Middle School students have several opportunities during the school year to experience learning outside of the classroom. On most occasions, the lesson is an extension of current studies in a particular class but we also take advantage of local museum exhibits, lectures, and theatrical productions as the opportunities arise throughout the year. Traditionally, in the seventh grade, two field trips are taken to broaden students’ schoolwork in the life sciences. The first is an overnight excursion in the fall to ZooAtlanta where students participate in the “Night crawlers” program and the second is a day trip in the spring to the Chattanooga Aquarium, complete with an IMAX adventure. Eighth grade students also venture outside of the science classroom in the spring as they put their study of physics to the test on the roller coasters at Six Flags Over Georgia. In the fall eighth grade US History students take a trip to the American Village in Montevallo going “back in time” to learn first hand the experiences of early colonists and the founders of their country. Elective classes offer additional off campus experiences such as trips to the local newspaper and performance events for the choir or band.

It is our belief that education does not stop at the classroom door nor is it limited to pencil and paper. Students acquire knowledge in many ways, through varied experiences and understanding different perspectives. So whether it is attending a performance of Shakespeare or building a Rube-Goldberg contraption for physics class, pairing a strong classroom experience with hands on instruction is an essential part of our curriculum at Randolph.