Class Trips

A highlight of any year, class trips at The Academy are designed to educate, to build community, and to foster unforgettable memories. Details about each year’s trips are provided to families in April.

6th/7th Grade: Exploring the Deerfield and Connecticut River Watershed Area
The6th/ 7th grade trip varies from year to year, but always involves and opportunity to support and reinforce the Climate Connections curriculum with environmental, adventure, and cultural activities and a camping overnight including games and barbecuing at a local site.

8th Grade: Justice and Democracy
The 8th grade trip varies from year to year but is tied to the students’ English and Civics curricula and focuses on New England, from Boston and surrounding areas to the Berkshires.

9th Grade: Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts
The 9th grade trip is designed primarily to supplement and reinforce the Biology curriculum, including marine ecology, vernal pools, and shorebirds.  The trip also provides an insight into the fascinating whaling and Quaker history of Nantucket.  We enjoy hearty fun, down time, and bonding opportunities as a class. Designed by the island’s Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) in collaboration with other island institutions, the trip includes a tour of the association’s collection and observatory, vernal pool exploration with an ecologist from the Nantucket Land Council, a walking tour of the town with a representative of the Nantucket Historical Association, birding with a local ornithologist, cooking and eating a locally sourced dinner at the Nantucket Culinary Center, and a service project – designing and building an exhibit for the MMA’s science center.

Sophomores: Exploring New York City
The sophomores spend three very busy and exciting days and nights in New York City. In the midst of taking it all in, they visit some combination of the United Nations, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, MoMA, Chinatown, Little Italy, and other sites, depending on availability and interest.

Juniors: American Process, American Power
Washington, DC
Juniors travel to our nation’s capital to visit monuments, museums, and other sites that speak to the American experience. The trip is in conjunction with their 11th grade American Studies course and is driven by student and instructor interest. There’s much to see and do in Washington, so the agenda changes from year to year.

Seniors: Reflect and Recharge
Martha’s Vineyard
After their senior projects have been turned in, and before the final busy month of school, Academy seniors pause to reflect and recharge with a trip to Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard. The group stays within walking distance of the town and the beach, and past trips have included fishing, clamming, swimming (brrr!) and a potluck dinner. This trip provides opportunities for seniors to unwind and to reflect upon their leadership over the course of the year, as well as a chance to celebrate their last year together and make plans for a strong finish.