At The Sage School, travel for students in Grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 is far more than a field trip—it’s an essential part of how we teach, connect, and grow.

“Adventures are the best way to learn.” -Anonymous 

The reasons we embrace travel are multifaceted: academic enrichment, social-emotional development, independence, global and community awareness, and more.

It all begins during the first week of Upper School. To help build relationships with classmates, teachers, and advisors, students in Grades 5 through 8 step beyond the classroom and into hands-on team-building experiences. Students visit places like Boundless Adventures and hike the Blue Hills (Grades 5–6) and Mt. Monadnock (Grades 7–8). These outings provide a foundation for the year ahead, helping students and faculty form strong bonds while encouraging one another to take on new challenges—both physical and academic.

Since 1999, grade-level travel has been a meaningful extension of Sage’s curriculum. Each year, students embark on a journey with their teachers and advisors to engage in collaborative, experiential learning. Our 5th- and 6th-graders spend time at New England camp settings, such as Outward Bound’s Thompson Island in Boston Harbor, the YMCA’s Camp Becket in western Massachusetts, Camp Jewell in Connecticut, or Camp Susan Curtis in Maine. These multi-day adventures emphasize teamwork, goal setting, and shared growth. Students return with lasting memories, stronger friendships, and a deeper connection to their teachers and peers, ready to face the year as a cohesive team.

In Grades 7 and 8, students further expand their learning by participating in spring trips that extend beyond the traditional classroom. These experiences often support language study, service learning, and humanities or STEM projects. Past destinations have included: Costa Rica, Germany, London, Paris, Spain, the Czech Republic, Puerto Rico, Philadelphia, New York City, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, and a Civil Rights Tour through Alabama and Georgia.

In 2026, 7th and 8th-graders will head to Philadelphia with a visit to Lancaster County.  We are thrilled to be able to visit the birthplace of our country this year, in particular, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking its founding! In addition to deepening their classroom studies of early US history with outings to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the National Constitution Center, and Valley Forge, students will also have the opportunity to connect to interests in science and culture through visits to the Franklin Institute Science Museum and an Amish homestead.  And of course, a trip to PA wouldn't be complete without a fun stop at Hershey's Chocolate World!

Travel opportunities for our oldest students are one of the many ways Sage inspires and challenges bright, curious learners. These journeys are transformative. Students who were once shy gain confidence and find their voice. Independence and resilience are developed in a safe, supportive environment guided by trusted adults. Lifelong friendships are formed, and students return with a greater understanding of the world and themselves.

That is why we travel.