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Colorful Water Slides

​Schedule & Registration

Programs begin January 2026
 Spring semester starts on Monday, January 26

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At Play Full Ground, students explore ideas sparked by the world—without being limited by it—through socially engaged art, creative inquiry, and hands-on making. Academic exploration supports this process, helping students investigate concepts, histories, and systems that give context and depth to their creative work. We offer full-time microschool enrollment as well as flexible part-time options for students who want to join specific classes, independent study time, or afterschool programs.​

Daily Rhythm

Our daily experience blends self-directed time, collaboration, and hands-on creative coursework.

Morning:

Independent Learning

(9Am- 12PM)

Students begin the day with self-directed learning, guided by their own questions and curiosity. This is where they build focus, reflect, and develop the confidence to explore what truly interests them.

Afternoon:

Creative Courses

(1PM- 3PM)

In the afternoon, ideas take shape through courses and hands-on projects. Students learn skills, experiment with materials, and deepen their understanding through practice, iteration, and collaboration.

Afterschool: Co-Creation Studio

(3PM- 5PM)

After school, students work together to create public installations and community-based projects. This is where learning becomes shared responsibility, and creativity becomes real-world impact.

Weekly Experience

Our weekly rhythm blends independent exploration, creative coursework, and opportunities to share, reflect, and grow in community.

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Friday Weekly Learning Share & Reflection
A community-focused session to share work from the week. Students reflect, receive feedback, and set intentions for the week ahead. This experience is available for Space Share participants, part-time community members, and included in the full-time enrollment.

Morning

Independent Learning Studio

Monthly Access

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  • Fixed monthly fee: $300

  • Access to the independent study space during open hours

  • Unlimited use while space is available

  • Unused days do not carry over

  • Ideal for learners who want a predictable, consistent schedule

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Daily Drop-In

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  • Pay only for the day(s) you attend: $35/day

  • Perfect for occasional visitors, project-based learners, or those trying out the space

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Introductory Offer

These options are available while our program grows. As full-time enrollment begins, access may be adjusted to ensure full-time students have priority.

Creative Courses

​How Our Classes Work

All classes follow the Think→Do→Share framework. Best for students who want creativity with purpose, structure, and real-world outcomes. Students begin by exploring ideas and research, then create with purpose, and finally share their work for feedback and reflection. This cycle builds confidence, skill, and creative autonomy over time.

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How classes work

  • Think: Brainstorm, research, and develop ideas

  • Do: Create, experiment, and refine

  • Share: Reflect, receive feedback, and improve

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Monthly Themes (optional)

Each month centers on a shared theme to help students start their projects. Students may follow the theme or pursue their own ideas.

 

Project Pathway

Students begin with short projects (1–2 weeks). As skills deepen, they take on longer, more complex projects that support sustained inquiry and creative independence.

 

Materials & Research

Students learn to work resourcefully, using available materials, repurposing items, and seeking inspiration through research, examples, and community connections.

 

Class Options

  • Part-time students: join individual classes in 8-week or 16-week sessions

  • Full-time students: receive all four weekly classes as part of enrollment

Monday

2D Art & Design

Abstract Geometric Art

Drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, graphic design, and surface-based exploration. Students develop personal expression and creative ideas through research, conceptualization, and making.

Wednesday

Lens-Based Art

Vintage Camera View

Photography, video storytelling, documentary practices, and visual media. Students investigate narratives, document ideas, and make work that reflects thoughtful research and experimentation.

Tuesday

3D / Community

Art & Design

Colorful Rock Towers

Sculpture, installation, spatial work, and socially engaged projects. Students explore three-dimensional forms and collaborative processes with conceptual intent and community context.

Thursday

AI × Creativity

Friendly Robot

Experiment with AI as a creative collaborator. Students explore AI tools, embrace intentional “mistakes,” and reflect on how AI can inspire and challenge their creative process.

Co-Creation Studio

Afterschool

Students come together to collaborate, build, and share public-facing art projects. This space supports teamwork, leadership, and creative problem-solving while connecting learning to real community impact.

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Best for students who want to create with others, lead projects, and see their work live in the world.

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How it works

  • Collaborate: Students brainstorm, plan, and make together

  • Build: Projects grow through shared responsibility and skill-building

  • Share: Work is presented publicly and reflected upon as a group

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Who can join

Afterschool is open to full-time, part-time, and traditional school students, and is available for middle and high school learners based on readiness, not age.

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Community & Real-World Impact

Projects are designed to be experienced by the public, helping students understand how art can shape place, conversation, and community.

Enrollment is open year-round; students may join at any time based on space availability.

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Full-Time Microschool Experience

Creative Education

Play Full Ground offers a full-time microschool program for high school–aged students who want a complete learning experience — Independent Learning Studio, all Creative Courses, community projects, critique practice, and afterschool Co-Creation Studio.

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For full details about the experience and the admissions process:

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FAQ

Who is Play Full Ground for?

Play Full Ground is designed for students who are curious, reflective, and ready to take an active role in their learning. While our full-time program is designed with high school–aged students in mind, we are open to younger students when there is a strong developmental and philosophical fit.

Do you offer programs for middle school or younger students?

Yes—while Play Full Ground was originally designed for high school students, we regularly work with middle school–aged learners and occasionally younger students when they are developmentally ready for self-directed, reflective learning. We do not group students strictly by age or grade. Instead, placement is based on maturity, curiosity, independence, and readiness to engage in inquiry-based, collaborative work. Families interested in younger students are encouraged to begin with the reflection form so we can explore fit together.

What does a typical day look like?

Mornings focus on independent learning, research, and inquiry-based work. Afternoons are dedicated to creative classes and studio practice. Fridays emphasize community sharing, reflection, and open critique.

What subjects are covered?

Academic exploration may include English, humanities, social studies, science-related inquiry, and interdisciplinary research. These are often integrated into creative and community-based projects rather than taught as isolated subjects.

Can students attend part-time?

Yes. We offer part-time options including morning learning studio access, afternoon creative classes, and afterschool collaborative studio programs. Full-time enrollment is not required to participate in these offerings.

What kind of support do students receive?

Academic exploration may include English, humanities, social studies, science-related inquiry, and interdisciplinary research. These are often integrated into creative and community-based projects rather than taught as isolated subjects.

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Play Full Ground
550 Lighthouse Avenue, Suite E
Monterey, CA 93940

hello@playfullground.com

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@2025 Play Full Ground | Photos by Grace Khieu, Julie Chon, and Mai Ryuno

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