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Who We Are

Indigo Program, a K-8 School, Oak Grove School District’s alternative progressive school, is committed to educating the whole child in a collaborative community. Indigo Program has been leading the region as a model for progressive education since 2005 and was founded on the fundamental belief in the importance of teachers, children, and parents working together to create a vibrant learning environment. Indigo Program is committed to providing a balanced education that teaches to the whole child, incorporating the intellectual, creative, social, physical, and emotional growth of our students.
At Indigo Program, we believe that by utilizing a developmental approach grounded in hands-on education, students will realize their full potential as independent thinkers, life-long learners, and responsible citizens. Our teaching methods expand your child’s educational process in innovative ways through project-based learning, offsite/experiential learning, and robust co-curricular programs such as garden, music, art, and enrichment.
As a choice school within the district, Indigo Program accepts students from all neighborhoods within the district through an enrollment lottery managed by the District, adheres to all California educational standards, and conforms to all public funding and staffing requirements. Indigo Program is founded on the idea of the parent, child, teacher partnership. On one hand, dedicated teachers and administrators create and execute an alternative, integrated, developmental curriculum.
On the other hand, parents support teachers and contribute their interests and talents through classroom and community volunteering. Parents’ participation in their children’s education is key to their success. Indigo Program parents help to enrich the curriculum and support the school’s philosophy, applying the Positive Discipline principles learned in Parent Education both inside and outside of the classroom.

History

Indigo was established in 2005 as a collaboration between parents and the Oak Grove School District. Founding parents worked with OGSD administration to create a developmental, hands-on program that taught the whole child. Positive Discipline and constructivist learning became the heart of the Indigo program.
The team researched many Progressive Education school models to design a Progressive Ed program as part of the school district. Once the vision was created the challenge was to enroll 60 students grades K-3. Though this was a two year process, in August 2005, we opened our doors. We began with 3 teachers, 3 multi-age classrooms, and 60 kids. Since then, each year we have added a class and have grown into our current K-8 model. In 2011, the first Indigo graduating class left us and those students joined the high school ranks.

Mission and Values

Indigo is a safe and caring K-8 program designed to educate the whole child. We provide multi-age interactions and constructivist learning activities through a positive discipline approach. This approach is supported by strong parent involvement. Indigo values the unique learning styles, skills and abilities of each child so they will be prepared to make a positive impact on the world.

  • Children learn through a Constructivist Model, which includes discovery, hands-on, minds-on, real-life experiences and developmental practices.
  • Learning is enhanced through stimulating and challenging work at the children’s ability level.
  • Use of the “whole child approach,” in which all domains of growth: social, physical, emotional, and intellectual, are equally valued.
  • Curriculum is integrated and skills are taught in meaningful contexts.
  • Enrichment programs enhance academic performance.
  • Children’s social-emotional development is supported through teaching them and their families to solve problems using Positive Discipline.

Positive Discipline Lab School

The Indigo Program is one of nine schools in the U.S. that have been accepted into the Positive Discipline Association’s Lab School Program. Schools are evaluated based on the length of their whole-school implementation, percentage of staff trained in Positive Discipline and the depth of their practices in the classroom and community.

When you enroll in the Indigo Program you receive the benefit of regular parent education at our general meetings, from our teachers, and from our Positive Discipline Coach Cathy Kawakami (Certified Positive Discipline Trainer). You will also have the ongoing support from members of our school community who are continually striving toward a culture of belonging, significance and mutual respect.

Positive Discipline is based on the work of Alfred Adler, Rudolf Dreikurs, Jane Nelsen and Lynn Lott. For more information, visit www.positivediscipline.com.

Jane Nelsen gives the following five criteria for effective discipline that teaches:

  • Kind and Firm: Sets clear boundaries while showing respect and encouragement.
  • Fosters Belonging and Significance: Helps children feel valued, connected, and understood.
  • Effective for the Long Term: Builds lasting skills and behavior, rather than relying on short-term consequences.
  • Teaches Social and Life Skills: Promotes respect, empathy, problem-solving, accountability, cooperation, and meaningful contribution.
  • Empowers Children: Encourages them to recognize their strengths and use their abilities in positive, constructive ways.

Parent Participation

At the Indigo Program, parent participation is more than volunteering — it’s a meaningful partnership between families and educators. As a Parent Participation school, we believe children thrive when the adults in their lives work together. Parents and caregivers are active members of the classroom community, supporting learning, building relationships, and helping create the warm, collaborative environment that makes Indigo unique. Whether assisting with small groups, preparing materials, sharing a skill, or helping at school events, families play an important role in the daily life of the school.

We understand that many of our families balance work and busy schedules, and participation is designed to be flexible and manageable. There are a variety of ways to contribute — during the school day, in the evenings, from home, or through special projects — so families can find an option that works for them.

Many parents find that being involved is one of the most rewarding parts of the Indigo experience. You gain a deeper understanding of how your child learns, build lasting connections with other families, and, if you’re interested, even collaborate with teachers to help design or lead lessons connected to classroom projects. Together, we truly make education a community passion.

Events and Traditions

At the Indigo Program, our events and traditions are an extension of our classrooms — joyful, collaborative, and rooted in community. Throughout the year, families gather in their green and purple Indigo shirts to celebrate learning, friendship, and shared purpose.

One of our most anticipated events is the annual Fun Run, a high-energy day that brings the entire school together in support of our programs. In the weeks leading up to it, families join for Community Tie Dye, where students create the vibrant shirts they proudly wear on race day. It’s a colorful reminder that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves.

In the fall, our Harvest Festival transforms campus into an evening of games, activities, and connection. Read and Relax invites families to a classroom breakfast where they can enjoy the simple joy of reading together, while our Multicultural Potluck celebrates the rich diversity of our community through food and storytelling. Each spring, our student-led Plant Sale showcases hands-on learning in action and gives students the opportunity to share their hard work with the broader community.

We also host events that highlight student voice and leadership. Exhibit Night allows students to present projects and share their learning journeys with families. During Student-Guided Parent-Teacher Conferences, students take the lead in reflecting on their growth and setting goals. Our Talent Show brings out creativity, courage, and plenty of school spirit.

For parents and caregivers, there are special opportunities to connect as well. Our annual Spring Fling offers a fun, adults-only evening to celebrate the year together, and monthly Linger Longers provide casual time to build friendships and strengthen the bonds that make Indigo feel like home.

These traditions aren’t just events on a calendar — they are moments that build belonging.

Testimonials

“Indigo has been such a gift to our family. My child is excited to go to school every morning and talks constantly about the projects they’re working on. The sense of community here is real — you feel it the moment you step on campus.”

— Indigo Parent

“What stands out most is how much the teachers truly know and care about each student. The Positive Discipline approach creates a respectful environment where kids learn responsibility and empathy, not just academics.”

— Parent of a Middle School Student

“Being part of a Parent Participation school has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve gotten to see learning happen up close, support the classroom, and even help lead a small project. It’s a special experience to be so connected to your child’s education.”

— Indigo Parent Volunteer

“Indigo has helped my child grow not only academically, but socially and emotionally. They’ve become more confident, more curious, and more willing to take on challenges.”

— K-5 Parent

“The community events — from the Fun Run to the Multicultural Potluck — make this school feel like family. It’s more than just a place where kids learn; it’s a place where families belong.”

— Indigo Parent