The staff members of The Academy at King are of the opinion that travel engages a young person in ways which are impossible to match in any other educational setting. In December of 2008, faculty and students traveled to New York City for a four-day visit. While in the Big Apple, we visited important historical and cultural sites, including the Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trump Tower, Times Square, Central Park, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Additionally, we visited the hallowed ground of the World Trade Center site and St. Paul’s Church where volunteers set up aid stations after 9/11 to provide food, care and a place for the rescue workers to rest. We saw Mary Poppins on Broadway and toured NBC studios where we visited the stages for several NBC favorites, including Saturday Night Live.

Another integral part of the travel component for 2008-2009 was a trip to Italy and France. During our ten-day adventure we visited many places, including Paris, Milan, Florence, Rome and Pompeii. In Rome we enjoyed a walking tour which included many of the ancient sites, including the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Pantheon. We walked in the shadows of the ancient Romans while strolling the cobbled streets at the archeological site of Pompeii. Additionally, we learned about the historical and religious significance of The Vatican while enjoying the massive and exclusive art collection of the Vatican museums. Our European adventure included the breathtaking city of Paris, France. Excursions in Paris included the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and so much more! This trip was an excellent opportunity for Academy students to experience cultures diverse from their own, widen their horizons and make connections between the high school curriculum and the world.

Our destination for 2009-2010 is London, England! Student interest from year to year helps us determine where to visit next.