Beyond the Classroom

Overview

Beyond the Classroom

Country Day’s Middle School takes learning beyond the classroom with an emphasis on science and history through our annual overnight trips. Each trip complements the academic curriculum while also offering bonding and socialization opportunities that are so important to the development of healthy adolescents.

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Washington, D.C. Trip

Eighth grade students take a once-in-a-lifetime trip with their peers to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. exploring historical sites, monuments, museums and the Hill. Some included sites are Independence Hall, Congress Hall, Christ Church,and the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. D.C. includes the Smithsonian, Arlington Cemetery, Mount Vernon, the National Archives, various memorials, the White House, and Capitol Hill. 

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Yosemite Trip

Yosemite is considered one of the most beautiful places on earth, and our seventh grade students spend four glorious days exploring with the NatureBridge counselors. Activities include hiking, stewardship of the environment, and games at the upper elevations at Crane Flat. A one day trip to Glacier Point as well as time in the Yosemite Valley is included. English, history, math, science, physical education, art, music, and drama are incorporated into the program.

General information

Santa Cruz Mountains Trip

Naturalists at Large lead our sixth grade students at Redwood Glen in the Santa Cruz mountains. This unique camp is in a setting of Coast redwoods, bay laurel, ferns and native plants and animals. Students are grouped in cabins or dorms and eat their wholesome meals in a dining hall. Students learn how to minimally impact the environment,  the variety of plants and animal communities, and the role people play in the ecosystem through group initiatives and games. On the last day of the trip, students enjoy a fun session of kayaking and water safety.

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Other Middle School Trips

In addition to the week-long class trips, a variety of day trips and partial day trips are included in the curriculum. Students explore the Asian Art Museum and the Botanical Gardens in San Francisco. A Moroccan restaurant complements the study of the Middle East for history, while a tapas restaurant and a French restaurant complement students’ language studies. Digital photography explores lovely spots in our community and science classes explore the river ecosystems in the nearby American River.