Curriculum & Culture
Being part of ISB's Global Learning Program in Iceland was a fantastic experience. The landscapes there are unlike anything I had ever seen before: volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, waterfalls, and so much more. It was like discovering a whole new world right here on our planet. Seeing these landscapes up close made me realize just how diverse and incredible our world is, full of wonders waiting to be explored. Albane, Grade 12
From overnight stays in New England to trips to other continents, ISB students actively explore and experience the world around them.
As early as Grade 1 and continuing through Upper School, ISB students participate in overnight grade-level Curriculum and Culture Trips, bridging the connection between classroom curriculum and the world around them.
Upper School
Grade 9
Grade 9: “Launching Your Upper School Adventure”
Chewonki Outdoor Classroom - Chewonki, Maine
To begin Grade 9 and officially welcome all students to ISB’s Upper School, the class will participate in a four-day, three-night saltwater kayaking and camping overnight adventure in Chewonki, Maine, offered in collaboration with Chewonki Outdoor Classroom. This trip focuses on building confidence while conquering challenges and forming lasting bonds and memories as a class.
Grade 10
Grade 10: “Pushing Your Limits”
Zoar Outdoor - Charlemont, Mass.
Explore the beauty of the Berkshires with our unforgettable two-day, one-night Grade 10 classic adventure! In partnership with Zoar Outdoor, students will work together while navigating white water rapids, soaring on ziplines, and bonding under the starlit sky. After a day of excitement, students retreat to the cozy huts of Zoar Outdoor for a peaceful night's rest. Get ready for a wet and wild blast of fun and bonding!
Grade 11
Grade 11: “Exploring New Horizons”
Western, Mass.
All Grade 11 students will explore beautiful Western Massachusetts during their three-day, two-night arts, culture, and college adventure. This new trip will include stops at The Clark, an art museum and research institution; the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MassMoCA); and college tours of Williams College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Grade 12
Grade 12: “Putting it All Together”
Essex, Mass.
Grade 12 will embark on a thrilling day trip Scavenger Hunt and Boatbuilding Challenge in partnership with The Ant & The Grasshopper. Split into small groups, students will gather and solve clues while tackling physical challenges across the Essex Woods. They then use the results of the hunt to procure materials for crafting seaworthy vessels. The day culminates in an exciting race on Clammer's Bay, showcasing each student's individual and unique skill set.
Grades 9 & 10 (Optional)
Austria & Germany
This cultural and linguistic immersion trip itinerary includes students spending three days in Berlin and two days in Salzburg, before settling in for five days in the west of Austria with their Austrian host families. Students are fully immersed in the German speaking world and culture by attending school and participating in activities with their Austrian friends. ISB hosts the Austrian students during the following fall.
Costa Rica - NEW In 2025
Fly away to unforgettable Spring Break trip to Central America! Students will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful and culture-rich country of Costa Rica, have an authentic homestay experience with a local family, and contribute to a meaningful service project within the village.
Italy - NEW in 2026
Stay tuned for a trip itinerary and details, available in the fall of 2025!
Grade 11 (Optional)
Grade 11 - Iceland
Students in Grade 11 can travel to Iceland for a week in April for a trip focusing on biology, ecology, and geology. Their travels will take them to Viking World, Blue Lagoon, Lava Tunnel, Hellisheiði Power Station, Icelandic Lava Show, LAVA Centre, Hveragerði Geothermal Exhibition, Perlan Observation Deck, and more.
Middle School
Grade 6
Grade 6: Hurricane Island Center for Science & Leadership - Rockland, ME
It’s off to one of Maine’s coastal islands, Hurricane Island, for our Grade 6 students, who will spend four days and three nights feeling more empowered to build a sustainable future. Whether students are scrambling along the coast or hiking through the forest, they will engage in first-hand experience with scientific processes and put their growing knowledge into action.
Grade 7
Grade 7: Quebec City & Montreal, Canada
In Grade 7, students travel to Québec City and Montreal for five days and four nights, where they will put their French skills to the test while creating lifelong memories on a trip to La Belle Province. This French immersion trip includes visits to the Plains of Abraham, Parliament, Grande Allée, Quartier Petit Champlain, Place Royale, and Château Frontenac. Students will participate in a French-Canadian legends' theater workshop and experience firsthand the wonder of the Cirque du Soleil during their very own performance workshop at l'École de Cirque de Québec. Students will also spend a night exploring “La Métropole” Montreal and its famous Old Port district
Grade 8
Grade 8: Discovering Culture-Rich New York City
During a four-day, three-night trip to New York City, Grade 8 students will explore Midtown Manhattan and the iconic Fifth Avenue; learn about the history of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island; and develop connections as to how immigration shaped America.
Lower School
Grade 1
Hale Education - Westwood, Mass.
Grade 1 students will embark on their first overnight field trip during this two-day, one-night experience at nearby Hale Education. Hale Education includes 1,200 acres for students to explore (although our Grade 1 students won't explore quite all of them!). It also provides opportunities to spark their curiosity through trails, plants, animals, birds, fish, and insects. It is a short 30-minute drive from campus, making this the perfect opportunity for students to ease into our Global Learning Program.
Grade 2
Outdoor Classroom - Groton, Mass.
Grotonwood Camp is home to 250 acres of forest for our students to explore during their two-day, one-night stay. The camp includes expansive wetlands, a trail system, beaver ponds, a birch forest, and more as part of its approach to nature-based education. Students will also learn more about the area's geological history, including boulders and kettle pounds established by glaciers more than 10,000 years ago.
Grade 3
Red Gate Farm - Ashfield, Mass.
Our Global Learning Program continues to grow as Grade 3 students embark on a two-night, three-day trip to Red Gate Farm Education Center, located two hours from campus in Western, Mass. At Red Gate, students will engage in various activities to learn more about the Center's gardens, barns, and forest. They will even assist with morning and afternoon chores and enjoy evening bonfires and singalongs before falling asleep to the sounds of chirping crickets and peeping peepers.
Grade 4
Grade 4: L’Île aux Noix, QC, Canada
Grade 4 students will take the next leap in our Global Learning Program by traveling five days and four nights to L’Île aux Noix, QC, for a full French language immersion experience at L’estacade. They will enjoy outdoor, nautical, natural sciences, and aquatic activities and participate in athletic, social, and cultural programming. After observing bees or other species living by the pond, they may even try rock climbing or zip lining!
Grade 5
Grade 5: Paris & Normandy, France
In Grade 5, students will board a plane to Paris and Normandy as part of ISB's newest Global Learning Program Curriculum & Culture Trip, launched for the 2025-2026 school year. This eight-day, seven-night trip is organized in partnership with Côté Découvertes, an organization specializing in school trips for this age group. Students will explore key monuments of Paris, such as the Louvre or the Castle of Versailles. They will then visit Normandy in connection with the Grade 5 history program and take in medieval sites on their way from Paris.