washington dc educational trip

Discover Washington D.C.

Washington d.c. trips for schools.

A Washington, D.C. educational trip gives students the chance to visit the capital of the United States of America and home to our President, our Congress and our Supreme Court. From the White House to Capitol Hill, you can visit the three branches of our government that maintain the balance of power set forth in our Constitution.

Washington D.C. Overview

Washington D.C. is a city rich in history, culture, and politics. Capitol Hill is the active epicenter of the legislative and judicial branches of government and offers students a chance to step foot into the buildings where major decisions affecting the daily life of the American people are being made on a daily basis. A short distance away the White House is home to the President of the United States, head of the executive branch. D.C. is home to some of the country’s most iconic monuments and landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Jefferson Memorial. War memorials such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial honor the brave soldiers who fought for their country, while Arlington National Cemetery is both a memorial and an active cemetery where veterans and those who have died in combat in service to their country are still laid to rest today.

There is So Much More to D.C.

Washington D.C. has a vibrant arts scene that includes world-class theaters, music venues, and art galleries. It’s home to many of the country’s most important cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian museums, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the National Gallery of Art. The magnificent National Cathedral (the 6th largest cathedral in the world!) is one of few examples of Gothic architecture in the U.S. The powerful Holocaust Memorial Museum is a moving tribute to the victims of the Holocaust.

Thanks to the Smithsonian Institution, which includes over a dozen museums, galleries and even a zoo, D.C. can provide students with hands-on, interactive exhibits on a wide range of subjects, from natural history and science to art and culture. Take your students to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which offers a profound opportunity for students to delve into the rich tapestry of African American history, culture, and contributions.

With so much to see and do in Washington D.C., a student trip to DC with Educational Travel Adventures provides students with an unforgettable educational experience that will enrich their understanding of history, culture, and government.

Capitol Hill Guided Tours

It can be difficult for even the most motivated student to remember what each of those government branches do – which is why we recommend a trip to D.C.! Up on Capitol Hill, we help teachers give students the opportunity to see firsthand how their government operates and to understand the impact it has on their daily lives. Sights include the U.S. Capitol Building , The Supreme Court , and the Library of Congress .

A US Capitol tour for your students will help bridge the gap between what they have learned in the classroom and the real-world application of civics, history, and government. It will provide them with firsthand experiences and insights into the democratic process, the nation’s heritage, and the institutions that shape our society.

Visit The White House

There are few buildings in the U.S. more internationally recognized than the White House. Gather your students in front of this national symbol to snap a great pic, then head over to the White House Visitor Center , which illustrates many aspects of the White House including architecture, furnishings, first families and social events. Walking tours of the White House are available, but must be planned in advance and scheduled through your Congressperson.

Washington D.C. Memorials Tours

Memorials recognize the tireless work of our great leaders and honor the sacrifices made on behalf of the American people. At ETA we know it’s one thing to see a photo of a memorial in a textbook, and quite another to stand in front of a memorial, to sense the cultural weight of an event like a war, or to examine the facial features of a historical figure at the proximity we might examine the face of a friend. We’ll bring your students to experience the Korean War Veterans Memorial , the Vietnam Veterans Memorial , and the National World War ll Memorial and let them stand in front of some of America’s most influential figures at the Lincoln Memorial , the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial , the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial , and more.

Washington D.C. Itineraries

A 6 city tour of the northeast – 8 days.

The People & Places of our History Books

A Day Trip to Our Nation’s Capital – 1 Day

A one-day trip, starting with a half-day drive to DC with no overnights

A Deep Dive Into America’s Past and Present – 3 Days

This three-day, two-night adventure offers students a deep dive into the heart of America’s history and heritage.

D.C. Insider: White House & FBI – 3 Days

A half-day drive to DC with two overnights in the city

Quick Capital Highlight Tour – 2 Days

Start your two-day trip with a half-day drive to DC with an overnight in the city

Washington D.C. & Gettysburg: Iconic People and Places of our Nation’s History – 4 Days

Four day tour through our Nation’s Capital and the Battlefields of Gettysburg where the union almost broke forever

Washington D.C., Gettysburg & Hershey – 3 Days

Three days in Washington DC, Gettysburg and Hershey

Washington D.C. Tour FAQ’s

How does eta help plan tours of washington dc for large groups or schools.

Once you reach out to us, a dedicated tour manager will reply to your primary contact to start planning your trip to Washington DC. They’ll start by asking questions to understand your main goals for the trip, including what attractions you would like to see, what tours you would like to take, how long you’d like your trip to be, how many students will be traveling and other basic logistical questions.. Your tour manager will provide recommendations throughout your conversation as well. All trips with ETA are meticulously planned to meet the needs of each individual group.

Does ETA create complete Washington DC travel packages for groups?

Yes, your tour manager will help develop a custom package for your Washington DC school trip. All packages are custom-made to fit your budget and schedule, and can include everything from transportation to meals to tickets for museums, attractions, tours, and much more. Your tour manager will help you plan and strategize to make the most of your school trip to Washington D.C.

Does ETA provide planning for Washington DC trips for 8th graders?

Yes, we have helped many middle schools plan their annual Washington DC trips for their 8th grade students—and we have received glowing reviews along the way! If you are new to planning your school’s 8th grade field trip to DC, rest assured that we will be able to guide you throughout the planning process and even throughout your entire trip.

Why should we choose ETA to plan our educational trip to Washington DC?

We are a highly trusted and certified tour company that has been helping groups and schools plan educational and performance trips since 1991. For over three decades, we have been committed to executing highly engaging, memorable, and safe trips for schools and large groups.

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The Heart of the American Experience

Student Trips to Washington, D.C.

Our nation’s capital is a place where you can feel a part of something bigger than yourself. From the monuments and documents that represent the ideals of the Founding Fathers to memorials honoring soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice, visiting the sights during a Washington, D.C. educational student tour will put you and your students at the heart of the American experience.

Discover Your World

Sample Itineraries

Washington, D.C., Gettysburg & Philadelphia – 5 Days, 4 Nights

Highlights include Smithsonian Museums, Capitol Hill, Gettysburg National Military Park Museum, and Liberty Bell.

5 days, 4 nights

Washington, D.C. – 3 Days, 3 Nights

Highlights include Arlington National Cemetery, Smithsonian Museums, Capitol Hill, and the National Archives.

3 days, 3 nights

Washington, D.C. & New York City – 5 Days, 4 Nights

Highlights include Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, the Statue of Liberty, and Broadway.

Teachers, Parents, and Students Trust NationsClassroom

“I have thought about providing our students with a Washington, DC tour for many years. However, I was very concerned with the time commitment and support it would take to make a trip happen. From our first phone call, to your help with my Parent Night, handling all parent payments and finally running our tour I could not be happier. The NationsClassroom staff made my role so much simpler than I could have imagined. As a result, we had 160 students on our first tour that had a great experience. I am sure that the tour will now be a yearly highlight for our school. Thank you.”

Social Studies Department Head

Connecticut

“Thank you for an amazing trip to Washington, DC. My friends and I had a great time. My favorite parts were the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery and going up in the Washington Monument. This was my best trip by far and I have been on a lot.”

“I have planned my Washington, DC and New York City tour with just about every student tour company that there is. Hands down, NationsClassroom is the best. Your staff really cares about doing things great and providing my kids with a great trip, year, after year. Every part of the process is done right-your company simply gets it.”

History Teacher

“I just returned from an amazing experience with my daughter on her Washington, DC and East Coast school trip with NationsClassroom. I have to say I am very pleased and frankly quite surprised. Companies in other fields can take note of your attention to detail, dedication to providing great service and the passion of your employees. Our tour was very well thought out, the meals were better than I expected and the hotels were very nice. Our check in and check out were both very smooth. Most importantly, your Tour Guide was phenomenal. I don’t know how he was able to relate to everyone so well. He had the students really get involved in what they were seeing and didn’t just talk non-stop. Thank you for a wonderful lifelong memory.”

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Popular Washington, D.C. Tours

Discover our nation's past, present and future. from the smithsonian museums to the memorials and monuments, d.c. is brimming with history. check out some of our most popular washington, d.c. tours for students..

Washington, D.C.: The Capital Tour

Visit the Smithsonian museums, Washington Monument and Capitol Hill.

Washington, D.C. & Gettysburg

Visit Gettysburg, Arlington National Cemetery and Mount Vernon.

Washington, D.C. & New York

The Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and Times Square await.

Washington, D.C. & the Civil War Battlefields

Walk through Manassas, Antietam and Gettsyburg.

Washington, D.C. & Williamsburg

See the U.S. Supreme Court, Colonial Williamsburg and Monticello.

Missed the fun, or want to do it again?

Your next adventure is around the corner, or around this page, rather. take a look at our tours to find the right one for you and your group..

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Washington D.C.

Trip length:, 2024 dates:.

June 23 - June 27 June 27 - July 1 July 2 - July 6 July 3 - July 7 July 13 - July 17 July 23 - July 27

May 19 May 23 May 28 May 29 June 8 June 17

• Meet Your Guide

Take a trip back in time this summer. Follow the footsteps of the founding fathers at Mount Vernon and the Smithsonian’s collection of American antiques.

Then, return to modern day to experience all the excitement of today’s Washington D.C., including tours of world-renowned museums, the National Mall, and America’s Zoo.

Get your camera ready for sights like...

• Monument Row: Arlington National Cemetery, Iwo Jima Memorial, and the Pentagon Memorial
• Museum Central: Air & Space, Artechouse, and Spy, oh my!
• An unforgettable twilight cruise across the Potomac
• Bringing history to life with a ghost tour of Old Town Alexandria

Bring a Friend and Save!

We know that seeing the world is more fun when you do it with friends. That’s why we’re offering you $200 off when you bring a friend on your WorldExplore trip. As an added bonus, your friend will also enjoy $200 off their trip. Win-win! You can learn more about claiming your savings by speaking to a member of our team.

Take The Leap

Throughout your trip, your Course Leader will guide you through various LEAP activities, from discovering the symbolism behind the design of some of the nation’s most memorable monuments to exploring the historic home of America’s first president, George Washington, at Mount Vernon. All LEAP activities are designed to inspire active discussions about the various cultural and historical monuments you’ll be visiting, and to make you feel even more connected to the world around you.

What's Included

Authentic, local meals

Comfortable Double Accommodations

Expert Course Leader

Entrance to museums and historic sites

Travel securely knowing that your trip is backed by WorldAssist – our global team of security experts that are available 24/7 to address any questions or concerns.

Itinerary Highlights*

• Arrive in D.C.!
• Hit the ground running with an afternoon monument tour through the Pentagon Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial
• Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for over 400,000 soldiers and former presidents. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most famous landmarks inside the cemetery and is guarded 24/7 by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as The Old Guard. The Old Guard was established in 1784, making them the oldest unit in the United States Army.
• Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant before taking in an outdoor movie on the lawn at Gateway Park
• Set off on an expansive walking-and-shopping tour of Georgetown with your Course Leader
• One of the most historic neighborhoods in D.C., Georgetown is also home to its namesake university. Many notable figures in U.S. history have called Georgetown their home, including Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Graham Bell, and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
• In the afternoon, take in the newly revamped Air & Space Museum before stopping for a sunset photoshoot at the Washington Monument
• Enjoy bowling, bocce, and dinner
• Head off for a tour of the monuments at night, all brightly lit and glowing in the evening air
• Take a brisk morning walk through the city, stopping outside the White House for some photos and a discussion led by your Course Leader
• Continue on to explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)
• One of the most recent additions to the Smithsonian’s lineup in D.C., the NMAAHC was established by an Act of Congress in 2003 and opened its doors in 2016. The design of the museum itself is part of the experience for visitors who first encounter the bronze lattice that surrounds the entire building as an homage to the intricate ironwork crafted by enslaved African Americans.
• After lunch, head to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, a contemporary ode to modern art
• Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant
• That evening, explore Artechouse - an explosion of color and visual noise, home to an unbeatable collection of experimental, experiential art
• Finish your full day with ice cream at The Soda Pop Shop, a local retro favorite
• Spend your morning exploring the National Zoo
• The National Zoo is also home to over 1,800 animals. Receiving over 2 million visitors every year, the National Zoo is one of the most popular Smithsonian destinations in D.C.
• After lunch, head up the Hill for stops at various Capitol Hill hotspots, including the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, and the Botanic Gardens
• Enjoy a refreshing water taxi down the Potomac to National Harbor, home to restaurants, shops, rides, historical monuments, and more!
• After dinner in Old Town Alexandria, you’re in for a spooky time as you head into the night on an Old Town Ghost Tour
• Many locals believe that Washington D.C. is one of the most active haunting spots in all of the United States. From former presidents roaming through the White House to the public staircase made famous by the movie “The Exorcist.”
• On the final morning of the tour, set off to explore Mount Vernon - the historic home of George and Martha Washington
• After you’ve had your fill of history, it’s time to head back to the airport and depart for home

*The events included on this itinerary are subject to minor changes before your departure date.

Meet a WorldExplore Course Leader!

WorldExplore tours are led by experienced educators that have extensive, firsthand knowledge of the culture around you because your Course Leader is a local. That means hearing the real story of the ghost of Albert Clemens and discovering all the hidden-in-plain-sight legends that surround D.C.

WorldStrides receives nearly 1,000 Course Leader applications each year. On average, only 90 applicants will make the cut.

Walter Guzman Ferrel

Hola! I am a Licensed Tour Guide in DC and member of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides. As a guide, my experience goes back 19 years when I started in South America, leading adults and students in nature and cultural tours. I am a native Spanish speaker who has traveled to most of the countries in South America and now I really enjoy exploring and discovering the hidden jewels in the Nation’s Capital. I can’t wait to bring you along as we explore local places that have played a national role in historic events. Together, we will see and feel the best of DC’s most prominent public memorials, monuments, and buildings.

We are incredibly proud of our entire team of Course Leaders. Walter is just one example of our roster of experienced guides and may not be the actual Course Leader for your Washington D.C. tour.

What Our Travelers Are Saying...

“Our tour had a fantastic local guide and driver. From the minute we got off the plane until the we got back on the plane to go home, our days were filled with planned tours, self guided tours, wonderful meals, and very nice motel rooms. I definitely plan on going on another trip!”

– Bess, 2022

“Everyone at WorldStrides worked hard to ensure that we had the best possible trip to Washington DC. I am beyond impressed with our course leader director and itinerary. I am already planning another trip with WorldStrides for next year!”

– Stephanie, 2022

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WASHINGTON, DC

Walking in the footsteps of history, experience the power of history & government, tours average between 2 - 5 days, combine with other popular destinations, we'll customize your itinerary to suit your groups needs, sites you'll see on tour.

EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL AT ITS BEST

We got the details covered.

Partnering with School Tours of America means all the details are covered, from hotels and flights to meals and booked appointments. Everything is included in the price and coordinated by your personal team of planning experts.

Transportation

Close-in hotels, private security, licensed guides, tour concierge, medical insurance, mytourfund.com, drawstring bag, sample itinerary here is an idea of the awesome sights to come..

Travel to Washington, DC

National Archives

Night Tour:

• Lincoln Memorial
• Kennedy Center
• Iwo Jima Memorial

Hotel Check-in

Holocaust Museum

Washington Monument

Smithsonian Museums:

• Natural History
• Air & Space
• American History

Dinner & Dance Cruise

Capitol Hill:

• Supreme Court
• Library of Congress

Arlington National Cemetery

Wreath Laying Ceremony

Pentagon 9/11 Memorial

Alexandria Ghost Tour

White House Visitor Center

Ford's Theatre

Peterson House

National Cathedral

National Zoo

Korean War Memorial

FDR Memorial

MLK Memorial

Hotel Check-out

Mount Vernon:

• Washington's Home

Old Town Alexandria

Group departs for home

"Thank you for everything you do on your end to make all this possible. I know the last two years have been hard on all, but everything you all did to make sure we could see everything we could, says so much about your company and staff. " J.S., Tour Group Leader

Are you ready to be that teacher.

Washington DC Educational Tours

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Washington, D.C. is the top-rated educational destination in the United States!  Offering some of the most popular sites for school groups to visit and experience, Washington, D.C. is at once a historical capital city and a thriving commercial center of sophistication. Each year thousands of students visit our Nation's Capital to see the many unique historical sites, government buildings, and informative museums. They gain a clearer understanding of how our national government works and they are able to touch American history through the many attractions they visit.

Take a tour of the National Mall to see the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and iconic reflecting pool, Capitol Hill, and the many landmarks surrounding the grand promenade. Visit the world-renowned Smithsonian museums such as the National History Museum, Air and Space Museum, and the American History Museum among others. Touring the White House and Senate are almost always on the top of educational itineraries alongside the Vietnam War Memorial, Ford's Theatre, and much more!

Below you will find a variety of Washington, D.C. educational tour packages to choose from. However, our specialty is customizing educational tours to fit your group's needs so if you see something you would like to change, just let us know. When you find the educational tour you are looking for or have an itinerary you would like to have customized, call us at 877-397-5700 and we will assist you with all of your needs!

Learn more about Washington, D.C., by watching these Washington, D.C., educational tour videos .

Check out this sample video itinerary!

Are you looking for an affordable, customized group trip?

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Sample Itineraries

1 Delightful Day in D.C

•  Highlights

2-Day Women in DC Tour

2 Day Washington, D.C. Educational Tour

3-Day Law & Order D.C. Tour

3-Day DC Art and Architecture Tour

3 Day Washington, D.C. Black History Tour

3-Day DC Education

3 Day Washington, D.C. Educational Tour

3 Day Washington D.C. Journalism Tour

4 Day Washington, D.C. Educational Tour

4 Day Washington, D.C. Williamsburg History Tour

5 Day Washington DC & Baltimore Tour

5-Day Washington DC & NYC Tour

5 Day Washington, D.C. Educational Tour

6 Day Washington DC & New York City Tour

6-Day DC, Philly, and NYC Tour

Customized Tour

Attractions.

• Alexandria’s Ghosts and Legends Lantern Tour
• Anderson House
• Arlington National Cemetery
• Audi Field – DC United
• Bureau of Engraving & Printing – DC
• Capitol Hill Photo Opportunity
• Capitol Hill Tour
• Carpe DC Food Tours
• Daughters of the American Revolution Museum
• DC Metro Food Tours
• Embassy Row Tour
• FDR Memorial
• Ford’s Theatre
• Annapolis Tours by Watermark
• Historic Homes Tour
• Historic Prince William County
• Hornblower Cruises
• Howard University
• International Spy Museum
• Korean War Memorial
• Library of Congress
• Lincoln Memorial
• Lunch at Union Station
• Manassas National Battlefield Park
• Mangia DC Food Tours
• Mary Mcleod Bethune Statue
• Meet Your Congressman or Congresswoman
• Monuments and Memorials Tour
• Mount Vernon
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial 
• Museum of the Bible
• National Cathedral
• National Gallery of Art
• National Geographic Museum
• National Law Enforcement Memorial
• National Law Enforcement Museum
• National Mall
• National Museum of American Diplomacy
• National Building Museum
• National Museum of the United States Army
• National Public Radio (NPR) Studio Tour
• National Museum of Women in the Arts  
• Pentagon Memorial
• Petersen House
• Planet Word
• Potomac Riverboat Co.
• Rock Creek Park
• Saint John Paul II National Shrine
• Sky Zone Trampoline Park
• Smithsonian American Art Museum
• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
• Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
• Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
• Smithsonian National Museum of American History
• Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum and Sc. Garden
• Smithsonian Nat. Museum of Af Am Hist and Culture
• Smithsonian National Museum of the Am. Indian
• Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
• Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building
• Smithsonian National Postal Museum
• Smithsonian National Zoo
• Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
• Smithsonian Dillon Ripley Center
• Smithsonian Castle
• Smithsonian Freer|Sackler
• Southwest Waterfront
• Surratt House Museum
• The Capitol Steps Satire Show
• The Capital Wheel
• The Jefferson Memorial
• The National Archives
• The Supreme Court
• The Washington Ballet
• The Washington Monument
• United States National Arboretum
• United States Naval Academy
• US Holocaust Memorial Museum
• US Marine Corps War Memorial
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• Voice of America Tour
• Washington D.C. Sports
• Warner Theatre
• Washington D.C. Colleges Tour
• Washington D.C. Performances
• Washington Photo Safari
• White House Area Walking Tour
• World War II Memorial

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Washington, DC School Trips

4 day washington dc school trip.

This 4 day Washington DC school trip itinerary will have your class see all the highlights of DC and more.

8th Grade Washington DC Trip Itinerary

Washington, dc.

The 8th grade DC class trip is a long standing tradition. We have the perfect trip planned for your students!

Class Trip Programs for Middle Schools

We’ve crafted the best Washington D.C. class trip for your middle school, with visits to all the major sites and attractions; Arlington National Cemetery, the Monuments and Memorials, The US Capitol, and more!

Build Your Washington DC School Trip Your Way!

Personalize the ideal Washington DC school trip for your student group!

Class Trip Programs for High Schools

Plan your Washington D.C. class trip designed for high school students.

African American History DC School Trip

Visit the home of Frederick Douglass before dining at the famed, historically black-owned Ben’s Chili Bowl. Take a tour one of the top HBCU colleges, Howard University and stand on the steps where Dr King delivered his "I have Dream" speech in August 1963.

GO's Classic Washington, D.C Class Trip Itinerary

Your students get to the must-see attractions on a classic school trip to Washington D.C.

Civics Focused DC School Trip Itinerary

Connect the Civics curriculum from the classroom to the epicenter of politics in the United States with our Civics-related trips.

STEM/STEAM Focused DC School Trip

Some trips are only approved if they reap true substantial, educational benefits. That is our specialty at GO Educational Tours. With specialized travel programs developed for middle school and high school students, it’s easy to plan for a STEM and STEAM-related class trip to Washington D.C.

Custom Washington, D.C. School Trip for your student group.

Washington, district of columbia.

If you don’t see what you like, create your own. Customize your Washington DC school trip you need with one of our Travel Specialists!

Presidential Inauguration School Trip 2025

An opportunity of a lifetime for student groups to witness a page of American history with a trip to the Presidential Inauguration in January 2025.

Presidential Inauguration School Trip 2021

An opportunity of a lifetime for middle and high school student groups to witness a page of American history on a Washington DC school trip to the next Presidential Inauguration in January 2021.

We have a young team of dedicated travelers ready to make your next class trip a memorable experience for you and your students. GO guides you through every step of the planning process. You can customize all or parts of your trip. Or simply choose one of our Pick,Click & GO trips, our most affordable trips if you wish for an economical and quick trip booking. Planning can be daunting but all our efforts are channeled to make it easier on you.

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Old Town Trolley Tours Washington DC 4.2

Educational Tours

WASHINGTON DC'S EDUCATIONAL FIELD TRIP - An Adventure in History!®

Expose your students to the best of our nation’s capital and all the momentous historical events that helped shape our government. Old Town Trolley Tours is proud to offer our “We the People” Washington DC Educational Tour to 8th grade students attending Washington DC Public Schools.

We the People: The Living Constitution An Adventure in history incorporating standards from the National Council for Social Studies

On this special Washington DC Field Trip the students will explore the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

• They’ll visit Capitol Hill , the Lincoln Memorial and the FDR Memorial .
• They’ll also be treated to lunch at the Department of Agriculture, a stop at Lafayette Park , the Supreme Court  building and a tour of the National Archives where they’ll view the Declaration of Independence.

At each stop, our knowledgeable guide will engage them in interesting activities and discussions to help them learn about the many facets to the constitution and how this invaluable document has impacted the lives of every American since its creation.

 They’ll discover many facts and hear interesting anecdotes about how life was during America’s earliest days. How wars, treaties, Presidents and laws were developed, how they influenced our Country, our people and even their own lives.

The “We the People” field trip is a full-day, comprehensive educational excursion that is designed to reinforce classroom history lessons. Students are entertained and enlightened and come away with an excellent understanding of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence in addition to how the branches of our government work.

Old Town Trolley Tours offers “We the People” Washington DC Educational Tour at no charge to 8th grade students in Washington DC Public Schools.

We work in partnership with the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, The White House Historical Society, the National Park Service’s National Mall and Memorial Parks, United States Federal Courts, the National Archives Foundation and Children’s Concierge, Guest Services to make this extraordinary experience available.

Our educational tour is a hands-on, interactive adventure that will help students learn about America’s most fascinating history.

It’s a day they’ll always remember.

Please contact:
 Old Town Trolley Tours of Washington, DC (202) 832-9800

Washington, D.C. green STEM trips will create lifelong memories for your students. Educational Destinations offers a variety of Washington, D.C. STEM trip opportunities. If your students are ready to learn about droughts, sea levels, glaciers and ice caps through an interactive Earth Lab exhibit at the National Academy of Sciences, explore the National Geographic Museum rotating exhibitions or learn about sustainable farming techniques at the University of the District of Columbia, Educational Destinations will make your Washington, D.C. STEM trip rewarding and memorable.

Educational destinations is the 1st choice for washington, d.c. stem trips and washington, d.c. education travel..

Find out why Educational Destinations is the 1st choice in educational Washington, D.C. group tours

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

Encourage your students to build homo-polar motors while learning about electricity and magnetism at the National Electronics Museum. Using basic electronics, everyday objects and some creativity, students are challenged to create a signaling device in a Spy Science workshop at the International Spy Museum. While in D.C., enjoy the grand museums and engaging attractions. Washington, D.C. has so much to offer your students that are ready to open their minds to STEM!

 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

• Coding Bootcamps
• Chemistry Workshops
• Campus Tours
• LEGO Robotics Workshops
• Fundamentals of Robotics
• Advanced Concepts of Robotics
• 3D Printing Workshops
• Spy School 101
• Forensics Mystery Workshops
• Operation Code Cracker
• Q?rius School Programs
• The Human Body Experience
• Draper Spark!Lab
• Investigate Microscopic Fossil Pollen
• Solving Complex Problems with Simple Machines
• Aquatic WILD
• Soldering Workshops
• View the DC Electric Vehicle Grand Prix
• Watershed Educational Experiences
• Rock Creek Conservation Corps
• Naturalist Training
• Youth Stream Teams
• Environmental Challenges
• Overnight Environmental Science Programs
• Student Matinee Speakers
• Invention At Play Exhibit
• 3D Character Animation Programs
• Coding and Artificial Intelligence Programs
• 3D Modeling + Design Programs
• Game Design Programs
• Project Learning Tree
• Project WILD
• Growing Up WILD

STEM Attractions

• National Air and Space Museum
• Howard University
• George Washington University
• Koshland Science Museum
• National Geographic Museum
• Udvar-Hazy National Air & Space Museum
• International Spy Museum
• National Museum of Health and Medicine
• National Museum of American History
• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
• National Electronics Museum
• NatureBridge
• The Nature Conservancy
• Audubon Naturalist Society
• Washington Youth Garden
• Virginia Native Plant Society
• Virginia Master Naturalists
• Rock Creek Conservancy
• Department of Energy & Environment
• The Aquatic Resources Education Center
• The North American Amphibian Monitoring Program
• Bricks 4 Kidz
• Flatiron School
• Digital Media Academy

Other Attractions

• Arlington National Cemetery
• Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
• Embassy Row
• FDR Memorial
• Ford's Theatre and the Petersen House
• Illuminated Monument Tour
• Jefferson Memorial
• Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
• President Lincoln's Cottage
• Virginia Living Museum
• Library of Congress
• Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial
• Mount Vernon
• Lincoln Memorial
• Anderson House
• White House Tour
• WWII Memorial
• U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
• U.S. Capitol
• U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
• Union Station
• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
• Washington Monument
• Washington National Cathedral
• Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
• Tudor Place
• Old Post Office Pavilion
• Old Stone House
• Heurich House Museum
• The National Theatre
• Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument House & Museum
• National Archives
• Potomac River Cruise

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.

Ready to experience the 2024 Solar Eclipse?

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will arc across the southern half of Indiana from southwest to northeast. learn more

Check out our featured STEM destinations.

Encourage your STEM students as they participate in discovery labs, live shows, exhibits and hands-on educational experiences. learn more

Meet the ED Travel Designers

Our team is focused on creating custom trips that provide relevant, memorable and rewarding student travel experiences. learn more

Discover our featured history destinations.

Your students are ready to learn about the American Revolution and how Boston led the nation in fighting... learn more

Explore our our featured art destinations.

How about discovering a feast for the eyes with around 35,000 pieces of artwork at the Louvre... learn more

Check out our featured language immersion destinations.

Your Language Immersion students are ready to embrace the culture of France and participate in... learn more

Discover our featured adventure destinations.

Imagine your students as they kayak along the stunningly scenic coastal route along the Costa Verde in Brazil... learn more

Explore our featured theatre destinations.

Are your theatre students ready to participate in an actual Broadway Musical Theatre Workshop... learn more

Travel with Special Considerations or Dietary Restrictions

When a group is focused on its education, it is easy to overlook issues with accessibility. learn more

Top European Destinations

With the world full of fascinating educational destinations, just choosing the perfect spot for your students can present quite a challenge. Here are some of our cleints' must popular top European destinations. learn more

Getting parents involved in your educational trip.

Having parents involved in the program it a vital piece of the puzzle to be successful. learn more

Getting Groups Through Airport Security

Here’s how to get your students through security, smoothly and efficiently. learn more

Motor Coach Travel Advice for Students

Make the most of your ride with these insider tips. learn more

Choosing the right educational student group travel company.

When a student gets to experience to new locations, new cultures and new people with education being the focus, the revelations and the eye-opening impact that develop are priceless. learn more

Disney on Broadway with Educational Destinations.

Breathtaking! Amazing! Phenomenal! These are words you have probably heard time and time again from friends, family, and others when seeing a musical on Broadway. learn more

The Value of Education with a student Disney trip.

Have you ever wondered why opportunities involving educational trips to Disney are so abundant? The significance of education brought feeling and heart into... learn more

Health Tip: Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis, or deep venous thrombosis, (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) within a deep vein, predominantly in the legs... learn more

Fund Raising for your educational student trip.

Time for some heavy lifting. Before your trip becomes a reality, some homework has to be done. Don’t worry, Educational Destinations is here to help... learn more

See why teachers are excited about Educational Destinations...

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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Washington High School Program

Get a first-hand look at how the U.S. political system works and the role young people play in our government.

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Use DC as a living classroom!

Close Up Foundation’s Washington D.C. High School Program is a one-of-a-kind trip for students to experience their government in action.  During this six-day/five-night program, students make personal connections with the people, institutions, and iconic sites that embody our nation’s past and present.    

As students tour our nation’s capital and forge new, lasting friendships, they have the chance to:  

• Discuss current issues with experts, policymakers, and  members of Congress  or their staff;  
• Explore Capitol Hill and witness a live congressional committee hearing to see how policy is crafted;*  
• Engage in meaningful discussions with peers from around the country and debate the most pressing issues facing our nation in a Mock Congress;  
• Visit and study the famous monuments and memorials, world-renowned museums, and hallowed institutions that define our history; and  
• Get a glimpse of diplomacy by visiting an embassy and meeting an ambassador or diplomat.*  

Tight on time? You can also get the Close Up educational tour of Washington, DC, in four fun-filled days !   

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*Subject to availability.  

Participation in a Close Up program requires parent or guardian approval for any participant under 18 years of age. Learn how we keep all students safe, secure, and supervised on every program.

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Washington, dc.

Six-Day Program

Premier Election Series & Inauguration

Customize a program for your school.

Four-Day Program

Washington, DC & New York City

Washington, dc & williamsburg, new americans program, american indian focus programs.

Close Up has decades of grant experience; contact us today for assistance with using your federal funds!

I’m truly blown away by what Close Up’s been able to accomplish in the last two weeks during IMPACT 2020 …

The material seems very high level, and my daughter’s been very motivated to participate every day. I wanted to be sure to commend the staff on providing such a great experience!

Close Up made me realize how SIGNIFICANT my thoughts and views are…

Although everyone will not always agree, everyone has a voice and needs to be heard.

As a government teacher, it’s nice to have more resources …

for teaching media literacy and having students critically think about the information they receive.

I think Close Up’s virtual program is an amazing experience …

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Washington DC Tours » Washington DC Educational Tours

Customized Educational Tours to Washington DC

Welcome to an immersive learning experience! As one of the leading educational tour companies, we specialize in designing unique educational trips specifically crafted to broaden students’ horizons and deepen their understanding of our globalized world. Our passionate team works tirelessly to organize memorable class field trips, educational student tours and student group trips that not only educate, but also motivate.

We work with all types of schools or educational organizations. Whether your group is from a Public School , Private School, College, University, or Homeschool we welcome your group to experience Washington DC on an Educational Student Tour with us!

Tours Designed by Teachers & Educators

Customized itineraries with unique experiences, inclusive packages – you decide what’s included, interactive tours: engaging & dynamic, we work with any budget.

Washington DC Educational Tours: What to See and Do

Visit the Federal Buildings and Learn how the Three Separate Branches of Government Work.

Washington DC Offers World-Class Museums such as the Smithsonian Institute Museums. 

The Monuments Help Us to Remember those Who Established & Defended Freedom.

Historical Sites

Visit Historically Significant Sites Such as Mt. Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, and More.

Washington DC Educational Trips

Experience Washington DC with Your Students. Customized or Pre-Arranged Tours are Available for Groups of All Sizes. Below are a Few Options for your Educational Group to Choose from. Call 888.796.8763 for more Information about our Washington DC Educational Tours.

Washington DC is one of the most popular destinations for educational tours in the United States. Students get to explore the numerous site and attractions in almost every corner of the city. Being the center of the federal government and the birthplace of the nation, the city offers a great way to learn about the country’s history. With many world-class museums, the opportunities for learning and discovery are limitless. Memorials and monuments to the great men and women who helped shape the nation will inspire students to follow in their footsteps.

Washington DC Educational Trips

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Great Adventure Tours Inc. Email: [email protected] Phone: (800) 638-3945 Fax: (519) 727-6988

4 Days / 3 Nights Packages starting at: $219.00 USD

** Conditions Apply ** For more details contact us or take a few moments to fill out our Online Request for Quote. Great Adventure Tours is a proud member of SYTA (Student Youth Travel Association)

Planning a student field trip?

Planning a Washington class field trip, school trip, educational tour, or student tour? Let Great Adventure Tours experienced staff plan all of your student travel needs.

From its celebrated symbols of patriotism to its undiscovered neighborhoods, the sights and sounds of Washington DC the Nation's Capital, inspire millions of student class trips every year.

A Washington student tour offers your class culture , heritage , nationally-acclaimed theater , and all the inspiring monuments and museums you expect. Washington is more than just the Nation's Capital - it is also home to more than 150 embassies , chancelleries and diplomatic residences where colors, cultures and languages mix like nowhere else.

Full day of sightseeing in Washington DC – This is the best way to see the historic background of the nation. Drive by the Washington Monument , see the Lincoln , Vietnam Veterans , and WWII & Korean War Veteran Memorials , visit the Arlington Cemetery – Tomb of the unknown & Kennedy Graves , stop at the White House for a group picture and so much more!

Discover the U.S Capitol - Among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. It has housed the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives for almost two centuries.

Moonlight dinner & dance cruise – Cruise on the Potomac River and enjoy the wonderful views of Washington DC then, dance your meal off with live DJ Entertainment.

Crime & Punishment Museum – "New Attraction since 2008" Explore the technology and science behind fighting and solving crimes, discover the heroes of law enforcement, and venture into the criminal mind through this intensely interactive experience. Headquarter for FOX TV'S hit series America's Most Wanted .

Illumination Tour of the Washington Monuments - Enjoy night views of Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Kennedy Center, Iwo Jima Memorial, White House and Capitol.

Visit the Smithsonian Institute Museums – The world's largest museum complex. Home of the A merican History museum , Air & Space museum* , the National Zoo , Natural History museum & American Art Museum , just to name a few. *Optional IMAX Show at the Air & Space Museum.

Leisure time in Old Town Alexandria – Enjoy some time to discover this quaint historic town located just on the other side of the Potomac River from Washington, DC. Dating back to 1749, Alexandria's riverfront was an important colonial port during the colonial, Revolutionary and Civil War periods.

Tour of the Supreme Court – Site of many landmark civil rights decisions.

Ford's Theatre National Historic Site - Ford's Theatre is America's most famous theatre, inextricably linked to President Abraham Lincoln and his legacy. The Ford Theater is one of the most visited sites in Washington, DC.

Visit the White House* and/or the White House Visitor Center - The center features many aspects of the White House, including its architecture, furnishings, first families, social events, and relations with the press and world leaders, as well as a thirty-minute video. *Requests must be submitted through one's Member of Congress

Old Post Office Clock Tower - A highlight of a visit to the Old Post Office Pavilion is always a 360-degree picturesque view of Washington. From the observation deck of the 315-foot granite Clock Tower, enjoy the city's second highest vantage point after the Washington Monument.

Docent-led tour of the Library of Congress - The nation's oldest federal cultural institution, and it serves as the research arm of Congress. It is also the largest library in the world.

Sea Turtle Inc. , a founded in 1978, was the home of Ila Loetscher, known by many as the "Turtle Lady." Ms. Loetscher dedicated her life to saving and rehabilitating sea turtles, including the endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle. Educational shows featuring the turtles are given.

Newseum - "New Attraction since 2008" Explore this interactive museum of news with behind-the-scenes views of how and why news is made. Admission includes 4-D Films, FBI 100 year's exhibit and much more!

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"the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures" - Lewis Caroll

Student Educational Tours (SET) is a premium full-service student travel provider specializing in customized Washington DC student trips and other historic U.S. destinations such as Chicago, Charleston, Gettysburg, Philadelphia, New York City, Orlando, Williamsburg, and many others. 

SET primarily partners with school group leaders, teachers, administrators and educators from all over the United States and Internationally to create trips that their students will remember for a lifetime. In addition to managing school tours of all kinds such as popular annual 8th grade class trips to Washington, DC and high school band trips to Orlando/Disney, we’ve also worked with many other groups such as science, dance, cheer, sports, theatre, arts, youth clubs, church & religious organizations and more.

If you are a school or group leader, then please take a brief moment to complete our short Contact Us form to get started. 

We look forward to our partnership and adding your group to our family.

The SET Team! 

Let SET customize & plan your next student trip of a lifetime!

Washington DC Student Trips - Customized Your Way!

"My daughter had a really great time on her trip. She came back with so much history knowledge and government information. She really loved the Naval Academy and now has an interest in school. It sounded like they were really well taken care of and had plenty to do. I would highly recommend this trip to every kid that can go." - parent

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Educational Group Tours in Washington, DC

Student groups have a number of options when it comes to informative and interactive educational tours

George Washington's Mount Vernon

The riverside estate of George Washington. Open daily, 365 days a year.

National Mall

National Museum of American History

Make your next event an historic occasion at the newly renovated National Museum of American History! You and your guests can explore America's heritage at a very special event, before or after hours

National Air and Space Museum

The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is currently closed.

DC Metro Area

Receptive Tours Group

Corporate / Incentive / Leisure / Senior / Student Groups of 10+ Receptive Tours Group is both a full-service Destination M..

National Geographic Museum

Due to construction, the National Geographic Museum will be temporarily closed as we reimagine our Base Camp experience

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Ford's Theatre

Where Lincoln's Legacy Lives

National Archives Museum

Houses the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights and more than 3 billion records.

Capitol Hill

Library of Congress

Educational Travel Consultants

Your right road to student travel destinations.

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Launch Incredible Learning Experiences

Since 1984, ETC has helped hundreds of thousands of students deepen their educational experience by providing quality educational travel which brings the classroom to life! With destinations throughout the United States, our travel programs transform words and pages locked up in a school book into real life, real time experiences!

From the hustle and bustle of New York City’s taxi cab congested streets and pedestrian laced sidewalks to the majestic granite steps of the US Capitol building in Washington DC; from the magical, musical, or educational experience of a trip to Disney World in Orlando to St. Louis’s monumental Gateway Arch to the West; from the pinnacle of the Seattle Space Needle, to the French Quarter in New Orleans; from the towering Willis Tower Sky Deck in Chicago to monolithic Stone Mountain in Atlanta; there is an educational experience to be enjoyed from sea to shining sea.

When you are ready to embark on your next educational adventure, we at ETC are ready to help!

Your Trip Experience Is Most Important To Us

" We had a great time. ETC was very helpful with planning and executions of the trip. I would use them again. "

Monica H - McKinley Middle School February 28th 2023

" The schedule was jam packed with fun and interesting things that all the kids enjoyed!! "

Kyra A - McKinley Middle School February 28th 2023  

" Excellent service, because of this my daughter got and unforgettable experience in her first school trip ."

Carla C. - McKinley Middle School February 22, 2023

Popular Student Travel Destinations

Washington D.C.

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Blinken’s China Trip Shows Both Sides Want to Stabilize Ties

Cooperation is not off the table but will not be the thrust of U.S.-China interactions.

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

/ READ TIME: 8 minutes

By: Rosie Levine ;   Carla Freeman, Ph.D. ;   Andrew Scobell, Ph.D.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to China last week as part of a series of recent high-level contacts between Washington and Beijing. Although no major breakthroughs came out of the trip, it demonstrates that both sides want to prevent bilateral ties from sinking any lower, even as U.S.-China competition continues to intensify.

Tensions in the South China Sea remain a dangerous flash point, as the U.S. has responded to China’s aggressive actions there by strengthening its alliances and partnerships in the region and ramping up maritime military exercises. While it’s unlikely the two sides will come to a resolution any time soon on the wide range of bilateral and international domains of disagreement, Blinken’s trip highlighted key areas for U.S.-China cooperation and engagement.

USIP’s Rosie Levine, Carla Freeman and Andrew Scobell discuss what this visit tells us about the U.S. approach to China and what it means for relations between the two powers.

What was expected for Blinken’s visit to Beijing and did it deliver? 

Levine: The U.S.-China bilateral relationship is still marked by deep-seated tensions and intensifying strategic competition. The visit is the latest in a series of high-level contacts between the United States and China aimed at improving communication. This is Blinken’s second visit to China within the last 12 months. The last visit, in June, marked the resumption of communications after a period of frozen high-level contact following former House speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in August 2022 and Blinken’s derailed February 2023 visit, which canceled in reaction to China’s spy balloon .

President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s recent phone call built upon the shared agenda generated at their San Francisco meeting in November 2023. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen led an economic delegation to China earlier this month, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan have been meeting regularly over the past few years, including in Washington, Bangkok and Vienna. Notably, in April, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin resumed military dialogues with his Chinese counterpart in Hawaii, allowing for the first high-level, military-to-military exchange since November 2022.

Despite the higher frequency of contact, there was limited optimism that this visit would bring a significant change in the bilateral relationship. It was clear that Blinken approached the meetings with a wish list of agenda items , including cooperation on AI governance, managing the supply chain of precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl, risks of conflict over Taiwan, increasing hostilities in the South China Sea and warnings to Xi about China’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The areas where the meeting seemed to break ground were on the issues of cooperation on curbing the flow of synthetic opioids, a willingness to collaborate on AI governance and people-to-people ties. Blinken met China's minister of public security, Wang Xiaohong, and noted the early successes of the bilateral Counter Narcotics Working Group . He also pointed to official U.S.-China talks on artificial intelligence that will be held in the coming weeks. Blinken visited the New York University Shanghai campus and underscored the importance for the next generations of Americans and Chinese to better understand one another to solve shared challenges in the future.

Xi greeted Blinken and both reiterated the desire to stabilize the relationship. If Xi had failed to greet Blinken, it could have signaled de-prioritization of mending ties with the United States.

It is clear that Blinken sent various messages on issues of importance to American interests and global peace and security. One point Blinken underscored in his press briefing was the dissatisfaction from the U.S., NATO allies and G7 partners toward China for its role in supporting Russia’s war effort by supplying machine tools and other components Russia uses for producing ammunition. While it is clear that the message was delivered , it remains unclear if or how China will respond to this critique. Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to travel to China in May, and there is little indication China will change its approach to its relationship with Russia.

What does Blinken’s visit signal about the U.S. approach to China? 

Freeman: Blinken’s visit marks a U.S. effort to steady the U.S.-China relationship. The administration’s policy of “managed competition” with China continues to define its approach but Washington now seeks to inject greater stability into the bilateral relationship with its rival by pursuing a number of key approaches.

First, Blinken’s visit made clear that there is no new framing for the bilateral relationship that might refocus it on expanding U.S.-China cooperation amid significant areas of difference between the two sides. However, Blinken laid out a set of U.S. priorities for its diplomacy toward China. Amid mistrust and friction across a range of issues, action-reaction dynamics have typified recent bilateral interactions, giving the relationship a risky unpredictability and further aggravating tensions. The effort to articulate a focused set of administration priorities for the relationship aims to curb this volatility by focusing bilateral diplomacy on key U.S. interests. These include the areas of potential U.S.-China cooperation mentioned above as well areas where the U.S. sees China’s policies and actions as harming the interests of the United States and its allies.

Second, the visit made clear that the administration will work to open and sustain more channels of bilateral communication to reduce the risk of miscalculation and military escalation between the two sides. A key priority is military-to-military communications, which Blinken emphasized is urgently needed to reduce the risk of an escalatory military encounter between the two countries facing off in the waters and skies in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.  

But these also include more diplomatic lines of communication, people-to-people ties and information flows that help reduce misunderstanding between the two sides. As Blinken underscored, information flows are also key to curbing trafficking in illicit drugs and their precursors, as well as other areas of transnational crime. Sustaining open channels will be a priority as the administration seeks to address its concerns on such sensitive issues as how China uses advanced U.S. technologies, as well as China’s industrial capacity.

Third, while Blinken carried a warning on the impact of China’s ongoing economic cooperation with Russia as “ powering ” the war in Ukraine, the top U.S. diplomat also suggested that the administration views China as a potentially constructive actor in helping to resolve international conflict, including in the Middle East. 

That Blinken offered no grand visions for the U.S.-China relationship during his visit to Beijing makes clear that the administration has no plans to reframe the U.S.-China relationship. Instead, Washington will focus on mitigating turbulence in the relationship through more robust diplomacy on issues of friction in the relationship. Cooperation is not off the table but will not be the thrust of U.S.-China interactions.

What does Blinken’s visit mean for U.S.-China relations? 

Scobell: Blinken’s recent three-day visit to China underscores both the value and limitations of in-person meetings between senior U.S. officials and their Chinese counterparts. During the on-going frosty era in U.S.-China relations, high-level direct dialogue is important. As Blinken noted before his meeting with Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi: “There’s no substitute for face-to-face diplomacy … in order to try and move forward, but also to make sure that we’re as clear as possible about the areas where we have differences … to avoid misunderstandings [and] miscalculations.” It is noteworthy that other more focused dialogues have resumed or are scheduled to begin in the near future. The latter includes military-to-military discussions, while the former includes talks on Artificial Intelligence.

But the limitations on face-to-face talks are also real. While objectively speaking, Xi is correct in reportedly saying to Blinken that “[t]he world is big enough to accommodate the simultaneous development and prosperity of both China and the United States,” this is frankly not the way leaders in Beijing — or in Washington for that matter — perceive each other and the tumultuous current global situation. China’s communist rulers perceive that the United States is trying to contain China militarily and restrain its economic growth. U.S. leaders, meanwhile, perceive that China’s communist rulers are actively working to undermine the rules-based international order and weaken the United States. China’s rulers believe that the United States is strengthening security ties with its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific and beyond to encircle China while U.S. leaders believe Beijing is stepping up its coercive activities against multiple neighbors, notably Taiwan and the Philippines, as well as strengthening an alliance-like relationship with Moscow.

While Blinken’s discussions with Xi, Wang and other senior Chinese communist rulers last week were far from being dialogues of the deaf, it does appear that to at least to a considerable extent each side was talking past the other. That said, the good news is that both sides sincerely seem to want a more stable bilateral relationship and are prepared to try and work toward this end. The bad news is that each side blames the other for the abysmal state of U.S.-China relations and expects the other side to take the first step to ameliorate ties. At least neither side wants to take a step backwards.

The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s).

PUBLICATION TYPE: Question and Answer