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.
All trips are evaluated annually and are subject to change.
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 three days in Berlin and two days in Salzburg, followed by five days in western 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
Fly away on an unforgettable Spring Break trip to Central America! Students will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful, culture-rich country of Costa Rica, have an authentic homestay experience with a local family, and contribute to a meaningful service project in the village.
Italy
From the Colosseum to the Vatican, students will spend seven days and six nights exploring Rome. Other trip highlights include visiting the Baths of Caracalla, a journey to Pompeii, wandering the charming streets of Trastevere, and more.
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: L’Île aux Noix, QC, Canada
At the end of 6th grade, students will travel to L’Île aux Noix, Québec, for an experience that brings together community, independence, and learning beyond the classroom. Through outdoor and group activities, students will build confidence, deepen friendships, and reflect on the independence and collaboration they have developed throughout the year. This trip will offer a meaningful chance to celebrate their accomplishments and deepen their sense of belonging within the Middle School community.
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
Grades 1 & 2: Grotonwood Camp, 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 2
Grades 1 & 2: Grotonwood Camp, 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: Washington, D.C.
In Grade 5, students will travel to Washington, D.C. for a week-long educational experience connected to their U.S. history and government studies. During the trip, they visit key landmarks such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the U.S. Capitol, the Jefferson Memorial, and the World War II Memorial, as well as major museums including the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. This experience brings classroom learning to life through real-world exploration of the nation’s capital.