Solana Beach School District and Solana Beach Schools Foundation Host Discovery Fest 2025: “Wild Robot Meets Nature’s Wonders”

On May 17, the Solana Beach School District (SBSD) and the Solana Beach Schools Foundation (SBSF) proudly co-hosted Discovery Fest 2025 at Solana Pacific School. This year’s theme, “Wild Robot Meets Nature’s Wonders,” brought together over 700 students, families, educators, and community members for a fun-filled day celebrating innovation, curiosity, and the natural world.

The festival featured an exciting mix of robots, crafts, games, STREAM Talks, hands-on competitions, and interactive exhibits. Students showcased their learning across science, technology, engineering, art, and math, with more than 30 booths designed to spark wonder and discovery in learners of all ages.

“This event captures the spirit of what we work toward every day, igniting curiosity, building community, and creating joyful learning experiences,” said Valerie Charat, Executive Director of the Solana Beach Schools Foundation. “Discovery Fest gives our students a stage to explore, create, and shine. It’s a beautiful reflection of our mission.”

A highlight of the day was the annual engineering competition, where students tackled design challenges using creativity and collaboration. The popular STREAM Talks stage returned thanks to sponsor Scientist.com, featuring student-led presentations on topics ranging from marine ecosystems to robotics in everyday life.

Adding to the inclusive atmosphere was the event’s calming tent, a quiet space that supported the well-being of all attendees, and a creative crafts corner inspired by the event’s nature-meets-technology theme.

Dana King, President of the SBSD Board of Education, shared, “Discovery Fest showcases the incredible talents of our students and the strength of our school community. It’s a testament to the power of partnership and the amazing things that happen when we support hands-on, meaningful learning.”

As Discovery Fest 2025 came to a close, the event left families and community members energized by the joy of learning and the meaningful connections built throughout the day.

SBSD and SBSF extend sincere thanks to this year’s sponsors, whose generosity helped bring Discovery Fest to life:

• Presentation Sponsor: Scientist.com
• Activity Booth Sponsor: Great Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
• Booth Sponsors: Coconut Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics, Keystone South Summer Camps, Fusion Dance Solana Beach, Kumon Solana Beach, Mission Pest Control, Santa Fe Irrigation District, San Diego County Credit Union
• Activity Bag Sponsor: Fiber First
• Summer Camp Booth Sponsors: The Artist Lab San Diego, Autra Academy
• Water Station Sponsor: Huntington Learning Center of Del Mar

These partnerships and community investments continue to support SBSD’s enrichment programs, creating opportunities for each and every student to thrive.