6th Grade Cultural Connections Trip:

Our goal is for every boy to experience the benefits of joining this program and preparing them to be a global citizen. Scholarships are available.

Please use this form to apply for a scholarship.

Each student is to have one suitcase and one backpack. The average temperatures in Washington D.C. for early November are: 64°F (High) and 46°F (Low). Please be mindful of the temperatures as you pack for the trip.

• Backpack
• Raincoat / poncho (no umbrellas)
• We will take two group photos while on the trip in PDS attire. We will notify the boys of the days they are to wear PDS attire. We ask that each boy bring a PDS hoodie or long sleeve PDS shirt.
• Each day of the trip will follow PDS dress code.
• 1 pair comfortable walking shoes
• Sleeping attire
• Spending money (small bills if possible) / secure wallet
• Toiletry items (toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo, brush/comb).
• Camera
• Medication (if needed) in ziploc bag labeled

THINGS NOT TO BRING

• Pillows
• Blankets
• Sleeping bags
• Phones / tablet / computers

As we are early in the process of scheduling the trip, we are providing a window of time.  The window covers more days than the actual trip.  After registration closes, we will quickly notify you of the exact dates.

5th Grade Washington D.C. Trip Window – November 5 – 11, 2022

6th Grade Washington D.C. Trip Window – March 31 – April 6, 2023

Hotel rooms will be monitored by chaperones. Additionally, each night a security guard is present on the floor in the hotel that’s booked for PDS boys. Typically, there will only be two boys per room. All rooms are sequestered on a floor with chaperones and a security guard present throughout each night.

The cost is $2250 covering flights, hotels, charter buses, tour guides, and chaperones. Food costs (except breakfasts) and souvenirs are excluded.

Our desire is for every boy of PDS to experience their nation’s Capital and many of the most important sites in the founding of our country.  While Cultural Expeditions Trips are not mandatory they will be an essential component of PDS culture and curriculum starting in the 2022-23 school year. Students not electing to participate in the program will complete the same curriculum and engage in project based learning on campus.

We will provide students with a student ID that is sufficient for airline travel within the United States.

Food costs are not included in the amount except breakfast. The cost of lunch, and dinner will be each boy’s responsibility.  We suggest that each student budget $30 daily for lunch, dinner, and snacks.  In order to help you budget for food costs, we will give a precise schedule of meals prior to the trip. 

We strongly recommend that boys refrain from carrying too much cash by giving excess amounts to their group leader.  They may bring a card if that’s easier. Each morning, group leaders will distribute as much cash as needed. Bring additional money if you plan to buy souvenirs, eat larger than normal portions, or buy snacks.

We recommend dressing with layers that can be removed or worn as the weather dictates, such as a PDS collared shirt and sweatshirt with a rainproof windbreaker.  We always provide a packing list of items to be worn on the trip.  We are not traveling to Siberia, but remember that your extremities tend to get cold first so plan accordingly. We walk 7+ miles a day so it is essential that everyone wear a good pair of walking shoes.  If you plan to purchase these prior to the trip, we suggest that you wear them a few times to break them in before the trip to avoid blisters. The packing list will be sent several weeks before the trip.

Yes. When we attend Arlington National Cemetery for the wreath laying ceremony, those students selected for laying the wreath will need to comply with the dress requirements stipulated by Arlington National Cemetery.  The day we visit the Capitol and Supreme Court, students will need to wear PDS spirit shirts or hoodies.  Additionally, no baseball caps are allowed.

Each year is typically different, depending on hotel availability.  We will typically stay near Reagan Airport in Washington D.C. and near Federal Hall in Philadelphia.

It’s safe to assume that you will walk on average 7+ miles a day. Since we travel primarily by Metro, it requires that we walk from our hotel to the Metro to every site on the itinerary.  We make this an active trip for boys to harness their energy and keep them engaged.

Electronics are not allowed on Cultural Expedition Trips. Daily communications are sent through Remind App and trip chaperones.

Yes. However, your bag will be examined and at some federal buildings you are not allowed to bring drinks inside. Chaperones will communicate what is allowed in bags before visiting federal buildings.  

No.  We will check in as a group on the day of our departure.  Please do not attempt to check-in early online