Dwight New York Expands Ever Outward from the Classroom

Our approach to travel beyond the classroom offers transformative voyages of personal growth to ignite the spark of genius in each student. Our extensive trip offerings allow our students to connect with the local community, the wider country and the rest of the world. Ranging from curriculum based educational tours and field trips, to community service projects and our WILD (Wilderness Instruction and Leadership Development) adventures, our students are offered a variety of options to expand their worldview.

Each year, our 7th graders embark on a field trip to experience the Hudson River at Ferry Point Park in the Bronx, through a program run by 12th grade students. In collaboration with close to 200 other local schools, they collect physical, chemical, coring, and biological data that is shared with the Department of Environmental Conservation. Students also use their math skills to analyze the data. Science Teacher Shalini Bhavnani says, “By having 12th graders run the program, we see more passion and interest from the 7th graders. It is an amazing day of growth for our older students, who are further developing their leadership skills.”

Lower School trips are rooted in PYP approaches to learning skills (ATL) including thinking, communication, social, self management, and research. Students embark on their first overnight school trip in grade 4, spending two nights in Washington, DC. This trip connects to their in- class study of government and religion, but just as importantly, Steve Presti, Associate Head of Lower School, says, “This trip has a heavier focus on life skills for our students and really prepares them for the London trip they will embark on in grade 5.”

Our Dwight London Exchange has been running for over 20 years, and 5th graders from both New York and London use this opportunity to build community connections across our global network. The cultural experience celebrates the end of the PYP for our students and the celebratory, post capstone trip allows students to see the IB connections between our two campuses, while taking part in sightseeing in London.

GLOBAL LEADERS THRIVING IN THE WILD OUTDOORS!

Upper School students have the opportunity to participate in our WILD (Wilderness Instruction and Leadership Development) program. WILD builds community and helps fulfill Dwight’s vision to foster the next generation of global leaders who can thrive anywhere in the world. So far this year, Dwight students have hiked and kayaked the Hudson Valley and embarked on a backpacking adventure through Joshua Tree National Park. In February, a group of students will embark on a trip to Costa Rica, camping and hiking in the rainforest.