The Old Town Cultural and Historical Program is an integrated learning experience for all fourth graders who attend San Diego City Schools. The program is one part of a three-year emphasis on diversity and integration through the OCILE (Off-Campus Integrated Learning Experience) program (www.sandi.net/OCILE) [link to]. Through their experiences in Old Town, students are able to gain a greater understanding of San Diego's diverse historical roots while developing skills for dealing with race and human relations issues.

The program takes the place of regular classes and extends the fourth grade social studies course of instruction to the outdoors, where students can experience firsthand the cultural significance of San Diego's historical eras, inhabitants and many original buildings. Students conduct field studies on location at the Old Town Historical State Park, Heritage Park, Presidio Park and throughout the Old Town Community. Specially trained and dedicated staff members organize the students into small learning communities that personalize the educational environment & represent the diversity of San Diego. Integration activities, such as hands-on experiences and discussion groups, support race and human relations topics. The curriculum is aligned with the History-Social Science Framework and Standards for California Public Schools.

The Old Town Program operates on an extended school year and serves more than 11,000 fourth grade students per year. Approximately 300 students representing two or more schools participate each week. It is a fully inclusive program with free transportation and food for all of the fourth grade students in the district.