California Outdoor Schools Association

The California Outdoor Schools Association is a statewide network of outdoor school programs that are managed by local educational agencies.

The California Outdoor Schools Association (COSA) was established in 1978 as a membership organization for outdoor school principals, directors, and county office personnel who have the unique experience and expertise to accurately assess the quality of an outdoor program and its facilities. Committed to finding ways to make the outdoor school experience available to all students, COSA utilizes their Residential Outdoor Science School (ROSS) certification process to ensure a high quality academic, safe, and appropriate learning environment for grades four through seven students served in California’s Outdoor Schools. COSA is dedicated to ensuring that all students in California have the opportunity to participate in an outdoor school experience as delineated in California Education Code Sections 8760–8774.

The California Department of Education cannot answer questions for COSA; for more information about the COSA and COSA's ROSS certification, please contact one of the COSA Programs listed on COSA's website or email COSA Chair Allison Collins, Principal at San Mateo County Outdoor Education, at ACollins@smcoe.org.

Questions: Professional Learning Support and Monitoring Office | PLSMO@cde.ca.gov

Last Reviewed: Tuesday, September 23, 2025

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