This September, Flintridge Prep's 8th graders spent a week in New Orleans. History and English teachers prepared the class with an integrated curriculum. Students read Ninth Ward and news coverage of Hurricane Katrina, studied the history of slavery in the South, and explored how Cajun, Creole, and Caribbean cultures come together in the Delta's food, music, way of life.

In New Orleans, students faced challenging history with respect and worked on three learning-service projects alongside local residents.

"We were doing something good and making a positive impact on the community," said Violet P. The work ties in with the class’ Community Impact Projects, which ask 8th graders to consider how they can lead and impact their community. Several students came home with ideas for how to care for their own community.

Catherine R. noticed how people treated each other. "People say hi to their neighbors, or just people on the street. We don't really have that here in LA, and I think we could."

The class ate beignets in the French Quarter, visited a swamp and saw alligators, and enjoyed tech-free evenings playing cards.

Associate Head of School Sarah Cooper put it simply: "I felt like the city embraced us, showed us who it is, and wanted us to carry some of that love home."