Education re-imagined in service of a healthier self, community and planet
OLLI's Holistic Learning Experience
Our Mission
Head of School
Our Mission
The mission of OLLI is to create learning environments where students can connect directly with themselves, the natural world, and their communities through Expeditionary and Project Based Learning.
Ocean Light Learning Institute holds conservation through education at its core, as students are consistently asked to deeply observe and an
The mission of OLLI is to create learning environments where students can connect directly with themselves, the natural world, and their communities through Expeditionary and Project Based Learning.
Ocean Light Learning Institute holds conservation through education at its core, as students are consistently asked to deeply observe and analyze the natural world around them. Our future depends on the youth understanding and caring about the planet, but also the remembering that they are an extension of this incredible world.
At OLLI students learn to be self-confident, active members of our modern-day world.
OLLI is an inclusive community that actively affirms and celebrates all dimensions of diversity.
Our Approach
Head of School
Our Mission
OLLI students experience individualized learning like never before. With a boutique school setting, the small class sizes enable students to be seen, understood, and reflected as they gain confidence in academic foundations while engaging in curriculum that is important and relevant to them as individuals.
Students are out in the field
OLLI students experience individualized learning like never before. With a boutique school setting, the small class sizes enable students to be seen, understood, and reflected as they gain confidence in academic foundations while engaging in curriculum that is important and relevant to them as individuals.
Students are out in the field weekly conducting ecological research for a variety of citizen science projects such as phytoplankton monitoring, coral health surveys, intertidal stewardship, and resident marine species analysis. Students also participate in initiatives with local conservation and community groups.
The days not spent in the field are focused on developing the foundational skills and knowledge needed to become a healthy, whole, and confident participant in the world.
Mindfulness is continually practiced. This includes yoga nidra, meditation, and many opportunities for self-reflection.
Fridays are an independent study day, where students are expected to develop and work on their personal initiative projects.
Head of School
Head of School
Head of School
With over 12 years of teaching experience at the secondary level, Ms. Nicole has always had a keen interest in bridging classroom learning with real-world integration. With an understanding of the limitations of traditional learning institutions, Nicole combines her background in curriculum design and scientific research to create a lea
With over 12 years of teaching experience at the secondary level, Ms. Nicole has always had a keen interest in bridging classroom learning with real-world integration. With an understanding of the limitations of traditional learning institutions, Nicole combines her background in curriculum design and scientific research to create a learning environment that fosters celebration, support, and encouragement, as well as challenges for students that are approached with a compassionate heart, humor and integrity.
Her philosophy is rooted in a deep reverence for nature and compassion for all walks of life. Nicole holds a Masters in Education, Endorsement in Second Language Learning, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry. She holds a Professional Teaching License from the United States and has an extensive background in high school curriculum design that is integrative, imaginative and engaging in both traditional and non-traditional secondary school settings. Prior to teaching, she worked in the field of cell and developmental biology research, and served as a cancer research fellow.
Nicole has called Costa Rica home for a number of years and is passionate about exploring this amazing place with her students, while sharing her love of learning to create the foundation for students to build the life they choose.
Community Partners
Support the Mission
ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION?
Tuition covers merely 46% of the annual costs to run this hands-on program.
Ocean Light Learning Institute is seeking donations for our conservation initiatives. We have big dreams here at OLLI, but require updated laboratory supplies and equipment for our initiatives to reach their full potential.