Upper School Trips

In October, seventh graders participate in a series of academic activities on and off campus that expand on the topics introduced in Life Science as students explore the unique ecosystems of New England; learn about sustainability efforts in Massachusetts and equitable access to water; and consider the impact of climate change on our local environments. As they do in their science classrooms, seventh graders investigate the principles of biology and develop their understanding of ecosystems. Through partnerships with Nature’s Classroom and the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR), students deepen their understanding of our local habitats and explore the relationship between humans and other animals. At Nature’s Classroom, they participate in team-based projects based on the seventh grade science curriculum. The DCR will visit campus and engage our students in four different environmental activities tied to the Sudbury Reservoir in Southborough. On the final day, seventh graders work with Mr. Evans and their Creators Class teachers to design and build water filtration systems, tying together the work they did the previous days with Nature’s Classroom and the Science Department/DCR. 

Monday: Nature’s Classroom

Tuesday: DCR visits Fay's campus with activities at the Sudbury Reservoir

Wednesday: Water Filtration Design and Build Project on campus

In October, eighth graders participate in three days of activities that complement the students’ Modern World Cultures class and focus on the topics of immigration, culture, and community. Fay partners with local artists, historical societies, historical societies, and community organizations to develop students’ understanding of how societies and cultures have evolved around the world. 

Students visit the Tsongas Historical Center, explore cultural landmarks in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and participate in workshops with local poet and activist Dariana Guererro. While on campus, students dive deeper into their classroom work and engage in activities led by the History Department Chair focused on their Balkans unit. Students also connect their history studies to the arts with a visit to El Taller in Lawrence, where they learn how immigrants have fueled creativity in their communities through literacy, art, and community gatherings.

Monday: On-campus with the History Department, led by Mr. Beloff

Tuesday: Tsongas Historical Center

Wednesday: Visit to Lawrence, Mass. and sites with Dariana Guererro

The ninth grade trip to New York City brings the English curriculum to life with a hands-on exploration of the Harlem Renaissance. The fall term focuses on this period in the evolution of American literature, specifically the works of Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Alain Locke, Claude McKay, Marcus Garvey, and a number of other luminaries. As students read literary selections in class, they learn about locations in Harlem that they later see as part of their tour, including the jazz clubs in Langston Hughes' "The Weary Blues," the fruit markets in Claude McKay's "The Tropics of New York," and Zora Neale Hurston's former home/literary salon. 

Students visit historically rich sites as they learn about immigration, the Harlem Renaissance, and the impact of these events on American culture. With visits to landmarks including the Apollo Theater, Ellis Island, the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, and Harlem Studio Museum, students explore how people build community, how individuals express their culture through artistic expression, and how people have harnessed the arts through history to foster connection and effect change.