Our Mission

Our mission is to provide engaging educational experiences for people of all ages to inspire a deep connection and abiding respect for the natural world and each other. This legacy began in 1924, when Frank and Josephine Duveneck purchased the property near Los Altos in 1924 and began sharing the land and creating humanitarian programs that have inspired many generations. The Duvenecks were profoundly generous and dedicated to creating a just and sustainable future for all.

Today, the Hidden Villa Board of Trustees remains committed to the lessons long taught by the Duvenecks and sustained by our organization since their passing. We stand opposed to discrimination based on ethnicity, national origin, religion or sexual identity. We support environmental regulations that preserve our healthy environment and food systems through regenerative agriculture, and most of all, we strive to inspire future leaders and stewards of the earth.

Our Educational Philosophy

At Hidden Villa, our educational programs are designed to inspire people of all ages to be stewards and caretakers of the environment and each other. From foundational experiences of unstructured play in the creek to hands-on investigation of the natural world, people learn to recognize and appreciate the diversity and interconnectedness intrinsic in nature. As these connections are made, scientific concepts come alive. Context elevates student understanding of their role within their ecosystem reinforcing an appreciation for diversity, developing critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills, better preparing the next generation of environmental stewards and advocates with the tools needed for the 21st Century. Each of our offerings are designed to scaffold in an age appropriate way, nurturing and cultivating citizens. Our educational philosophy was adopted by the forward thinking of the Duveneck family and continues to be relevant and perhaps even more necessary in today’s world.

Through our small-scale, organic farm, we teach about and produce sustainable food. Many of our programs involve working with the organic garden to learn first-hand about the value of caring for the land.  We also maintain a healthy and diverse group of animals as one of the primary contexts for the teaching and learning that happens on the farm. The animals on the farm provide age-appropriate lessons for all visitors to the farm. Very young children might learn to make empathetic connections to their fellow living creatures. Older students may learn about the environmental impacts of food production and the importance of informed consumer choice.  Adults might purchase our food to provide their families with healthy, locally-grown foods or engage in an event or conversation on the farm.  These are just a few of the important experiences that the farm can provide.