Get out of town!
We know that learning about the world can never replace experiencing it. That is why we encourage off-campus study opportunities, including opportunities to travel the world with SAS faculty members. Trips are open to day and boarding students, both domestic and international. These travel experiences are led by faculty members who know the countries, the cultures, and the language.
Annual 8th Grade Trip to Washington, D.C.
In the spring, our eighth grade students and teachers partner with EF Tours for a three-day immersive, experiential learning program in Washington, D.C. EF’s programs strive to challenge assumptions, spark connections, and inspire curiosity while broadening students’ perspectives and knowledge of the world around them. Immersing themselves in the culture, history, and energy of Washington, D.C., provides our students with a hands-on experience that will shape their understanding of our nation for years to come.
Capitalizing on the topics studied in their middle school Humanities classes, this experience synthesizes students’ understanding of how history has shaped our democracy. With visits to sites such as the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian Museums, and Arlington National Cemetery, eighth graders will witness the American political system in action and see history come to life. This capstone experiential trip will allow SAS eigth graders to deepen their sense of community, enhancing their connection to one another and to the broader world.
Field Science Research
Conservation and Wildlife Management in Yellowstone
In May 2026, students will explore and study Yellowstone National Park during the winter season when snow covers the landscape and animals are driven down into the valleys. Participants will gain service hours while conducting hands-on research in conservation and wildlands management in the national park, contributing to the research conducted by previous SAS student groups for Yellowstone’s “Home on the Range” bison project.
The group will use the scientific method daily as they collect data to answer independent research questions and will present their findings to the group before returning home. They will also go wolf-watching and explore Yellowstone's hydrothermal features. During the trip, students will be unplugged (no phones/computers) and will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in a unique field experience.
This trip is open to students in grades 9 - 12. Contact Tracy Terry for more information.
Community Service, Language, and Cultural Immersion
Monteverde, Costa Rica
During Spring Break 2026, SAS students will travel to Monteverde, Costa Rica for a service trip in partnership with The Cloud Forest School (Centro de Educación Creativa). Students will participate in environmental and construction projects, contributing to the school and the community of Monteverde. SAS students will accrue 20-25 service hours during this trip.
While there, we will explore the vibrant towns of Santa Elena and Monteverde, gaining insights into Costa Rican culture. We’ll embark on local excursions almost daily, including ziplining, exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and more. This year's service trip will also include language-learning workshops, so students should be enrolled in Spanish 2 or higher to apply. This experience is available to students in grades 9 - 12 and will take place March 5-14, 2026. For more information, please contact Profe Sam Johnson.
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Winterim
For one week each winter, the St. Andrew's-Sewanee community shifts its attention from the regular academic routine to intensive courses of study dedicated to experimental and experiential learning. Winterim gives faculty members and students an opportunity to collaboratively explore and discover their passions. Off-campus learning opportunities include fly-fishing, historical tours of Grundy County, and an Appalachian backpacking trip.
Backpacking in the Appalachian Mountains
Students will learn how to prepare for a cold weather backpacking trip before heading to North Carolina for a 4-day, 3-night trip in a wilderness area. All experience levels are welcome, though the conditions and terrain will make it both difficult and rewarding. An emphasis will be placed on group cooperation and support. Previous Winterim backpacking trips have taken students to the Joyce Kilmer/Citico Creek Wilderness areas in North Carolina, on sections of the Appalachian Trail near Asheville, North Carolina, and to Savage Gulf State Park in Tennessee. This experience is available to students in grades 9 - 12 and will be part of our Winterim Course offerings now and in the foreseeable future.