Learning Among the Oaks Schools

Santa Margarita Elementary School | Vineyard Elementary School | Ocean View Elementary School

Home of the Mustangs

Santa Margarita Elementary School

Santa Margarita Elementary School (SMES) is where LATO started in 2005. It is a K–5th grade rural school within the Atascadero Unified School District. SMES is surrounded by the privately owned 13,000 acre Santa Margarita Ranch, one of California’s historic ranchos that is still operated as a working cattle ranch.

Home of the Eagles

Vineyard Elementary School

Vineyard Elementary School (VES) is a 3rd–5th grade rural school within the Templeton Unified School District (TUSD). Since 2018, we’ve worked with VES faculty, staff and families to make the most of outdoor learning opportunities at the VES Nature Trail located on TUSD property a short walk from campus.

Home of the Cougars

Ocean View Elementary School

Ocean View Elementary School (OVES) is a K–6th grade suburban school located within the Lucia Mar Unified School District. A 4th grade field trip to Santa Margarita Ranch LATO Trail launched LATO at the school in 2016. By 2017, OVES had its own trained junior oak naturalists leading hikes at the Pismo Preserve.