visit us in Balboa Park!

Balboa Park Program
San Diego City Schools
Education Center
4100 Normal Street
San Diego, CA 92103-2682
(619)293-4459

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