History Through a Modern Lens: Eighth Grades’ Boston Learning Journey

In April, Mount Madonna School (MMS), eighth grade students, teachers and parent chaperones departed on a six-day learning journey to historic Boston, Massachusetts. The group is traveling around Boston and surrounding cities to visit public history sites of colonial and revolutionary events and other more recent cultural sites that highlight the history of the people in the United States.

As Boston is a city that experienced slavery, revolution, war and abolition, these travel experiences deepen student understanding of the foundational arguments for freedom and democracy, a core theme in the eighth grade U.S. history curriculum. Students also get to be part of a unique experience with their classmates that contributes to the Mount Madonna School: to foster students’ creative, intellectual and ethical growth.

“Eighth graders are living the history they’ve been studying about,” commented teacher Manjula Stokes, who is leading this history exploration, along with teacher Nicole Tervalon. “Some highlights of our trip are a walk around Walden Pond and visiting the site of Thoreau’s cabin, learning about voting and civil rights at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, and experiencing Salem where the witch trials were held.”

MMS offers an innovative approach to learning that integrates academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Learning journeys and service to society are cornerstones of the school’s transformational educational program, which builds character by reframing how students understand themselves in the world.

“The lessons and experiences gleaned from students immersing themselves in historic Boston allows them to examine themes of political and societal development and its legacy through the modern lens,” said Head of School Ann Goewert. “Experiences such as the Boston Learning Journey inspire students to become discerning global thinkers with an eye toward equity.”