Expanding Horizons, One Field Trip at a Time

At West Virginia Academy, we deeply value the "whole child" approach to education, recognizing that learning extends far beyond textbooks and classrooms. That's why we consider regular field trips, thoughtfully aligned with our curriculum and learning standards, to be absolutely essential. These excursions aren't just fun outings; they play a vital role in fostering the all-around development of each child.

Academically, field trips provide experiential learning that solidifies classroom concepts in tangible ways. Seeing a historical site firsthand, observing a scientific principle in action, or experiencing a live performance creates deeper understanding and retention than simply reading about it. This active engagement caters to different learning styles and helps students connect abstract ideas to the real world, fostering intellectual curiosity and a love for learning. These past two weeks 4th and 5th grade WVA students have had a chance to truly explore Civil War history as well as the beautiful nature West Virginia has to offer.

4th Grade WVA scholars at New River Gorge, WV

Toward the end of their fourth-grade year, our students have an engaging opportunity to explore the New River Gorge. During this hands-on experience, they actively work towards earning their Junior Ranger Badge. This involves completing at least eight interactive activities, which can range from mastering orienteering skills to identifying animals by their unique sounds. Upon successful completion of these tasks, the students promised to continue learning about national parks, share their newfound knowledge with others, actively participate in keeping parks clean, and respect the natural and historic integrity of these special places by leaving everything as they found it. As a symbol of their commitment and accomplishment, they proudly receive an official Park Ranger Badge.

Scholars learning about the species of trees surrounding the gorge

Scholar learning about the history of New River Gorge

WVA fifth-grade students also participated in the Junior Ranger Program, this time at the historically significant Gettysburg National Military Park. Their experience involved attentively listening to accounts of key events that unfolded on the battlefield and taking personal time to reflect on what they observed. Students engaged with the park's monuments, actively working to "decode" the messages these memorials convey to future generations about the specific locations or individuals they commemorate. They also explored the historical context surrounding the Gettysburg Address and traced the route taken by President Lincoln on that pivotal day. Those who fulfilled the program's requirements were encouraged to continue exploring and appreciating Gettysburg and other National Parks, to safely collect any litter encountered during their visits, to maintain their curiosity about the country's natural and cultural history, to show respect for natural and historic treasures by refraining from touching or disturbing them, and to actively participate in the Junior Ranger Program at other National Parks.

WVA students receiving their Jr. Ranger Badges at Gettysburg, PA

Here are some quotes on what our students had to say regarding their field trip:

"We got to see the Virginia Worm Fence. I learned that it was very hard to climb them in the war so there was a good chance that they got killed because of it."

"My favorite part of Gettysburg was when we visited the dog monument, which I found particularly interesting because I learned dogs were a part of the Civil War.”

"I found [the battlefield] very interesting because I like to imagine it happening in real time. I also enjoyed seeing how different times were because it has changed so much."

"I liked the observation deck the best because it was so high the view was so pretty. One thing I learned is there was a fence so it was hard for the soldiers to get past it.”

True learning extends far beyond the four walls of a WVA classroom. That's why we prioritize experiences that truly ignite a scholar's inner spark. By immersing students in new environments, exposing them to diverse cultures, and offering fresh perspectives, we broaden their horizons in ways that textbooks simply cannot. These shared adventures become more than just outings; they transform into lasting memories, enriching their educational journey and contributing to their growth as well-rounded individuals.