Travel Opportunities

Dr. Montessori spoke of education as an “aid to life.” At St. Catherine’s, education transcends the classroom, inviting students to experience the world through meaningful travel and cultural enrichment, which nourishes their intellectual, social, and emotional development.

Travel is not just about leaving campus; it is an intentional part of the curriculum that brings learning to life. From nature walks in early childhood to international adventures in high school, each experience fosters intellectual curiosity, social bonds, and a sense of responsibility to prepare students for life beyond the classroom.

Infant Community and Primary

While early childhood students remain on campus, they explore the wonders of our expansive grounds, from visiting the chickens, orchard, and duck pond to attending plays and science presentations in our Elementary classrooms. These experiences nurture their connection to nature and their curiosity. Weekly visits to the school library also help our Primary children develop independence and responsibility for caring for their books. These enriching in-house experiences offer predictability and engagement, laying a foundation for future excursions beyond campus.

Elementary

Elementary students take ownership of their learning through independent “Going-out” trips. Unlike traditional field trips, these outings are initiated by the students themselves as part of their research or classroom activities and attended only by a small group of interested students. From visiting a local museum to grocery shopping for cooking days to going to the pet store, these experiences provide real-life applications of their studies. Field trips, such as overnight camping and extended class trips further promote independence, teamwork, and social development.

Adolescent Community and High School

In adolescence, students take the lead in planning all aspects of their travel experiences, from budgeting and booking accommodations to designing daily itineraries. These hands-on responsibilities foster independence and leadership, while strengthening social bonds and connecting academic learning to real-world issues. Each year, students organize trips across the U.S. to explore key humanities themes like civil rights, peace, and immigration. These immersive experiences deepen their understanding of these topics and make abstract classroom lessons come alive. Local excursions, such as visits to community organizations, and overnight retreats provide additional opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in practical, engaging ways.

Ninth graders culminate their Spanish studies with an immersive trip to Costa Rica, allowing them to practice language skills in real-world situations before transitioning to high school. High school seniors also plan an international trip, providing invaluable experience in organization, decision-making, and global awareness. These immersive travel opportunities offer students deeper cultural understanding, independence, and practical skills that prepare them for life beyond school.