Why High School Students Deserve Field Trips Too!
by Jaclyn Richie
Let’s be real — when people think of school field trips, they picture elementary kids on a yellow bus with lunchables and matching t-shirts. But I’m here to change that narrative. High schoolers need field trips too. In fact, I’d argue they might need them even more.
Every year, I take anywhere from 40 to 80 of my 11th graders to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. And every year — without fail — I walk away amazed. Not just by the incredible exhibits (which are truly world-class), but by the way my students light up. This is history coming alive. This is learning becoming real.
High Schoolers Learn Best Through Experience
Here’s the thing — we know from research that high school students learn best when they can engage hands-on. According to a recent study from the Association for Experiential Education, 65% of high school students reported they understand and remember content better when they experience it for themselves. That number jumps even higher when tied to visuals, physical environments, or real-world application.
So when a student walks into a museum and sees the very uniforms, tanks, or letters we’ve studied in class — it’s a game-changer. Suddenly, history isn’t just something that happened “way back when.” It’s personal. It’s human. It’s real.
Field Trips Are More Than Just Fun — They’re EARNED
Yes, my students have a blast. But our trips aren’t just about getting out of school. I make it clear from day one that this experience is earned. Students must meet academic and behavior expectations throughout the year to be eligible. This isn’t just about grades — it’s about growth, responsibility, and showing up every day with purpose.
This creates a powerful incentive. They work harder. They behave better. They know what’s waiting for them if they stay on track: a day of learning, laughter, and memories that will stay with them for a lifetime.
Learning That Sticks
The WW2 Museum is so well done that I find myself learning something new each year, even as a teacher. It’s not just walls of text or glass displays — it's interactive, emotional, and immersive. And it’s exactly what high school students need to connect the dots between their textbook and the world around them.
When they see real artifacts, hear personal stories, and walk through exhibits like the 4D "Beyond All Boundaries" experience — something clicks. It’s in those moments that I see the “aha” happen, and that’s what we live for as educators.
But Not Everyone Will Be On Board...
I’ll be honest — I’ve heard the complaints.
"They don’t need a field trip, they need to catch up on classwork.”
"They’re too old for that.”
And I get it — everyone’s under pressure. Teachers are overwhelmed, and high schoolers aren’t always easy. But here’s the thing: this trip isn’t a distraction from learning — it’s an extension of it.
This is how we make content real. This is how we ignite curiosity. And most importantly — this is how we show students that learning doesn’t just happen inside a classroom or on a test. It happens when you’re face to face with the past.
So if you're a teacher feeling discouraged about planning something big — or you’ve heard the same pushback I did — I want to encourage you: don’t let that stop you. There is power in giving students something to work toward and something to remember.
Don’t Count High Schoolers Out
Just because they’re older doesn’t mean they’re too cool to learn in exciting ways. In fact, they crave it. They need the connection, the movement, the why behind what we’re teaching. And for many of them, a field trip is the first time they’ve been to a museum in years — or ever.
So let’s not deny them that. Let’s stop saving the field trips for just the little kids and start recognizing the value they bring to older students too.
After three years of bringing my students to the National WWII Museum, I can say with full confidence — it’s always worth it. Every time.
If you’re a high school teacher wondering if it’s “too late” or “too complicated” to plan a field trip — let this be your sign. Do it. Your students will thank you. You’ll thank yourself. And your classroom will never be the same.
