How does Kehillah decide where each grade goes for school trips?

Each travel experience is curated to match the developmental stage and educational goals of the students. For example, ninth graders start with a regional trip to Los Angeles that introduces them to themes like identity, justice, and art. As students mature, the trips expand both in distance and depth. Sophomores explore the American South to engage with civil rights history. Juniors travel internationally to Spain, connecting with Jewish heritage and European culture. Seniors culminate their experience with a thoughtful journey through Eastern Europe, reflecting on both the beauty and complexity of Jewish history. These choices aren’t random—they’re built into Kehillah’s mission to provide meaningful, purpose-driven learning.

Are Kehillah's school trips required or just optional?

Kehillah’s educational travel experiences are an integral part of the school program, not just optional extras. They are treated as immersive learning opportunities that complement what students are doing in the classroom. Each trip is designed with clear learning objectives, and students often reflect on their experiences through writing, discussions, and group projects. Participation builds community, reinforces school values, and helps students connect their education to the world around them. While there are logistical considerations for each trip, Kehillah works to ensure every student can benefit from these impactful experiences.

What kind of support do students get during Kehillah’s travel programs?

Kehillah ensures that students are well-supported throughout every trip. Faculty and staff chaperones accompany students and provide guidance, supervision, and mentorship throughout the experience. Safety protocols are carefully followed, and all accommodations, transportation, and activities are vetted in advance. Students also participate in pre-trip meetings to set expectations and build group cohesion. During the travel experience, there’s a strong emphasis on creating an inclusive, respectful environment where students feel comfortable exploring, asking questions, and reflecting. From structured activities to downtime, the entire experience is designed to be both enriching and supportive.

Educational Travel at The Kehillah School

Who says learning can’t be an adventure? At Kehillah Jewish High School, students don’t just sit in classrooms. They get out into the world. From uncovering local gems in the Bay Area to exploring history and culture in other cities and countries, educational travel is a core part of the experience. If you thought school trips were just about skipping class and grabbing snacks at the airport, think again. These excursions are packed with real-world lessons, unforgettable memories, and maybe even a few unexpected bus ride sing-alongs.

What Is Educational Travel and Why Does It Matter

Educational travel is more than just a break from school—it’s a vital part of experiential learning. Through well-planned excursions, students gain firsthand insight into different cultures, communities, and global issues. These trips allow them to connect classroom knowledge with the real world, encouraging deeper understanding and personal growth.

When students travel for education, they learn how to think critically, collaborate with peers, and engage with new perspectives. Whether exploring history in another city or participating in a service-learning project, educational travel helps build independence, confidence, and curiosity. At its core, it’s about learning by doing—and that kind of learning sticks with students for life.

Travel-Based Learning by Grade Level at Kehillah

9th Grade: Discovering Los Angeles

Freshmen begin their high school journey by exploring the dynamic city of Los Angeles. Highlights include hiking to the Hollywood sign, engaging in a powerful panel on tolerance and social justice at the LA Museum of the Holocaust, and volunteering at the Pico Union Project. Students visit cultural sites like the Broad Museum of Modern Art, tour Wilshire Boulevard Temple, and connect with the immigrant experience through portrait art workshops led by artist Hedy Torres. The trip wraps up with beach time in Venice and a campfire at Dockweiler Beach, blending fun and reflection.

10th Grade: Civil Rights Journey in the American South

Sophomores dive into America’s civil rights history with a powerful tour through the South. They walk across the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, honor the legacies of Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and John Lewis, and visit the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. Exhibits and conversations connect past struggles to present-day human rights issues. Along the way, students also explore the rich cultural legacy of Memphis through music, food, and historical landmarks.

11th Grade: Immersive Culture in Spain

Juniors head to Spain, traveling through Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona. They engage with local Jewish communities, celebrate Shabbat with a progressive congregation, and trace Jewish heritage through medieval quarters. The itinerary includes visits to Moorish palaces like the Alcázar and Alhambra, vibrant markets, and renowned cathedrals. Through art, food, music, and history, students experience the full flavor of Spanish culture while reflecting on Jewish identity in a global context.

12th Grade: Reflecting in Eastern Europe

Seniors take a meaningful trip through Prague, Budapest, and Vienna. The journey balances beauty with remembrance, including visits to Prague Castle, the Terezín Ghetto Camp, and the Shoes on the Danube Memorial. Students celebrate Shabbat in Budapest, enjoy a traditional Hungarian cooking class, and relax in thermal spas. They also tour iconic landmarks like the Belvedere Palace and the Ringstrasse, making time for reflection, connection, and celebration before graduation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Kehillah decide where each grade goes for school trips?
Each travel experience is curated to match the developmental stage and educational goals of the students. For example, ninth graders start with a regional trip to Los Angeles that introduces them to themes like identity, justice, and art. As students mature, the trips expand both in distance and depth. Sophomores explore the American South to engage with civil rights history. Juniors travel internationally to Spain, connecting with Jewish heritage and European culture. Seniors culminate their experience with a thoughtful journey through Eastern Europe, reflecting on both the beauty and complexity of Jewish history. These choices aren’t random—they’re built into Kehillah’s mission to provide meaningful, purpose-driven learning.
Are Kehillah's school trips required or just optional?
Kehillah’s educational travel experiences are an integral part of the school program, not just optional extras. They are treated as immersive learning opportunities that complement what students are doing in the classroom. Each trip is designed with clear learning objectives, and students often reflect on their experiences through writing, discussions, and group projects. Participation builds community, reinforces school values, and helps students connect their education to the world around them. While there are logistical considerations for each trip, Kehillah works to ensure every student can benefit from these impactful experiences.
What kind of support do students get during Kehillah’s travel programs?
Kehillah ensures that students are well-supported throughout every trip. Faculty and staff chaperones accompany students and provide guidance, supervision, and mentorship throughout the experience. Safety protocols are carefully followed, and all accommodations, transportation, and activities are vetted in advance. Students also participate in pre-trip meetings to set expectations and build group cohesion. During the travel experience, there’s a strong emphasis on creating an inclusive, respectful environment where students feel comfortable exploring, asking questions, and reflecting. From structured activities to downtime, the entire experience is designed to be both enriching and supportive.