Off-Campus Exploration

Because Langley students learn everywhere

At Langley, we expand education far beyond the classroom walls, so children come to see the whole world — not just school buildings — as a place to learn.

Students, teachers, and parents speak highly of our field trips. The nation’s capital is our learning laboratory: our students frequently visit area museums, Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Capitol, and dozens of other locations that significantly impact our world every day.

Seventh-graders have visited Williamsburg during their Colonial America study, first-graders have explored a Fairfax County recycling center as part of their service work, and kindergartners have traveled to Butler’s Orchard to learn about the life cycle of a pumpkin — among many other examples. Starting in fifth grade, students enjoy overnight trips, bonding with classmates and building leadership skills. And in eighth grade, they take a week-long capstone trip.

On our campus, too, opportunities abound to learn, play, and reflect outdoors — on the playing field, on nature walks, in our gardens, and in our rooftop Classroom in the Sky. Our dynamic campus provides lessons in ecology and biology everywhere children look as they move from place to place throughout the day. For preschoolers, changing locations means strengthening movement while developing confidence and curiosity; for our older students, it means the freedom to roam through our new Middle School building, specially designed to foster independence while adults supervise nearby. By moving frequently from one part of campus to another, children learn that shifting their perspective often leads to new insights.

Stepping out of the classroom — and outside themselves — Langley students strengthen their curiosity and confidence. They know there is always more to discover, and more ways to link their learning to a broader community and world.