middle school field trips in philadelphia

SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS

Nothing excites students and gives them a better understanding of America than following the Founders’ footsteps and experiencing the places where they made history. At Bow Tie Tours, we pride ourselves on providing those “goose bump moments” that allow students and adults to come face to face with the founding of the country. With our total package, we offer the best historical field-trip experience in Philadelphia.

Our field trip is far more than just a walking tour. We visit your school prior to the tour in the guise of Philadelphia doctor (and Signer of the Declaration of Independence) Benjamin Rush. Dr. Rush will talk about how he and his friends (which include Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, George Washington and Thomas Paine) secured independence and a new country. Dr. Rush will also divide your classroom in such a way that each student will focus on a particular founder. Have you ever gone on a school field trip and discovered that the kids were too excited just by being out of the classroom to even listen to anything anybody had to say? We have found a way to actually involve the students in the telling of the story, with the help of our FREE Student Resource Guide.

Once you book a tour with us, we can help you to make the most of your visit to Philadelphia with Bow Tie Tour’s FREE Teacher Resource Guide, which provides useful information, including pre-trip and post-trip exercises. We understand how stressful it can be to plan a field trip so we have created several resources to assist you including itineraries, directions, lunch recommendations and bus parking options.

Cost: $15.00 per ticket (must be over 30 tickets), includes the Dr. Rush visit.

Events and Programs

Field studies.

Awbury’s long-standing interactive Field Studies Program provides students an immersive environmental experience . Over the years, thousands of children/youth (preschool through high school) have participated in these experiential learning opportunities, allowing them to engage with the historic, environmentally rich and beautiful landscape of Awbury Arboretum.  Core areas, such The Farm at Awbury, ponds, wetlands, meadows, woods, and the Francis Cope House, make up Awbury’s grounds, creating a one-of-a-kind outdoor urban learning environment for school students.

Awbury Arboretum’s Field Studies program offers in-person and virtual ecology lessons in partnership with Let’s Go Outdoors (LGO) .

Over the past 12 years, LGO has facilitated fun outdoor experiences in collaboration with and on-site at Awbury, making this a natural organizational partnership.

Schools, youth groups, homeschool groups, and daycares are encouraged to experience the historic and natural beauty of the Arboretum through Field Studies—immersive environmental experiences mixed with lessons in ecology and history. Let’s Go Outdoors will facilitate one-of-a-kind, engaging, and fun outdoor learning sessions that highlight Awbury’s core areas, including The Farm at Awbury, the Wingohocking creek, ponds, wetlands, meadows, woods, and the Francis Cope House.

Learn more or register for Awbury Field Studies Programs by clicking here. Should you have any questions, you can email us at [email protected] .

Programs are suitable for pre-K through middle school and are  free to public & charter school students in the School District of Philadelphia

(Generally does not include transportation, which must be handled by school/organization, but we offer limited funding for school buses)

Non-district schools, youth groups or daycares: $200 (up to 30 students) or $300 (up to 50 students).

Available Field Studies Programs:

We offer various field study programs that support science, arts, and a number of education areas.  Each allows a mixed experience of walking/traveling through varied ecosystems (highlighting trees, birds, animals, and plants), includes a hands-on component, and lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours.

History, Nature, and Play

is a great introductory field study for any grade level. It incorporates three core areas of the Arboretum – the Cope House, habitat discovery with nature investigation, and play in the English Picturesque Landscape.

Wildlife, Water, and Wilderness

is a combination of watershed learning and pond exploration. In addition, students will gain an understanding of the animals, plants, trees, and nature that connect with these Awbury waterways.  Perfect as a support to science curriculum, food web, and/or water cycle or watershed learning.

Awbury Landscapes – Travel from Farm to House

is a thought-provoking, scenic, artistic-type journey that starts with basic map reading, tours Awbury’s mixed-use urban farm, travels along the rolling, open grounds that illustrate the English Landscape style, and finishes at the family-built Cope House. Perfect for groups seeking a relaxed, free-flowing program, ties to built vs. natural environment, or interested in architecture, design, and its relationship with nature.

Go A-P-E: Agriculture, Partnerships, and Environment

gives students an appreciation of the role agriculture plays in the world and the chance to learn about the inner workings of an urban co-op farm. Touchpoint topics include food (in)justice, sustainability, and gardening. We will highlight Awbury’s on-site partners as resources for the community and introduce intertwined environmental factors such as pollinators, invasive species, and wetlands.

Happy Healthy Habitats

offers the opportunity to learn, connect with, and understand three habitats that exist within the landscape of Awbury: 1) woodland (tree canopy), 2) watershed/wetland (creek and ponds), and 3) meadow (native grasses and wildflowers). Attendees will learn and be able to point out types of plants and animals (flora and fauna), with a focus on those specific to Awbury or within city/urban environments.

Lenape Life

teaches students about the Lenni-Lenape tribe that once inhabited the land on which modern-day Awbury Arboretum stands. This field study includes a brief history of the tribe, and a study of their dwellings, agriculture, culture, and pastimes, as well as an examination of artifacts from the Lenni-Lenape tribe.

Little Explorers

gives younger children (toddlers or schoolchildren in pre-K – 1st grade) a chance to explore nature paths, to encounter animal habitats, and to engage and interact freely with the Awbury landscape.  Choose either The Farm Experience, where they’ll travel along trails to explore nature, possibly seeing goats, chickens, beehives, and gardens; OR The Pond Experience, where they’ll travel along trails that lead to a creek and two ponds, where they can investigate nature, enjoy a water-themed story reading, and see animals that may live in the wetland habitat.

On the Go with Awbury – Virtual/Traveling Connection to the Arboretum

No worries if you can’t visit in-person, as we can travel to your site or connect remotely.  We’ll provide an interactive lesson that builds on many of the above lessons in a condensed format for class timeframes.  Perfect as a pre-visit lesson before the on-site field trip OR a stand-alone introduction to Awbury.

Historic Philadelphia Field Trip Itinerary for Educators

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Independence National Historical Park are the #1 destination for Revolutionary War related field trips in the Mid-Atlantic region. This suggested itinerary will help you get the most out of your time in Philadelphia

Before you go:

• Call the National Park Service’s Visitor Center at the Independence National Historical Park at 215- 965-2305 . Alternatively, you can call their Park Headquarters at 215-597-8787 .
• Email the National Park Service at the Independence National Historical Park.
• Preview the National Park Service’s trip itineraries.
• Contact the Museum of the American Revolution at 215-253-6731 or email them at [email protected] .
• Show your class our Revolutionary War Animated Map .
• Apply to the  History Field Trip Grant Program .
• [Only if you have more than one day] Contact your lodging and restaurant reservations to ensure everything is in order.

Responding to COVID-19:

• Before traveling, we wncourage all field trip attendants to limit contact with others and quarantine for fourteen days if they are symptomatic and/or test positive for COVD-19 within fourteen days of travel. 
• If someone in your field trip party contracts COVID-19 within fourteen days of the field trip, they not attend the field trip.
• Be sure to research all relevant Pennsylvania, Philadelphia City, Montgomery County, and Camden County regulations, codes, and laws surrounding COVID-19.
• During your field trip, ensure that if a chaperone, teacher, or student shows symptoms of COVID-19 that they get tested and safely isolate from others.
• Following the trip, we encourage everyone to monitor their symptoms and follow all local, state, and federal laws regarding COVID-19 upon returning home.
• Be sure to maintain excellent personal hygiene, set up open communication protocols, stay up to date on openings and closures throughout the city, and provide teachers and parents with safety plans to manage COVID-19 related risks.

Ideal Itinerary if you are visiting for one-day:

Time: 5-6 hours

What to do:

Arrive at the Visitors Center to preview some exhibits and get tickets to enter Independence Hall.

• 41 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
• 215-965-2305

Visit Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were signed. 

• 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA

Visit the Liberty Bell Center where the Liberty Bell is kept.

• 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA

Participate in the National Park Service’s Independence Historical Institute.

• Call 215-597-2760 or emailing the NPS here .

Visit the Museum of the American Revolution and participate in one of the many hands-on exhibits that the museum features.

• 215-253-6731
• [email protected]

Most importantly, enjoy your visit!

If you are visiting for more than one day:

Same itinerary as above for the first day in addition to the following:

Visit the Betsy Ross House.

• 215-629-5801
• [email protected]

Visit Valley Forge and participate in a Ranger Program or Tour .

• 610-783-1000

Visit the National Constitution Center .

• 215-409-6600

Explore Carpenters Hall.

• 215-925-0167
• [email protected]

Restaurants that serve groups:

• 51 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
• 215-922-2317
• 214 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
• 215-923-1000
• 2016 Penrose Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145-5744
• 215-465-1097

There are numerous hotels in the Greater Philadelphia area, including:

• One East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA 19107-3308
• 215-557-0005
• 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
• 844-631-0595
• 480 N Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406-2807
• 301 W Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia, PA 19406-2435
• 855-605-0318
• 1 Penn Street, Camden, NJ 08102-1634
• 855-618-4697

Travel Tips:

• Renting a bus can be costly in the Philadelphia area. Budget accordingly.
• Vehicle traffic is very heavy, and roads are congested throughout the day, especially during rush hour.
• Many of the sites around Independence Hall are close by. Once off of the bus you may not need it again until the end of the day.
• Bus parking is available near Independence Hall. Plan ahead with your bus company.
• Get started early in the day. Crowds are smaller earlier in the day, which will allow you to explore sites more freely. 
• Most major Philadelphia museums have security check points with metal detectors. On busy days it can take a while to get through security.
• April-June are the busiest months for field trips. This means that the historic sites in the district can be jam packed.

​​​​​​ Questions?

These email addresses and phone numbers may help you answer any pertinent questions you may have about a trip to Philadelphia.

• 215-636-3300
• https://www.discoverphl.com/
• 610-834-1550
• https://www.valleyforge.org/
• https://www.camdencounty.com/

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Field Trip Itinerary

Historic Boston Field Trip Itinerary for Educators

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Philadelphia STEM trips will create lifelong memories for your students. Educational Destinations offers a variety of Philadelphia STEM trip opportunities. If your students are ready to become detectives and examine skeletal remains, explore the Heart of the Franklin Institute, or take lessons that have been developed to meet Educational Standards, including Pennsylvania State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards, Educational Destinations will make your Philadelphia STEM trip rewarding and memorable.

Educational destinations is the 1st choice for philadelphia stem trips and philadelphia education travel..

Find out why Educational Destinations is the 1st choice in educational Philadelphia STEM tours

View our 2 minute intro video to see what Educational Destinations can do for your group.

Known as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, from 1800 to 1830, Philadelphia was also known as our largest city in America. Here, your STEM students can explore a city filled with robotics, fossils, butterflies, VR experiences, flight simulators, and so much more. Philadelphia is also full of captivating museums, lovely parks, and national historic sites.

 Below are some popular options for your educational STEM trip. You can also click on the PDF icon for a download of these features.

Educational STEM Opportunities

• Meet Pennsylvania Academic Standards
• Interactive School Tours
• Be a Forensic Anthropologist
• Scavenger Hunts
• Animal Encounters
• Amazing Adaptations
• Escape Rooms
• Virtual Reality Experiences
• Flight Simulators
• Planetarium Exhibits
• Survivial Experiences
• Discovery Camps
• Museum Sleepovers
• Philadelphia Science Festival (Spring)
• Live Science Shows
• Tech Studios
• Robotics Workshops
• Movie-Making Workshops
• Drone Workshops
• Game Design Workshops
• Lego Robotics
• Engineering for Kids

STEM Attractions

• University of Pennsylvania
• Penn Museum
• The Franklin Institute
• Mütter Museum at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia
• Pennsylvania Hospital Physic Garden
• Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion
• Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
• Wagner Free Institute of Science
• Awbury Arboretum
• Adventure Aquarium
• American Helicopter Museum & Education Center Bartram’s Garden
• Camden Children’s Garden
• College Settlement Outdoor School Program
• Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center
• Philadelphia Zoo
• Garden State Discovery Museum
• Greener Partners’ Longview Farm
• Independence Seaport Museum
• John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
• John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove
• Linvilla Orchards
• Longwood Gardens
• Morris Arboretum
• Peter Wentz Farmstead
• Philadelphia Navy Yard
• Philadelphia Water Department, Public Education
• Riverbend Environmental Education Center
• Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
• University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

Other Attractions

• One Liberty Observation Deck
• Ghost Tour of Philadelphia
• Whitewater Rafting
• Rock Climbing
• Pizza Brain
• SPIN Philadelphia
• Urban Ax Throwing
• Treetop Quest Philly
• American Revolution Museum
• The Liberty Bell Center
• Independence Hall & Congress Hall
• The Betsy Ross House
• The President’s House
• National Constitution Center
• Mother Bethel & Richard Allen Museum
• National Museum of American Jewish History
• Benjamin Franklin National Memorial
• Christ Church & Christ Church Burial Ground
• The African American Museum in Philadelphia
• Carpenters’ Hall
• Powel House & Hill-Physick House
• Declaration (Graff) House
• American Philosophical Society Museum
• Philadelphia History Museum
• Old City Hall
• Independence Hall
• Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
• Mütter Museum
• Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Elfreth's Alley
• Battleship “New Jersey”
• Valley Forge
• Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
• National Liberty Museum
• Penn's Landing

The Trip Account app is offered to our groups as they travel.

Included in your trip, group leaders, staff, chaperones and travelers will use the information packed, versatile Trip Account App during their travels.

Powerful Director Tools

Interactive Checklists, Pop Up Communications, Emergency Notifications.

Tools for all travelers

Live Itineraries, Group Messaging, Photo Gallery and much more.

Everything you need for your next trip .

The Trip Account app is available for iPhone and Android.

See our difference

It’s no surprise that Educational Destinations sets and exceeds student travel standards. We aim to provide the best service, communication, experience and safety for all of our groups. When researching for your travel provider, please download this PDF checklist HERE to ensure that your group is taking advantage of all of the essential building blocks of a successful, safe, and FUN trip! If you have questions or are ready to get started on your next trip, please call 800.616.1112 or request your customized quote .

Custom Designed Trips

ED will create a custom designed trip for your group that is shaped by your priorities, goals and wishes, and powered by your passions. ED is committed to listening and working one-on-one with you to build the perfect trip for your students. There are no stock trips here - just your trip.

Group Travel Specialists

Led by award-winning teachers, ED exceeds the needs and expectations of students, teaching staff, parents and administrators. ED anticipates group needs and delivers group wishes, without surprises or hidden costs. Our experience and expertise enable us to bring the best quality trips, events, experiences and opportunities to your group.

All-Inclusive Price

ED’s custom trips are cost-effective and inclusive, without hidden costs – a great value for your travelers. Charter coaches, flights, hotels, meals, sightseeing, events, taxes and gratuities are covered for each traveler. A 24/7 Emergency Contact System is included for each traveling group.

Cutting Edge Technology

Through ED's parent company, ED is the only student travel company providing Trip Account , an internet-based program that provides you a complete trip resource center 24 hours a day. Also included in your trip is the Trip Account App: Music Directors, group leaders, staff, chaperones and travelers will use the information packed, versatile Trip Account App during their travels.

Personal Tour Director

A signature feature of every trip is the ED Tour Director , always right by the teacher’s side, managing all travel aspects of your trip: transportation, events, meals, lodging, tickets and more. Our TD’s training and management skills let the teacher focus on the students and education.

Safety is Priority #1

ED is pro-active on safety, sending the Tour Director World Aware® alerts, sharing best practices in travel safety, emergency procedures and travel hints with chaperones and staff, ensuring traveler accountability, monitoring vendor service/performance and tellng travelers of changes or emergencies with the Trip Account App .

Trusted Leader in Travel

ED is an active member of these respected travel suppliers and organizations: Walt Disney World & Disneyland, Universal Orlando, American Bus Association, National Band Association, National Tour Association, Student Youth Travel Association and more. View all ED’s partners and awards here .

Doing the right thing

ED is deeply committed to high quality educational group travel. We love what we do, and we work hard to do it better than everyone. Creating memorable performance trips that leave positive, life-changing impressions on your students and community is a privilege that we don’t take lightly. Please talk to us about your next trip.

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Hear from our valued clients throughout the world.

Since 1987, Educational Destinations, led by passionate, award-winning teachers, has become the first choice for educational student group travel. By listening to teachers, providing cutting edge technology and unmatched service, and having dedicated ED Tour Directors conduct trips, Educational Destinations has built an unmatched reputation. Focused on designing custom trips that provide educational, memorable, and rewarding student travel experiences, Educational Destinations successfully partners with customers to do just that, in destinations within the United States and worldwide. Decades of combined travel expertise, earned in dozens of countries, enables Educational Destinations to anticipate performance needs and deliver group wishes, without surprises or hidden costs.

I wanted to write and tell you what a terrific job you did with our trip. I’ve been traveling since 1980 and this was the easiest trip ever for me. I simply had to do nothing but teach! It’s hard to believe it’s taken me this long to get it right, slow learner! The students and parents have had nothing to say but wonderful things…

Nan Moore Male High School

You have been so wonderful with our parents and students throughout the entire course of this tour. I am so glad we signed on with Music Travel Consultants/Educational Destinations as you gave our group the red carpet treatment every step of the way.

Janis Stackhouse Bloomington High School North

Music Travel Consultants/Educational Destinations is top-notch. The professionalism of the staff and their attention to detail is a director’s dream come true. My students and I have traveled with them four times over the past several years and I can say that “I won’t leave home without them!

Jena Adrianson Lawrence Central High School

I can’t say enough good things about Educational Destinations. They had everything covered and it was a relaxing and fun trip. My students and parents commented that it was the best trip we have ever taken. I’m ready to plan another trip with this company.

Brenda Bergman Jay County School Corporation

I recently had the pleasure of going on a Disney Trip with our band from Eastern High School in Greentown, IN. I was skeptical about going but am so glad I did. My Grandson and I came in rather late and had no problems whatsoever in getting onto your site, paying for our trip, and having confirmation that we were good to go.

Dianna Workinger Greentown, IN

Being able to trust implicitly the people who are planning what we will see, the timing of the itinerary, and the traveling arrangements is comforting not only to our staff but also to our parents. For our parents to know that this is a company that we use year after year with great results gives them the peace of mind that their children will experience the safest trip possible.

Mrs. Kathy Schubel Principal, St. Bartholomew Catholic School

I wanted to thank you so much for such a great trip! Our kids had a wonderful time and I could not imagine how we would have seen all that we were able to see without having you organize this trip for us.

Angie Remington Madison-Grant Elementary Students

I have worked with Educational Destinations on a yearly basis since 2001 and ED is the best educational travel group our school has ever worked with. It is refreshing to know that during the course of a trip that if any questions or problems arise, we have the consultant, whom we have worked with all year, right there with us to answer all questions and take care of the tickets and timing. It makes the trip very relaxing and enjoyable and a trip our kids never forget.

Darrin Russell 8th Grade U.S. History, Mitchell High School

I have been coordinating educational field trips for my school for the past 10 years and could not be happier with Educational Destinations. From the very first brainstorming session to the moment we return home from our trip, Educational Destinations works tirelessly to make sure our trips are memorable and successful. They are always quick to answer my questions, which I truly appreciate. Michael, Robin, and Ryan have been fantastic to work with over the years and I highly recommend them!

Kris Samick Spencer-Owen Community School Corporation

Educational Destinations has taken the stress out of planning and traveling with a large group. As a teacher, I am now able to actually enjoy the time I have with my students instead of worrying about all of the necessary details. From the very first contact made to the last moment of the trip and beyond, each and every person we have interacted with from Educational Destinations has been professional, concerned about fulfilling our needs, and exceptionally conscientious.

Linda Crady History Teacher, Sycamore School

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To book your school field trip, please contact us: 215.525.1776 [email protected]

1 National Constitution Center

• 2 The President's House Site

3 Declaration House

• 4 Signers' Walk

5 The Liberty Bell

6 independence hall, 7 congress hall, 8 old city hall.

• 9 Signer's Garden

10 Philosophical Hall

11 library hall.

• 12 Second Bank of the U.S.
• 13 Carpenters' Hall

14 New Hall Military Museum

15 the first bank of the united states, 16 franklin court & b. free franklin post office, 17 christ church, 18 betsy ross house, 19 arch street friends meeting house, 20 christ church burial ground, 21 national constitution center, your adventure begins - the only museum of its kind in the world dedicated to the u.s. constitution.

Welcome to The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia the All-American Tour of America's birthplace.  It all started back in 1682 when Philadelphia was founded by William Penn.  At that time, Philadelphia was under British rule, and Philadelphia was the largest city in the Colonies.  The Constitutional tells the story of the brave men and women who were responsible for creating America. In 1776, The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, and in 1787, the Constitution of the United States was signed in Philadelphia. Philadelphia served as the Capital for the United States from 1790 until 1800.  Today, Philadelphia is the 5th largest city in the United States, and it is the second largest city on the East Coast with a metropolitan area population of approximately 5.9 million people.

2 The President’s House Site

Predecessor to the white house.

This open-air President’s House commemorates the predecessor the White House where President George Washington and President John Adams lived while they were in office, while Philadelphia was the Capital City of the United States from 1790-1800. The President’s House site also provides a lesson pertaining to a troubling time in American history with slavery. There are exhibits about the early American Presidency, the free African community in Philadelphia and the enslaved Africans who lived there. The site and exhibit, entitled “President’s House: Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation” opened in December 2010.

Where Thomas Jefferson wrote The Declaration of Independence

Declaration House, or Graff House as it is also referred to, is on the site where Thomas Jefferson lived when he wrote The Declaration of Independence, appealing to the natural principles of justice and equality. 

4 Signers’ Walk

The founding fathers’ “walk of fame”.

Signers’ Walk pays tribute to the Founding Fathers who were members of the Second Continental Congress who risked their lives, reputations and fortunes by signing The Declaration of Independence. Each plaque along Signers’ Walk bears the Signers’ likeness, signature, occupation and Colony.  The plaques are organized by colony, from south to north, with the exception of Pennsylvania, which is at the very end at 6th and Chestnut. Highlights include the plaques of Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin.

The quintessential icon of American Freedom

As the official bell of the Pennsylvania State House, which is today called Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell rang many times for public announcements. It may have rung on July 8, 1776 to announce the first public reading of The Declaration of Independence. The Liberty Bell, which weighs about 2,000 pounds, was silenced by a crack in 1846. Its inscription reads: “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof” - Leviticus XXV, v.10, The Bible. 

America’s Birthplace

Independence Hall, the birthplace of America, was built in 1732 as the Pennsylvania State House. Within this hallowed hall, the Second Continental Congress met in May 1775, and The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. Independence Hall is also where the Constitutional Convention met to draft, debate and then sign The United States Constitution on September 17, 1787.

The former U.S. Capitol and site of two Presidential Inaugurations

Constructed between 1787 and 1789 as the Philadelphia County Court House, Congress Hall served as the United States Capitol, the meeting place of the United States Congress, from 1790 to 1800, when Philadelphia was the Capital of the United States. The House of Representatives met on the main floor, while the Senate assembled upstairs. From its earliest days the Senate thus came to be referred to as the “upper chamber.” Among the historic events that took place here were the inaugurations of President George Washington (his second) and President John Adams.

The former home to the U.S. Supreme Court

The United States Supreme Court met here from 1791 until 1800 when the Capital of the United States was moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. Early members of the Supreme Court included: John Jay, Chief Justice, 1789 to 1795; Oliver Ellsworth, Chief Justice, 1796 to 1800; and John Marshall, Associate Justice who later became Chief Justice, 1801 to 1835.

9 Signers’ Garden

Dedicated to those who risked their lives for the cause of american freedom.

Take note of the statue called The Signer.  Inspired by George Clymer, Philadelphia merchant, statesman and signer of both The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States, The Signer commemorates the spirit of all those who devoted their lives to the cause of American freedom.

Oldest scholarly society in the U.S.

The American Philosophical Society was founded in 1743 as a home for thinkers about nature, machines, industry and governance. It was founded through the outgrowth of an idea fostered by Benjamin Franklin, and it is the oldest learned society in the United States. Today, the Society continues as an eminent scholarly organization of world-wide reputation, renowned for its excellence in scholarly research and publications, its library, its exhibitions and its international roster of elected members who make up a veritable “Who’s Who” of outstanding individuals in the arts, humanities and the sciences. The Museum in Philosophical Hall presents exhibitions and programs based on the Society’s rich collection of art and artifacts. The museum is free and open to the public.

The nation’s first public library and the former Library of Congress

The Library Company of Philadelphia, founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1731, was housed on the site of Library Hall from 1790 to 1880; the Library Company served as the Library of Congress from 1774 to 1800. In the 1880s, the Library Company moved to 1314 Locust Street, and the original Library Hall was then demolished. In the 1950s, a reproduction of Library Hall was constructed on its original site. Today, Library Hall houses some of the American Philosophical Society’s collections, and the Library Company still functions as a prominent research library on Locust Street.

12 Second Bank of the United States

One of the most influential financial institutions in the world, now a portrait gallery.

Completed in 1824, the Second Bank of the United States is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture, modeled on the Parthenon in Greece. The Second Bank was designed by William Strickland who was known as the “city architect” because he created a large number of Philadelphia’s public buildings. The Second Bank was incorporated in 1816, and it was one of the most influential financial institutions in the world until 1832. Today, the building houses a collection of late 18th and early 19th Century portraits.

13 Carpenters’ Hall

The birthplace of the american identity.

Carpenters’ Hall was built in 1770. The First Continental Congress met at Carpenters’ Hall in September 1774 to draw up a Declaration of Rights and Grievances and an appeal to King George III. This was in response to the Colonies’ outrage towards the British Parliament over punishing Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party. During the Revolutionary War, Carpenters’ Hall served as a hospital and an arsenal for American forces. It was here at Carpenters’ Hall during the First Continental Congress that Patrick Henry stated, “The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian but an American.”

Interpreting the role of the military in early U.S. history

The New Hall Military Museum is devoted to interpreting the role of the military in early American history. This building is a reconstruction of the one built by the Carpenters’ Company in 1791, and it originally housed the office of the first Secretary of War, Henry Knox, and his staff. The building currently houses exhibits highlighting the origins of the United States Army, Marine Corps and Navy with displays featuring weapons, uniforms, battle flags and more.

Sparked the first great Constitutional debate

The First Bank of the United States was chartered by Congress and President Washington in 1791 under the direction of the Treasury Secretary, Alexander Hamilton. Architecturally, the First Bank of the United States building won wide acclaim upon its completion in 1797, and it is believed to be one of the first examples of Classical monumental design. The constitutionality of the First Bank of the United States sparked the first great debate between “strict constructionalists” and “loose constructionalists” regarding the interpretation of The United States Constitution.

Ben Franklin’s home and the only Colonial-themed Post Office

Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s Founding Fathers, was a very accomplished author, diplomat, inventor, philanthropist, political pundit, printer, statesman and scientist during his 84-year life. Franklin’s house once stood in Franklin Court, however it was razed in 1812. Today, the Robert Venturi-designed “Ghost House” stands depicting the frame of Franklin’s home. Below Franklin Court is the newly redesigned Benjamin Franklin Museum. B. Free Franklin Post Office & Museum is the only Colonial-themed post office operated by the United States Postal Service. It is a living portrayal of a bygone Colonial lifestyle, and it is the only active post office in the United States that does not fly the American flag (because there was not yet one in 1775 when Benjamin Franklin was appointed Postmaster General). The postmark “B. Free Franklin” is still used to cancel stamps. The museum on the second floor features displays of postal history and memorabilia.

An active parish since 1695, often called the “Nation’s Church”

Often called the “Nation’s Church,” this Episcopalian church has been an active parish since 1695, and it is where Benjamin Franklin, Absalom Jones, Robert Morris, Betsy Ross, Benjamin Rush and George Washington worshipped. It was the first parish of the Church of England (Anglican) in Pennsylvania. It is also the church where the American Episcopal Church was born. The steeple, financed by a lottery organized by Franklin, was the tallest structure in the Colonies for 83 years.

Where Betsy Ross sewed the first Stars and Stripes

The Betsy Ross House, a row home built in 1740, has been restored to about the year 1777, and it commemorates Betsy Ross’ legend and history. In 1777, Ross was commissioned by George Washington to create the first American Flag. Although no official records exist to prove the story of Ross creating the legendary “Stars and Stripes,” the descendants of Ross have passed her story down from generation to generation, which detailed Ross’ role as a national matriarch and the feminine face of the American Revolution.

Home to the Society of Friends

Built in 1804 on land that William Penn gave to the Quakers in 1693, the Arch Street Friends Meeting House is the oldest Friends Meeting House still in use in Philadelphia, and it is the largest in the world. The Society of Friends grew out of the teachings of George Fox in 17th Century England. Penn, a disciple of Fox, founded Philadelphia as a haven for his persecuted co-religionists. Penn’s “Holy Experiment” was to build a society according to Quaker ideals: the absolute right of conscience, the equality of man and nonviolence.

The final resting place of Benjamin Franklin

Christ Church Burial Ground is one of America’s most interesting graveyards from the Colonial and Revolutionary Eras; the burial ground has 1,400 markers on two acres. The graveyard is the final resting place for some of America’s most prominent leaders including Benjamin Franklin and four other signers of The Declaration of Independence.

Where you can exercise your right to explore the Constitution of the United States

The National Constitution Center, located on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, is the first museum in the world devoted to dramatically telling the story of The United States Constitution from Revolutionary times to the present through more than 100 interactive and multimedia exhibits, film, photographs, text, sculpture and artifacts. Be sure to walk through Signers’ Hall with its life-size statues including Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. Watch Freedom Rising which brings to life the historical context of The Constitution and its impact on our lives today. Take the Presidential Oath-of-Office and vote for your favorite President of all-time.

To book your school field trip, please contact us:

215.525.1776 [email protected].

Note: Standard outdoor walking journey provides a broad overview of Independence Park and does not include admission into sites. Custom tours with admission into sites can be arranged for additional fees.

Field Trips

Newtown Friends School

Field Trips

› Field Trips

Learning Beyond the Classrooms - Field Trips

Learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. That’s why we incorporate field trips into our curriculum to provide our students with hands-on, real-world experiences that enhance their understanding of the subjects they’re studying . 

From visiting historical sites to exploring nature, our field trips offer a fun and engaging way for students to learn and grow. We carefully plan field trips to enrich the  curriculum and  overall learning. From taking a trip to the local firehouse to visiting Quebec City, or the desert of Arizona, students are taught that what they learn inside the classroom is very much applicable in the outside world.

Additionally, field trips have a strong social-emotional component, particularly overnight trips, as students are away from their parents. These trips encourage autonomy, independence, collaboration, and bonding, creating memorable experiences being together.

From Preschool to Middle School: Field Trips

Starting in 2nd grade, students go on overnight trips as well as day trips.

Preschool & Kindergarten

Past Trip Locations Include: Liberty science museum, Alstede Farms, Fire House Station, Bergen County Zoo, Montclair Art Museum, Tenafly Nature Center, Shakespearian Play

3-4 Day Overnight Trips

Elementary School

Past Trip Locations Include : Greenkill NY, Boston, Quebec City & Montreal, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Meadowlands Environment Center, Brooklyn Botanical Garden.

5-6 Day Overnight Trips

Middle School

Past Trip Locations Include : Quebec City & Montreal, Plymouth MA, Arizona, Scientific Research Expedition at Sea on the Schooner Tara -

Benefits of Field Trips

Educational Trips are a lot of fun! But besides having fun, educational trips offer several other benefits:

• Developing cohesion among the group
• Building confidence
• Developing a sense of autonomy and responsibility
• Proposing different ways of learning
• Living an unforgettable adventure with classmates!

Examples of Past Field Trips

Exploring America’s Roots: A Middle School 5-Day Trip to Philadelphia and Washington D.C

  Middle school students always look forward to the annual school trip, and this year, they were off to explore the historical cities of Philadelphia

An Underwater Adventure in Preschool

Get ready to dive into the deep blue sea with our PK students! In January, PK3 and PK4 students embarked on a journey to explore

Autumn Farm Trip for Lower Grade Classes

By Rose Spicher In honor of the first few days of “La Semaine Du Goût”, French American Academy Pre-K4, kindergarten, and first grade classes teamed

Overnight trip to Greenkill

Second and third graders spent 3 days in Greenkill, NY for an outdoor experience. The students enjoyed working on forest ecology, survival skills, discovering a

Field Trip to the Goelette Tara

Today, fourth through 8th grade students  met the Tara’s Foundation Team. This scientific team started exploring the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and especially the coral’s

Discovering Boston in 5 Days: History, Culture, and Breathtaking Scenery

Itinerary Day 1: Plymouth Plantation and Quincy Market Day 2: Freedom Trail, New England Aquarium, USS Constitution Day 3: Harvard University and Boston Museum of

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of the trip is included in the tuition as trips are considered part of the educational experience and are budgeted for as part of the overall school expenses. Families do not need to pay additional fees for field trips.

At our school, student safety is our top priority. We follow strict protocols to ensure the well-being of all students on overnight trips. We maintain a high chaperone-to-student ratio and have emergency plans in place. Additionally, we closely monitor and assess the safety of all trip destinations before any overnight trip is approved. We take all necessary precautions to ensure that students are safe and secure during their overnight trip experience.

Accreditations

Visit JERSEY CITY, NJ Campus

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SERVING SCHOOL, SCOUT, CAMP, AND HOMESCHOOL GROUPS FROM EARLY CHILDHOOD THROUGH COLLEGE

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Featured field trips.

Cathedral Caverns State Park

Forest Glen Camps & Retreats

Wild West City

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MASSACHUSETTS

SOUTH CAROLINA

featured field trips

Boone Creek Outdoors

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago

Crab Apple Whitewater

field trip lesson plans

Each month, we raffle a prize to show appreciation for your hard work with students, scouts, and campers. It’s Easy & Just A Click Away

This Month’s Prize is a $50 Amazon Card

SCHOOL ASSEMBLY & OUTREACH PROGRAMS

Dialed Action Sports

Awesome Laser Assemblies

DINOSAURS ROCK® & Other Science Fun

FUNDRAISING FOR FIELD TRIPS

Scholastic Book Fair

Flower Power Fundraising

FieldTripDirectory.com (formerly ClassTrips.com and CampDirectorsResources.com) offers field trip ideas for class trips, scout group trips, camp group field trips, and homeschool group field trips—early childhood through college. Search for class trips by geographic area, distance, and venue name or keyword. Day class trips are divided by curriculum and subject area:

• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Find art museums, theater, dance, and music concert field trips.
• EARLY CHILDHOOD Find class trips to children’s museums, petting zoos, and kids’ shows.
• HISTORY/SOCIAL STUDIES View history museums, government & civics, historic sites, living history museums, and multicultural field trip ideas.
• LIFE SKILLS Find team building field trips, health & safety exhibits, and character education experiences.
• SCIENCE & NATURE Find aquariums, botanical gardens, environmental studies & nature centers, farms & mazes, planetariums, science museums, STEAM & STEM field trips, dinosaur exhibits, and zoos.
• RECREATION Find field trip ideas for adventure parks, ropes courses, ziplines, boat excursions, amusement parks, waterparks, kayaking, rafting, tubing, laser tag paintball, roller skating rinks, ice-skating rinks, mini-golf attractions, indoor amusement & recreation centers, and outdoor amusement & recreation centers.

Overnight field trips include trips to NYC, trips to Boston, trips to Philadelphia, trips to Washington, DC, trips to Chicago, trips to Atlanta, trips to Austin, and other historic cities throughout the US. Retreats are available for environmental education, team building, and recreation. We created field trip lesson plans to help teachers, scout leaders, camp counselors, and homeschool parents provide an enriching experience for their groups. We know funds for class trips are limited, so we’ve included grants for field trips that cover admission, transportation, and more. It’s important that students and youth explore new environments, learn about other cultures, and develop an understanding of inclusivity as part of the educational process. People learn in different ways—through hearing, seeing, touching, talking, or doing. Class trips can provide a multi-dimensional learning experience. FieldTripDirectory.com can help you find the right trip for your group. A world of experiences is just a click away at FieldTripDirectory.com.

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Philadelphia School Trip Transportation

When you plan a Philadelphia school field trip, adding a charter bus can be the missing link!

Field trips are a great way to make student learning come to life. From visiting the Declaration of Independence to a visit to Independence Hall, walking in the footsteps of historical leaders along the streets of the city of brotherly love, or participating in tours guided by the teachers that have a passion for the subject at hand, booking a charter bus puts you in the places that can change lives.

David Thomas Trailways has been providing Philadelphia charter bus services for over 40 years and in that time we have worked with many of the local school districts, private, and charter schools to help their groups traveling become a world-class learning experience. Our fleet of vehicles offers you options when it comes to bus types as well, from charter bus rentals to school buses, minibus rentals to a coach bus, we give educators the flexibility to accommodate groups of any size. Whether you choose a bus in Philadelphia or decide to take a group trip to Washington DC, we offer free quotes to help make the trip a success.

No one does Philadelphia bus rentals like we do and no one knows field trips better. As a local provider who has worked with thousands of educators, we are here to help you take learning out of the classroom and into the world!

We are proud to serve school districts in the following counties –

• Bucks County, Pennsylvania
• South Jersey Counties, New Jersey
• Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
• Delaware County, Pennsylvania

Our Philadelphia Field Trip Services

Science and learning.

To say that there is a lot of learning opportunities available to Philadelphia students would be an understatement. Whether you are visiting local historical sites, science venues, or museums, or heading to DC to the Smithsonian experiences or the capitol, nothing makes learning real like standing in the places where it happened. Our team of experts has been helping local educators for over 40 years to use charter buses for trips near and far. Let us help you take learning on the road.

Athletic Travel

Did the football team make the playoffs? Is the band headed to a parade? Where there is competition, there is travel and no one knows team travel better than we do. Charter buses offer a higher level of safety than school buses and our fleet gives you the ability to choose the right equipment based on the trip length, roads that will be traveled, and the amenities your team wants/needs.

Clubs & Teams

Whether your chess team is headed to a tournament or your FBLA chapter is going to be attending a national event, charter buses offer you the safety and comfort you want and need. Let us help you plan a charter bus rental, for groups as small as 8 people, which includes all of our service, safety, and experience.

What our clients had to say…

Popular Philadelphia Area Field Trips

Pennsylvania Hospital Physic Garden

Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion

The Franklin Institute

The Academy of Natural Sciences

Wagner Free Institute of Science

Mutter Museum

• Washington, D.C.

Baltimore, MD

New York, NY

• Lancaster, PA

Our Luxury Fleet

Providing School Field Trip Transportation For Over 40 Years

How can our courteous and experienced transportation team help you improve your next school adventure? Our Philadelphia professionals have over 40 years of field trip bus rental experience, offering open-ended support for more destinations and any number of students! With a focus on student safety, respectful service, and high-end amenities without the luxury price tag, consider field trip transportation solved when you partner with David Thomas Trailways!

For educational excursions and athletic events, our versatile motorcoaches and yellow school bus rentals in Philadelphia, PA features enhanced safety features and luxurious additions like air conditioning for the ultimate student experience.

In harmony with our exceptional fleet, our highly-qualified school bus drivers are:

• Background & drug screened for driver safety and criminal history
• Proficient in cautious, DOT-vehicle-handling techniques
• Regularly evaluated for key metrics like respectful and safe service
• Ready to accommodate any custom transportation requests you may have

Wherever your students need to go, each comfortable and budget-friendly bus trip comes with turn-key planning support. Our organized team will gladly help you orchestrate a seamless pickup and drop off schedule. With our flexible school bus services, we can even accommodate multiple field trip stops and any timeline that works best for your students. Our experts will enrich your field trip plans and arrive on time with a smile!

Hire David Thomas Trailways for Your Next Field Trip

For worthwhile academic and athletic accomplishments, plan a trip to the zoo or Dorney Park from Philadelphia. For a mix of fun and memorable learning in Bucks County, PA, our adaptable bus trips can visit science museums, history exhibits, and cultural destinations if your curriculum could benefit from hands-on education and inspiring lesson material.

Popular Field Trip Locations:

• Dorney Park
• Philadelphia Zoo
• Independence Hall
• New York City, NY
• & More

With multiple school buses ready to go, we are the most accessible field trip bus rental service in the area. Our Bucks County and Philadelphia, PA experts can also refine your field trip plans if you need reliable transportation for varying group sizes. For example, if you would like to schedule a private trip for a science or arts club, we have an affordable lineup of shuttles for cost-savings, convenience, and ease of scheduling any time you want to treat your students to an exciting day of learning or enjoyment.

Personalize Your Trip With Ease at David Tours & Travel

Whether we take you to NY, the Zoo, or Dorney Park from Philadelphia, all affordable packages come with ongoing support. We understand the importance of finding a transportation team you can trust, and strive to provide 100% transparency and concise communication from start to finish. Before we arrive, you can expect beneficial timeline reminders to ensure a seamless departure. During the trip, staff, chaperones, and students can expect to be treated like VIPs with courtesy and the cleanest school buses in Philadelphia, PA!

Looking for other cost-saving bus trips or rentals for your private group? Alongside our affordable school bus services, we also offer decked-out wedding and prom bus rentals in Philadelphia for groups of any size.

To personalize your next field trip, contact our experts at David Tours & Travel and experience why schools across the region continue to rely on our services time and time again!

David Tours, a Family of Companies, provides a Philadelphia charter bus fleet of 7 bus types and over 30 vehicles. We also offer our customers charter bus rentals in South Jersey which include minibus rentals, party bus rentals, coach bus rentals, and tour bus rentals as well as a full-service tour and travel agency. We are proud to serve the needs of any group, large or small while providing personal service and individual attention. Besides our Philadelphia and South Jersey bus rental services, we specialize in group travel and customized tours for any age group or for any special interest in Philadelphia and throughout the Eastern Seaboard. Let us give you a free quote for your next group trip.

(877) 328-4395 [email protected]

14005 McNulty Road Philadelphia, PA 19154

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Free School Trips

As a part of philadelphia zoo’s community access program (cap) the zoo provides free admission to students in kindergarten through 12th grade from title i public and charter schools (with 50% or more of the students receiving free or reduced-priced lunches) in the greater philadelphia region and free admission to title i and non-title i schools within the following zip codes: 19104, 19131, 19139, 19143, 19151..

The form to request free field trips will be available here for our Fall 2023 season on August 28 for Philly schools and September 6 for all other schools . The request form will allow you to reserve between 25-120 free student tickets per school, depending on free ticket availability at the time of review. Additional students in excess of the allotted 120 per school or for trips requested after we have reached capacity will qualify for our reduced rate of $7.00 per student. Check back here in late August to access the request form!

Confirm that your group is eligible for the program

Complete the request form when it opens, confirmation of trip, additional community access program information.

Haworth School District

Achieving Excellence

• Haworth Public School
• Field Trip Information Packets

Middle School Field Trips

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GRADE 8 WASHINGTON D.C.  -  November 13 through November 15, 2019

Click HERE  for the trip information packet.

GRADE 6 PHILADELPHIA - April 23 & April 24, 2020   

GRADE 7 FROST VALLEY - June 3 through June 5, 2020

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Bring Back In-Person Field Trips. Here’s Why

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Just as peak field trip season was set to get underway in the spring of 2020, the pandemic hit. Schools, and the cultural institutions and countless other organizations that normally welcome K-12 students for experiential learning, closed their doors.

“The pandemic was absolutely devastating for field trips. They went off a cliff, even when schools went back to in-person,” said Susie Wilkening, principal of Wilkening Consulting, a Seattle-based audience research firm.

Statistics bear this out. In the spring of 2023, Wilkening Consulting and the American Alliance of Museums conducted a survey of 340 museum directors from around the country on post-pandemic visitation. Forty percent of respondents reported that they continued to experience lower on-site visitation from K-12 teachers and students.

Several factors may be keeping schools from venturing back to in-person field trips. Virtual field trips rose in popularity during the pandemic, allowing students to glimpse educational sites as far-flung as the Egyptian pyramids or the Louvre art museum in Paris from the comfort of their homes or classrooms—and those opportunities still exist.

Logistics and funding may also be preventing schools from returning to on-site field trips. Educational researchers have suggested that some schools prioritize putting resources toward activities that may improve student achievement on standardized tests over experiences like field trips, whose results aren’t as quantifiable. That may especially be the case for schools struggling to help students recover from pandemic-era learning declines.

The argument for doing field trips again

But a growing body of research, advocacy from some district-level officials, and anecdotes from students provide compelling reasons for bringing back in-person field trips.

Lin Tajeken Jeufack, a high school junior at Kenwood High School in Maryland’s Baltimore County schools, vividly recalls how a 6th grade field trip to the National Aquarium in Baltimore that offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into husbandry of aquatic animals planted an idea in her head about one day becoming a marine biologist.

Lin described testing the water in the animal tanks, peering under a microscope in an onsite laboratory at the aquarium, and learning about a profession she knew little about. The 16-year-old, who is now enrolled in her school’s International Baccalaureate program, volunteers at a local hospital, and says she’s leaning toward majoring in math in college, though she hasn’t ruled out a career in marine biology. Lin still welcomes the opportunity to attend in-person field trips—like a recent outing to the Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute, an art museum that features a “Giant Heart” exhibit that allows visitors to walk through the organ’s enormous, lifelike chambers.

“I think students feel safer now [post-pandemic],” said Lin. “We have a really tough course load; we’re always working. It’s good for us to get away from school for a little while.”

Field trips are especially beneficial for disadvantaged students

The lasting benefits of field trips don’t necessarily register in students’ consciousness at the moment of the visit. But these experiential outings have been proven to increase student interest in, knowledge about, and motivation to study subject matter to which they’re exposed, according to a sweeping, decade-old report by Ohio University researchers on field trips. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds tend to reap the biggest benefits from these experiences, as they are less likely to have the opportunity to engage in these activities outside of school-sponsored trips.

That’s not lost on Kadee Anstadt, superintendent/CEO of Washington Local Schools in Toledo, Ohio, who’s committed to ensuring that the students in her high-poverty district take field trips routinely.

“We are quite intentional now about the breadth of experiences we are offering our students,” said Anstadt, who recently established what she refers to as “superinten-dates,” in which she personally takes groups of students on field trips they likely wouldn’t otherwise experience.

“As an urban district, our kids sometimes don’t get to see their larger community. We’ve been to the Detroit Auto Show, to hear a Holocaust survivor, experienced the Toledo Opera, and taken the entire junior class to the Henry Ford Museum,” she said.

Some of the field trips students in the Washington Local Schools take are culturally enriching; others, practical. The district has developed a partnership with two local YMCA branches in which every 2nd grader receives eight water safety lessons.

“This ensures our kids know the dangers of a pool, pond, or lake, and also know how to get help if they need it. Some learn to swim during this time. For so many, it’s the first time they’ve ever been in a pool,” said Anstadt.

Since last year, more than 1,000 of the district’s approximately 7,000 students have received the lessons.

Fish hatcheries, hiking, ice fishing, and Native American landmarks

Laurie Barron, superintendent of the Evergreen school district in Montana, shares a philosophy on experiential field trips similar to Anstadt’s—but with vastly different surroundings to explore.

“We are in northwestern Montana bordering Glacier National Park, a recreation mecca,” said Barron, reeling off a number of recreational and cultural resources available within a quick bus trip: fish hatcheries, hiking, ice fishing, skiing, forestry opportunities, and Native American landmarks.

Barron says administrators aim for younger students in the K-8 district to go on between two and four trips per year, a number that increases to six to eight trips by the time students reach 8th grade.

“We love for them to have several off-campus opportunities each year, experiencing the great west Montana outdoors. It’s very relevant and easy to connect that to our curriculum and content,” Barron said. “And students remember a lot more that way than just reading about places in a book.”

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Families of victims in fatal N.J. school bus crash settle lawsuits for $20.5M

• Updated: May. 01, 2024, 1:39 p.m. |
• Published: May. 01, 2024, 11:35 a.m.

The fatal bus crash occurred May 17, 2018, when students from Eastbrook Middle School in Paramus were headed to Waterloo Village in Stanhope as part of a fifth-grade field trip. File

• Anthony G. Attrino | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

A trucking company involved in a 2018 Paramus school bus crash in Morris County that left two people dead has settled a lawsuit for $650,000, bringing total settlement amounts in the case to more than $20 million, an attorney said Wednesday.

Bruce Nagel , who represented the families of one child who was killed and another who was severely injured, said Mendez Trucking agreed to settle the lawsuit in January after years of litigation.

“The amounts of the settlements are certainly significant as was the loss of the child and the significant injuries to the other young man,” Nagel said Wednesday. “I’m pleased to finally resolve this after five years.”

Killed in the crash were teacher Jennifer M. Williamson , 51, and student Miranda Vargas , age 10. Another student, Asher Majeed , who was 10 at the time, was critically injured in the crash.

Nagel said Paramus Public Schools reached settlements last fall with the family of Vargas for $7 million and with the family of Majeed for $12.5 million.

An attorney for Mendez Trucking did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the settlement.

Jennifer Williamson, left, and Miranda Vargas died in a May 2018 school bus crash on Route 80 in Mount Olive.

The horrific crash occurred May 17, 2018, as school bus driver Hudy Muldrow Sr. drove students from Eastbrook Middle School in Paramus to Waterloo Village in Stanhope as part of a fifth-grade field trip.

Muldrow, then 77, cut across three lanes on Route 80 in Mount Olive in an attempt to reach a cut-through to get to the other side of the highway after missing an exit. The school bus collided with a dump truck owned by Mendez Trucking.

According to civil court documents, Muldrow’s driving record included at least 16 violations, including eight speeding tickets and at least one improper lane change, five crashes and 14 license suspensions — including one that occurred the same year as the fatal crash.

Muldrow was sentenced to 10 years in state prison after he pleaded guilty to reckless vehicular homicide, assault by auto and child endangerment.

Stories by Anthony G. Attrino

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Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at [email protected] . Follow him on X @TonyAttrino . Find NJ.com on Facebook .

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