Eighth Grade
Class Trip

Washington, D.C.

Since 1976, the eighth grade class has ventured to Washington, D.C. While enjoying the city as a whole, highlights of the itinerary include visits to the Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Smithsonian's Air and Space, American History, Natural History, and National Gallery of Art museums, the Newseum, and the World War II, Vietnam and Korean War memorials.

Students gain an appreciation for the U.S. government and are able to see firsthand what they have been taught in the civics and ethics classes. For example, a visit to the Holocaust Museum reinforces the ethical questions about prejudice, racism, and stereotyping that students discussed in class. The museum further enhances their understanding of the Holocaust and related issues, including contemporary examples of genocide.

Because numerous teachers accompany the students, an additional benefit is that the students have a chance to interact with their teachers outside of the classroom.