Next week, the Main Lawn will be missing half of its usual students, as only the freshmen and seniors will be on campus. But, unbeknownst to most students, sophomores and juniors won’t be on campus for more than just this week: the administration has just announced that, effective immediately, the sophomore Outdoor Education trip and the junior Wellness Retreat will last for the entire school year. 

Additionally, this change will be permanent: the Upper School will only offer classes for freshmen and seniors from now on, and the yearlong Outdoor Ed and Wellness Retreat trips will be included in Chadwick’s graduation requirements. 

“Our CUP numbers need to go down somehow, and this seems like a perfect solution!” Upper School Assistant Director Patrick Wallace explained. “We’ve also noticed how stressed the current seniors are about college applications, so we think that two years in nature, one on an Outdoor Education trip and one on a Wellness Retreat, will really benefit students.”

This new policy will apply to all current and future sophomores and juniors–except for the cross-country runners, who will be exempt from this yearlong programming.

 “CIF Finals are a form of wellness and self-reflection,” explained cross-country coach and English teacher George Ramos. 

Unfortunately for the runners, once the cross-country season has ended, they will be forced to transfer to Mira Costa High School, as no sophomores or juniors will be allowed on campus. 

“We believe this transfer will help these students practice embodying their core competencies in Costa’s … unique … environment,” said Wallace. “Plus, we hope this will also encourage empathy, as Chadwick students from Palos Verdes will finally understand the lengthy commute that many of their peers suffer through daily.”

Many of the teachers are also thrilled about this new development, particularly AP U.S. History teacher Pete Nordlund, who will be joining the juniors on their yearlong retreat. 

“I recently came to the revelation that too much learning is actually detrimental to wellness. Instead of pounding the rock, we need to be sitting on rocks and becoming one with nature.”

English teacher Drew Calvert added, “Thoreau would approve. The best way to live intentionally is to never have any homework.”

Though the teachers and administrators may be strongly in favor of these changes, the reaction among students has been more mixed.

Some students are just excited for two years away from traditional school, while others look forward to spending time in nature away from modern society.

Jayson Park ’28 shared, “I’ve always loved Outdoor Ed, so I’m super excited. Plus, I’ve heard a rumor that we’re actually going to hunt for our food this year to really embrace the spirit of OE! Margaret Chadwick would be so proud.”

Other students are particularly thrilled for the fun activities to be extended.

“I was looking forward to paintball from the beginning, but now I’m really excited for a yearlong battle,” explained Evelyn Lee ’27, referencing a popular Wellness Retreat activity. “We’ve been studying American history, so I was delighted to learn that we’ll be re-enacting the Revolutionary War! I hope I’m Alexander Hamilton.” 

But, not every student is a fan. There have been whispers of students starting a petition, or even getting parents involved to complain about these major changes. 

Even students who have begrudgingly accepted this yearlong excursion aren’t thrilled about what it now entails. 

“I’m not anti-sound baths, but I think any longer than a couple hours will make me the opposite of calm,” said Angel Freiwald ’27. “I’ve heard that there’s going to be a 48 hour long sound bath on the retreat, and I really, really hope that isn’t true.” 

Other student critics of the new programming don’t take issue with the activities themselves, but instead with the scheduling.

“I literally already bought Sabrina Carpenter tickets for next month!” junior Elli Fire ’27 exclaimed. “Chadwick better be refunding me.” 

Regardless of how students may feel, this policy has been set in stone and will likely become a core part of the Chadwick experience in the coming years. 

Wallace stated, “I only have one piece of advice for students that aren’t thrilled about these changes: start packing!”