Experiential Learning
At our school, learning extends far beyond textbooks — it’s active, purposeful, and connected to the real world. Every day, students engage in hands-on projects that spark curiosity and transform learning into discovery. Purposeful field experiences connect classroom lessons to the wider world, making knowledge both meaningful and memorable. And through service opportunities, students develop empathy and leadership, empowered to contribute with compassion and purpose.
I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.
-Confucius
The foundational years from 2½ to 14 are a period of immense growth and discovery. Children seek and retain information most effectively when they are actively engaged through hands-on learning that is connected to the real world. This is why we infuse our approach with methods that:
- Respect Each Unique Journey
- Foster Lifelong Curiosity
- Cultivate Global Citizens
Experiential Learning is academically viewed as an ongoing cycle described in the Kolb Cycle by which students:
- Think Critically
- Reflect Deeply
- Innovate & Problem-Solve
In additional to the daily experiential activities in and out of the classroom, students engage in field trips, host guest speakers, travel for outdoor education, and more.
Classroom Projects
Every day, students engage in hands-on projects that spark curiosity and transform learning into discovery.
Field Trips
Purposeful field experiences connect classroom lessons to the wider world, making knowledge both meaningful and memorable.
Community Service
Service opportunities nurture empathy and leadership, empowering students to contribute with compassion and purpose.
Exploration Week
Exploration Week occurs in May and is filled with field trips, overnights, and on campus exploration depending on the grade. Details below.
Outdoor Education Trips
Outdoor Education trips are a long-standing tradition at BCD for 5th - 8th grade students. Designed to extend learning beyond the classroom, these programs immerse students in Colorado’s natural landscapes—encouraging curiosity, teamwork, and self-discovery through hands-on exploration. Outdoor Education at BCD not only connects students to the environment but also reinforces the school’s mission to prepare adaptable, empathetic, and globally aware citizens who understand their place in—and responsibility to—the wider world.
Exploration Week
Exploration Week was designed to empower and inspire all BCD students for 2 ½-years to 8th grade to see and live in to their ability to change the world.
Preschool - 4th grade will dive into innovative, on-campus projects and exciting local excursions. Through collaborative, cross-grade initiatives and interdisciplinary problem-solving units, they’ll tackle real-world questions, spark their innate curiosity, and develop a foundational understanding of community impact.
Preschool - 4th grade will dive into innovative, on-campus projects and exciting local excursions. Through collaborative, cross-grade initiatives and interdisciplinary problem-solving units, they’ll tackle real-world questions, spark their innate curiosity, and develop a foundational understanding of community impact.
Fifth - 8th grade will expand their horizons through curated domestic trips designed to challenge their intellect and broaden their perspectives, offering deep dives into pivotal moments in U.S. history, pioneering areas of study, and critical issues shaping global change. It’s an opportunity for them to develop adaptability, cultivate leadership, and connect their learning to the broader world, preparing them to navigate and shape the future with confidence and vision.
May 11th-15th, 2026
5 & 6th grade - Crow Canyon Archeological Center in Cortez, CO - $1,300
7th grade - Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta, GA and Birmingham, AL - $3,429
8th grade - Washington, D.C. - $3,249
5th-8th Local Trip - Exploring the Front Range - $850
7th grade - Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta, GA and Birmingham, AL - $3,429
8th grade - Washington, D.C. - $3,249
5th-8th Local Trip - Exploring the Front Range - $850
The local trip is an option for students who choose to attend or who cannot travel on the other trips due to health, medical, or personal reasons. The Front Range trip will have a unifying theme connected to the school’s mission and vision and will include local excursions, guest speakers, and interactive projects for students. No overnight will be required.
Please Note: Because financial assistance is offered to all who qualify for the grade-specific trips, we hope they will be families’ primary choice.
Financial Assistance
BCD has a long standing commitment to providing financial assistance to those families who qualify. This same commitment applies to Exploration Week, removing financial barriers so that our 5th - 8th grade students can participate in these important travel opportunities. Click here for our guidelines and procedures for applying.