Each year, our 8th graders have the chance to take part in an immersive class trip to Montreal, designed to strengthen community, broaden students’ perspectives, and bring classroom learning to life. This long-standing tradition offers students the chance to explore new places, experience different cultures, and practice real-world skills in a supportive group setting.
Donate today to help make our class trip accessible to all. Your support opens the world to every student, giving them experiences and memories that can inspire a lifetime.
A Typical Year’s Experience
While destinations vary, the trip generally spans several days and includes a full schedule of educational and cultural activities. Students may:
- Visit museums, historic sites, and major landmarks
- Explore natural or scientific exhibits
- Participate in hands-on workshops or creative experiences
- Walk through unique neighborhoods or cultural districts
- Try regional foods and learn about local traditions
Traveling as a group in an urban or unfamiliar environment also teaches practical skills. Students learn how to navigate public transportation, communicate respectfully across cultures, make group decisions, and adapt to new surroundings.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Real-world interactions—such as communicating across language or cultural differences, navigating busy streets, or observing new ecosystems—give students a meaningful sense of connection to the world around them. These experiences often become some of the most memorable moments of their middle-school years.
Making the Trip Possible
To make this trip possible for all, students and parents volunteer their time with the Thetford Academy Alumni Association, manage concessions at sporting events, and sell poinsettias and pies. These efforts, along with generous donations from the Jack & Dorothy Byrne Foundation, helps raise enough money to ensure every TA student would have access to this important opportunity.
Lasting Impact
The goal of the trip goes far beyond a fun excursion. By stepping outside their daily routines, students gain a broader understanding of the world and a deeper appreciation for learning. Educators hope these journeys spark curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong interest in exploration—memories and lessons that stay with students well into their teenage years and beyond.
