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Summer Institute
Save the Date! St. Margaret’s 2026 Summer Institute
From Curiosity to Connection: Cultivating Wonder, Belonging, and Joyful Learning in Early Childhood
August 3-4, 2026
August 3-4, 2026
St. Margaret's Episcopal School
San Juan Capistrano, California.
San Juan Capistrano, California.
Join us August 3–4, 2026, for the annual St. Margaret’s Summer Institute, a two-day professional learning experience designed especially for early childhood educators and administrators (Infants–Early Elementary).
Rooted in constructivist and play-based philosophies, the 2026 institute invites participants to explore how curiosity, connection, and community shape joyful learning. Through hands-on sessions, reflective dialogue, and inspiring environments, educators will discover ways to nurture belonging, wonder, and creativity in young learners—empowering them to build meaningful understanding through play, exploration, and relationships.
This year, we also invite members of the early childhood educator community to submit a session proposal. Our goal is to learn with one another—sharing stories, ideas, and practices that celebrate the power of early learning in all its forms.
Held on the vibrant campus of St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano, California, this immersive experience blends theory and practice to celebrate the art and heart of early learning.
Registration opens April 1, 2026
Interested in presenting? We would love to have you share your expertise! Please click here to submit a session proposal.
2025 Recap
St. Margaret’s welcomed educators, academic leaders and curriculum specialists for the 2nd annual St. Margaret’s Summer Institute, an engaging professional development experience grounded in constructivist theory, place-based learning and transdisciplinary approaches.
Over two days, attendees immersed in experiential education and the foundations for bringing this approach to learning into the classroom.
The first day included a deep-dive into experiential education, featuring two engaging activities that took place at nearby Doheny State Beach.
The second day featured a workshop led by Dr. Jackie Grennon-Brooks, Professor Emerita at Hofstra University and co-founder of the Long Island Explorium in Port Jefferson, N.Y. Dr. Grennon Brooks led a workshop exploring sand and water play, exploring natural materials and tackling challenges that mirror the dynamic learning environments of each student.
Click here to read a full recap from the 2025 St. Margaret’s Summer Institute.
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
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