Pali Institute

About this program

Pali Institute is an accredited outdoor education center in Southern California that transforms traditional learning through hands-on, immersive experiences in nature. With the mission to introduce experiential education to young people, the program brings textbooks to life through progressive learning experiences that extend far beyond classroom walls. Pali operates two distinct locations: Pali Mountain, nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest near Running Springs at over 6,000 feet elevation on a sprawling 250-acre forested property, and Pali at Acton, located in California's high desert offering a contrasting landscape for exploration. What sets Pali Institute apart is its unique distinction as the only residential outdoor education program in California accredited by both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association for Experiential Education (AEE). This dual accreditation ensures adherence to over one hundred professional standards covering curriculum, risk management, and participant safety. The program offers customizable 1-5 day overnight educational experiences with specialized programs in outdoor education, STEM, leadership, and natural history, serving schools seeking transformative learning adventures.