Each spring, eighth-grade (13/14s) students at Bank Street School for Children travel to Washington, DC, to experience democratic life in action. This annual trip is a cornerstone of the Upper School curriculum, allowing students to visit institutions and landmarks central to American democratic life and to interview policymakers, journalists, and non-profit leaders along the way.
This year’s trip began with a powerful visit to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, where students explored the history and impact of the Holocaust through exhibits, personal stories, and opportunities for reflection. Students were struck by how much history and meaning could be concentrated in a single place. The visit prompted students to consider the importance of civic responsibility and the role individuals play in protecting democratic institutions. In the evening, the group attended a Washington Nationals baseball game, providing them with a chance to unwind and build community with their peers.
On the second day, the group toured the Library of Congress, exploring Thomas Jefferson’s original book collection and a special exhibit comparing George Washington and King George III. Building on their exploration of history and democratic institutions, students had the opportunity to engage directly with elected officials, including New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. They asked wide-ranging questions about contemporary issues, including the role of artificial intelligence and constitutional limits of executive power.
Following their meeting on Capitol Hill, the class toured the Capitol building, visited the monuments and memorials on the National Mall, and attended a performance of The Great Gatsby at the National Theatre.
The third day offered a closer look into media and advocacy, including visits to National Public Radio’s (NPR) Washington bureau, the Supreme Court Building, and The Nature Conservancy. At NPR, students toured the famous Tiny Desk Concert set and spoke with a journalist who covers the Department of Justice. Students left NPR with a deeper appreciation for how journalism connects civic life to everyday culture and more than a few were thrilled to spot mementos left behind on the Tiny Desk set by artists like Bad Bunny and Sabrina Carpenter.
A particularly memorable experience came when students met with Justice Sonia Sotomayor, offering a rare chance to engage directly with a sitting Supreme Court Justice. During the meeting, Justice Sotomayor answered student questions, discussing her early years on the highest court in the federal judiciary and sharing her inspiration for writing books for both adults and children. When a student asked about the significance of small acts of heroism, Justice Sotomayor explained that everyday decency, such as making space for someone on a bench, helping an older neighbor get to the polls and vote, sharing food, and checking on one another, represents vital civic heroism. Students were impressed by her directness and confidence, as well as her perspective on her path to the Court: not as the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, but as an achievement she had never dared to imagine was possible.
Before returning to New York City, the group concluded their trip with visits to the National Air and Space Museum, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Museum of the American Indian, continuing their exploration of science, art, history, and culture.
Back in the classroom, students reflect on these powerful moments as part of their Social Studies final exam. This reflection is the culmination of a milestone experience that encourages students to see themselves as informed participants in civic life and deepens friendships in the final weeks of their academic journey together. The trip to Washington, DC, has defined the Upper School curriculum for decades, anchoring a proud Bank Street tradition of bringing eighth-grade classes to the nation’s capital.