One key part of Morgan Park Academy’s global curriculum is a school-wide Global Week each March. Students and teachers in grades 5-12 come together outside the classroom to share a broader range of learning experiences focused on language and culture, service, and sustainability. Lower School students explore the world’s countries and cultures closer to home.
This year’s experiences included trips to Andros Island, Los Angeles, Panama, Springfield and St. Louis, Washington, D.C., and a Wisconsin nature center; and local experiences focused on science and community volunteering in March 2026.
Upper School Project Week
Andros Island, Bahamas
Island learning, brought to life. 🌊🌴
Upper School students explored the rich ecology and culture of Andros Island, one of the most untouched and naturally preserved islands in the region. Based at Forfar Field Station just steps from the beach, each day blended hands-on discovery with real-world learning.
From snorkeling over coral reefs and swimming in blue holes to studying marine life, geology, and plant ecosystems, MPA students experienced science in action. They also connected with local culture through basket weaving and a taste of traditional cuisine.
With evening lessons leading into daily fieldwork, this immersive experience transformed curiosity into understanding and made the natural world our classroom!
Panama
Upper School students explored across an incredible exploration of the intersections of nature, history, culture, and engineering. From witnessing the Panama Canal in action at the Agua Clara and Miraflores Locks to hiking through El Valle’s lush volcanic landscape and visiting El Macho Waterfall, every day offered something new to discover.
One highlight was connecting with the Embera Indigenous community through traditional dance, storytelling, and shared experiences. Along the way, students cruised Gatun Lake, explored historic Panama City, and experienced local markets, wildlife, and cuisine.
It was an immersive adventure that brought learning to life and expanded perspectives far beyond the classroom. 🇵🇦✨
Los Angeles
Students spent five unforgettable days in Los Angeles, exploring the intersections of education, culture, and entertainment. From visiting USC and UCLA to touring iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Pier, and Venice Beach, each day offered a new perspective on the city.
Behind the scenes at Warner Bros. Studio and Universal Studios, students experienced the magic of the entertainment industry firsthand, bringing classroom concepts to life in a whole new way.
An inspiring journey filled with discovery, exploration, and a glimpse into future possibilities!
Science Explorations
A week of discovery, right in our city. 🔬🌆
Upper School students experienced the best of Chicago through hands-on learning at institutions like Fermilab, Shedd Aquarium, Argonne National Laboratory, the Field Museum, and the Museum of Science and Industry.
From forensic science investigations to exploring aquatic ecosystems, each day sparked curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Through daily reflections and shared experiences, students connected classroom concepts to the real world, and saw Chicago from an entirely new perspective.
Community Volunteering
Upper School students spent their mornings at Smith Village, building meaningful connections with senior residents. From conversations and card games to lending a helping hand, each interaction was a reminder of the power of kindness and community.
Through these shared moments, students strengthened empathy, communication, and their understanding of what it means to care for others, proving that even the smallest gestures can make a lasting impact.
Grades 5-8 Trips
Eighth Grade – Washington, D.C.
In line with our Middle School curriculum, eighth-graders explored Washington, D.C., during Global Week. Students visited the significant historical sites of our nation’s capital and considered the role of an American citizen in an ever-changing global world and how they, too, can effect change for our country.
Sites of interest, including memorials and museums, were framed within the greater context of our nation’s history, both those things that have demonstrated progress and those areas where there is still much work to be done.
MPA students and teachers also were honored to be selected for participation in the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
Seventh Grade – Springfield and St. Louis
Seventh-graders traveled to St. Louis to expand the scientific knowledge and understanding that has been built during their physical science class this year. Their experience did not disappoint when it came to journeying to the top of the Gateway Arch, where the students were amazed by the architecture and views from 630 feet above the Mississippi River. While in St. Louis, they visited famous sights such as The City Museum, St. Louis Science Center, the St. Louis Zoo, Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, and much more. The students will be able to carry many things that they learned to their American History studies during their eighth grade year.
Fifth & Sixth Grades – Woods of Wisconsin
Fifth- and sixth-graders spent Global Week at Nature’s Classroom Institute in Wisconsin, immersing themselves in the natural environment for ecosystem exploration and study, working together with their peers and learning about their role as a citizen of the earth from an environmental point of view.
Lower School in the Classroom
Fourth Grade: Italy and Sweden
Third Grade: Ireland and China
Second Grade: Kenya and Japan
First Grade: Papua New Guinea and Mexico
SEE MORE PHOTOS — PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Kindergarten: France
Junior Kindergarten: Venezuela
