At Whitefish Christian Academy, our eighth graders culminate their academic journey with an in-depth study of American history, literature, government, and art. For many of these students—some who have been with us since Pre-K—a trip to Washington, D.C. brings their studies to life in the very places where our nation was shaped.

Students will have the opportunity to visit some of the most important locations in the United States, including the Capitol Building, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, the National Archives, and several Smithsonian museums. They will spend time at Arlington National Cemetery, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the National Gallery of Art, gaining a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices and ideas that formed our country. Along the way, they will experience memorable moments together as a class, from exploring national monuments to enjoying American pastimes.

Our itinerary will be finalized once Representative Ryan Zinke’s schedule is confirmed, but a sample plan includes:

Day One
• Travel from Montana to Washington, D.C.

Day Two
• Museum of Natural History
• National Archives
• Key memorials on the National Mall
• White House exterior visit or tour, if approved
• Evening program (theatre or concert as available)

Day Three
• Meeting with Representative Zinke
• Capitol Building tour
• Library of Congress
• Supreme Court
• Smithsonian museum visit (Air & Space or American History)
• National Gallery of Art

Day Four
• Holocaust Memorial Museum
• Lincoln, Jefferson, MLK, and Washington Memorials
• Arlington National Cemetery

Day Five
• Mount Vernon
• Additional Smithsonian museum
• Possible visit to the International Spy Museum

Day Six
• Return to Montana

This trip is designed to be both academically rich and genuinely enjoyable, giving students a formative, unforgettable experience as they complete their time at Whitefish Christian Academy.