Middle School
Trips Program
In Middle School, students begin to understand the world as a vast, interconnected system, exploring the complexities of human history, society, and their own roles within it. This unfolding awareness is deepened not just through classroom studies but also through immersive, experiential trips that serve as extensions of their academic work
Each year, Middle School students embark on grade-specific journeys that tie directly into their curriculum, offering them opportunities to engage with history, ecology, and culture in a tangible and lasting way.
In fifth grade, students head to the Monterey Bay area, where they kayak through the rich estuarine ecosystem of Elkhorn Slough, visit the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, and delve into the local history of California’s coast. Their learning blends scientific investigation with human geography, fostering an understanding of the intricate relationship between people and the environment.
Sixth graders build on this foundation with a trip to Washington, DC—a culminating experience in their study of American history. There, they explore colonial life, engage directly with the workings of democracy by visiting government buildings, meet with Congressional representatives, and reflect on national identity through monuments and museums.
Seventh graders travel to Los Angeles, where they explore the intersection of art, performance, history, and urban development in one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse cities. This trip builds on Nueva’s performing and visual arts curriculum, giving students a chance to use their drama skills in interdisciplinary settings.
As the culmination of three years of world language studies, eighth graders travel to a country where they’ve studied the language—Spanish, Japanese, or Mandarin—and participate in a homestay with a local family, attend school, and explore culturally significant sites. These trips bring their language studies to life while encouraging global awareness, cross-cultural connection, and independence.
Throughout these journeys, students also develop important life skills. They learn how to pack and manage their belongings, navigate homesickness, and communicate their needs with clarity and kindness. They discover the importance of being a considerate roommate, asking for help when needed, and taking responsibility for themselves in unfamiliar settings. These formative experiences become powerful stepping stones, helping students grow into confident, compassionate, and capable young adults ready to engage meaningfully with the world around them.
Scroll down to see some of the unforgettable moments from these trips—and click on any image to read the full story behind it, as told by the students themselves.