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Traveling Tours
Student Traveling Tours
Travel is an essential part of well-rounded education. It is one thing to read about American history and it is another thing to stand in the home of Thomas Jefferson in Virginia. It is one thing to study geology, and it is another to paddle down a river past breathtaking rock formations in the American Southwest.
CPLS considers student tours to be an integral part of the curriculum and student life. This commitment is shown by including the costs of tour in tuition for all students in 5th through 12th grades. These tours nurture friendships, encourage life-long learning, and provide invaluable opportunities to better understand the history and rich culture of our nation.
5th Grade
Spirit of Discovery Tour
This tour visits historic sites in Missouri that center around exploration and discovery. Students will visit a frontier-era military fort established by William Clark who was half of the team of Lewis & Clark. They will travel to Meramec Caverns and explore an intricate cave system. Then they drive into St. Louis and spend time appreciating the engineering marvel involved in building the Gateway Arch, see the amazing mosaic art at the Cathedral Basilica, and then experience the “weirdly wonderful” City Museum. The final day takes the tour to Hannibal, MO to learn more about Mark Twain and enjoy a riverboat cruise.
6th Grade
Heartland Tour
This tour explores the culture, history, and scenic beauty of the Ozark Mountain Region. Students visit the George Washington Carver National Park in Diamond, MO. They will attend a musical performance at Sight & Sound Theater in Branson, MO. Students spend time enjoying God’s creation at the Blue Springs Heritage Center in Eureka Springs, AR. They learn about art and architecture at Crystal Bridges in Bentonville, AR. One of their nights is spent at the beautiful Sequoyah Lodge on Lake Gibson in Hulbert, OK.
7th Grade
Western Heritage Tour
Students travel to Oklahoma and Texas where they are immersed in the history of the pioneers and soldiers who helped to establish the American West after the Civil War. The Cowboy Museum strives to preserve the evolving history and culture of this time by exposing students to art, culture, and unique perspectives. Students tour the Alamo and take a boat cruise through the San Antonio Riverwalk district. One night is spent sleeping on board a WWII aircraft carrier that is dry docked in Corpus Christi. An afternoon spent touring a working ranch is followed by an evening filled with BBQ and dancing.
8th Grade
Colonial Tour to Virginia
Students will walk in the footsteps of our country’s Founding Fathers by visiting Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, Virginia. They will be active participants on a schooner ship where they will raise the sails, learn to tie basic knots, and hear the history of ships and navigation in colonial times. They will explore Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and dine at a nearby restaurant that was established as a tavern in 1784.
9th Grade
Colorado Challenge Tour
This tour builds character and confidence as many students find themselves pushed outside their comfort zone. The physical endurance of each student is challenged as they rappel from cliffs, ride horses through challenging trails, hike, and boulder through the majesty of the Rocky Mountains. A visit to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs offers dramatic views of God’s creation and allows time for reflection. Part of the tour is spent at the amazing 4-Star resort, Lost Valley Ranch.
10th Grade
Nation’s Capital Tour
Washington DC is a living classroom with a unique blend of history, art, culture, and politics. Students explore the Smithsonian museums and tour Ford’s theater. They pay homage at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery and reflect on somber moments of the past at the Holocaust Museum. They encounter the stories of our greatest leaders and heroes at the monuments and memorials while also spending a day walking in the footsteps of George Washington at Mount Vernon. Students also enjoy the richness of American culture while watching a fine arts performance at The Kennedy Center.
11th Grade
American Southwest Tour
Students experience the wonder and rugged beauty of the desert southwest with visits to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. They also explore the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people through a guided tour of the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park. This tour is a true outdoor adventure and involves white water rafting, riding UTV’s, and lots of scenic hiking.
12th Grade
New York City Tour
During their senior year, students travel to New York City. They will see iconic landmarks, from the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty. They will tour world-renowned museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the MoMA. Students will also admire the city’s impressive architecture, including a vertical tour of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. They will create lasting memories by seeing a Broadway show or catching a Yankees game, and enjoy an authentic New York experience by riding the subway, walking through Central Park, or grabbing a hot dog from a street cart.