Open To The World
We are each an essential part of the world. That’s why we impart an international perspective and teach diverse ideas at St. Mary’s School. Students here step outside of their familiar experience so that they might see through the eyes of others. That’s not a question of standing aside from the place and culture in which you were raised, but of gaining the perspective that allows you to appreciate who you are, who you will become and why. Our curriculum is uniquely suited to developing internationally-minded people who recognize their common humanity and joint guardianship of our shared planet. Our goals are aspirational. At St. Mary’s School, success is found hand-in-hand with the growing world, in partnership with teachers, our peers, our families and the community. Together, we are joined in pursuit of a common, better future.
Intersession
St. Mary's is proud to offer Intersession, a week-long opportunity for Middle School students to extend their learning beyond the traditional classroom. Students are offered a wide variety of activities, some of which take students far from Orange County, while others keep students close to home. Intersession is a natural fit in the St. Mary's student-centered approach, and it encourages students to interact with their world, collaborate with peers, teachers and community partners, to experience personal growth.
International Field Studies
Our International Field Studies, near and far, provide hands-on, extraordinary experiences for our students to gain greater awareness of other communities, cultures and themselves and the interdependence that binds us all together. St. Mary’s is proud to present the following Field Studies that will be offered in the upcoming school years.
Intersession Opportunities
China
The China field study is an amazing opportunity for students to use their language skills and be immersed in the Chinese culture. Students first travel to Beijing, which is the capital of China. The highlights in Beijing include climbing the Great Wall, seeing the Summer Palace, and visiting Tiananmen Square. Students are immersed in the Chinese culture with hands-on experiences that include calligraphy, cooking, and tai chi. The second part of our field study is traveling to Hong Kong, which is a modern city with a unique blend of Chinese culture mixed with British influence. Some of the highlights of our private tour include riding a tram to Victoria Peak, visiting the largest Buddha at the Po Lin Monastery, learning about the history of Hong Kong, visiting Ocean Park, and tasting authentic dim sum. This field study serves as an extension of classroom learning. Students use their language skills to successfully order food and shop. But most importantly, students gain an appreciation for the Chinese culture while developing skills to become global citizens.
Costa Rica
The Costa Rica Field Study is an irreplaceable opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the language, culture, green lifestyle and positive mentality of this wonderful Spanish-speaking country. In spring, over a dozen students and two faculty chaperones travel to Costa Rica with the goal of better understanding the concept of service learning and the positive impact that it has on people and the environment. Students are encouraged to practice speaking Spanish throughout the trip. Highlights include: Discover what a self-sustained community looks like in Rancho Margot (400 acres of forest); Learn about biodiversity, ecology and food production through service; Hike Arenal Volcano; Hike and swim La Fortuna Waterfall; Canyoning and waterfall rappelling; zipline through the rainforest; visit with a Costa Rican family; white water river rafting in the Pacuare River, meaningful service projects in the BriBri indigenous reserve; hike among howling monkeys, sloths, viper snakes and poisonous frogs in the Gondoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge; visit the Jaguar Rescue Center.
France
This Field Study provides an enriching experience of the history and culture of France. Students embark on a journey throughout Paris’ famous landmarks: The Louvre, Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and Eiffel Tower. A visit to The Chateau de Versailles, Monet’s gardens in Giverny and a trip to the countryside and Normandy will offer unique historical perspectives on the experiences of WWII soldiers. We will visit “D-Day” beaches, the Memorial Museum, the American Cemetery and pause to pay our respect to fallen soldiers. The south of France and Monaco are also part of our itinerary. Students experience all the beauty France has to offer: the language, the picturesque scenery and the famous French cuisine while walking in the footsteps of Louis XIV, Napoleon and Victor Hugo. C’est la vie!
Galápagos Islands
Students aim to improve and preserve the Galápagos Islands through service-based work, including reforestation and eradication efforts. During this trip, Students stay at an organic farm and are completely immersed in the environment around them by staying and working on it. Students work in an organic greenhouse, care for cattle and chickens, collect seeds, plant trees, tend to giant tortoises and collaborate with the Science Department of the University of Ecuador on multiple projects. Students help eradicate wild berries to create a suitable living environment for the reintroduction of the Galapagos Giant Tortoises. Students work directly with the University of Quito to help count, tag and collect data on thousands of trees located in the highlands in San Cristobal. The group visits no public access beaches to remove plastic items. A highlight is visiting the natural habitat of the Galápagos tortoise. Students experience colonies of sea lions, marine turtles, blue-footed boobies and frigate birds up close in the wild; enjoy snorkeling and seeing sharks, eagles and golden rays, as well as dozens of species of tropical fish, clams, starfish and marine invertebrates.
Italy Exchange and Trip
Students will begin the trip with host families from the International School of Milan to experience Italian culture and hospitality firsthand in Milan and Venice, attend classes at the International School of Milan, and form a lifelong global and cultural friendship. Next, students will travel to Maranello, Pisa, Florence, Siena and Rome for adventure, history, art, culture, Italian cuisine and gelato and shopping. Highlights include: The Ancient world of Rome, including the Colosseum, the Forum and the Pantheon; St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican art galleries; gondolas and culture of Venice; Renaissance in Florence, including the amazing Uffizi Art Museum and Brunelleschi’s Duomo;
Da Vinci’s The Last Supper; Pisa’s Leaning Tower; Italy's oldest active shopping gallery (Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton); The World Famous Ferrari Museum; sample the best of Italy's culinary culture; view the Tuscan countryside; and experience a working and culinary cheese farm.
London
St. Mary’s London International Field Study aims to help students understand the history and culture of the United Kingdom through immersive, hands-on learning opportunities. This unique experience is rich and balanced as it is fun. Come and ride the double-decker bus with us! Trip highlights include: Introduction to the city of London; iconic landmarks, the enchanting Globe Theatre and a West End Musical; see cinematic magic at the Harry Potter Studios and partake in an unforgettable evening at an award-winning British Comedy; explore Windsor's regal elegance and savor a traditional British Sunday Roast; visit Wimbledon and Chelsea FC, and end with a night of interactive games; explore London's fashion scene with the Changing of the Guard, shopping, High Tea and exploration at Camden Market, end on a high note with a dinner cruise along the River Thames.
On Campus & Local Trips - Intersession
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Over Night Trips - Intersession
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