Cultural Connections Trip: National - Part 2
New York City & Boston
We believe that giving students the opportunity to explore and grow in their understanding of their own culture, its history, and their nation’s capital is essential to developing their understanding of civic duty, their identity as U.S. citizens, and their ability to think globally.
From two iconic American cities, they'll explore how events like the Revolutionary War shaped both America's past - as well as its present and future in a global context. Students will visit places that have made America into the melting pot it is today, the bedrock of our financial institution, and our recent history at the 9/11 Memorial. They'll also learn about how these locations create vital links between past events and future possibilities – both for Americans as well as nations around globe!
6th Grade:
April 8 - 13, 2024
Drop-In Parent Meeting
April 3, 2024 • 7:45am • Hussey Commons

Registration Deadline: May 1
PRICING | |
---|---|
Through May 1, 2023 | $2,250.00 |
After May 1, 2023 | $2,500.00 |
A $500 deposit is due at registration. The balance of your registration fee will be added to your PDS account on March 1, 2024.
Scholarships
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.

The He Family Scholarship for Cultural Expeditions

With the expansion of the PDS Cultural Expeditions Program, we desire for every boy to participate and have these seminal experiences. Through the He Family Scholarship provided by the He Family Foundation, boys with financial need are able to step into historical spaces and cities to understand the culture and experience those locations play in our history.
The He Family Scholarship for Cultural Expeditions is a need based scholarship providing over 10 students the opportunity to participate in the Cultural Expeditions Program.
Each student receiving the scholarship submits a short reflection paper on his time and learning on the respective trip.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Charter Bus from PDS to Nashville International Airport
Flight from Nashville to NYC
Visit Top of the Rock
Guided Tour of Times Square
Day 2
Tour of Liberty & Ellis Islands
Founding Fathers Tour: Wall St., Federal Hall, & Trinity Church
Tour 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Day 3
Tour the United Nations
Grand Central Terminal
Midtown Walking Tour: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, NY Public Library, and Theatre District
Central Park Bike Tour
Broadway Show
Day 4
Museum of Natural History
Charter Bus transfer to Boston
Tour Harvard University & MIT
Day 5
Tour of Freedom Trail: Boston Common, Park Street Church, King’s Chapel, Boston Latin School, Old State House, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, USS Constitution, Bunker Hill Monument
Boston Tea Party Tour
Cambridge Walking Tour
Day 6
Flight from NYC to Nashville
Charter Bus from Nashville to PDS
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
PDS will utilize the same information provided for your Variable Tuition application to determine eligibility and scholarship amount for Cultural Expedition Program. If you are applying for a CEP Scholarship and not enrolled in our variable tuition program, please contact the Business Office for more information.
SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE
The deadline to apply for a scholarship is April 3, 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 $2500 covering flights, hotels, charter buses, tour guides, and chaperones. Food costs (except breakfasts) and souvenirs are excluded.
We will provide students with a student ID that is sufficient for airline travel within the United States.
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. Each day we follow PDS dress code.
Additionally, no baseball caps are allowed.
Each year is typically different, depending on hotel availability.
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