Field Studies

Field Studies at Devon Prep

Students learn in a variety of ways and experience can, at times, be the best teacher. At Devon Prep, students in all grades participate in our field education trips, whether they be day excursions to local museums, events, and experiences, or grade-level overnight trips to places of cultural significance or service sites.

Regardless of the duration, our well-developed field studies program is an integral part of the Devon experience, combining education with time to connect with classmates and discover new communities. The trips can also provide opportunities for self-reflection, inviting individual educational and spiritual growth. 

All trips are chaperoned by Devon faculty and staff. On overnight trips, students stay in hotels or service centers. More information about overnight grade-level trips can be found below.

Middle School

6th and 7th graders travel together, once during their adventure day which occurs in September, and again in May as the entire school embarks on Devon Prep’s Tradition of “Field Studies Week”.

These trips are both educational and recreational in nature, and take advantage of many of the fun and rewarding experiences in the King of Prussia and Philadelphia area. 

The 8th Graders travel to Washington D.C., where they take in all the historic and popular sites by foot as well as bus. En route they make a pit stop at the Baltimore Harbour, where they alternate between locations such as Fort McHenry, The Baltimore Aquarium, Camden Yards, and more! While in Washington D.C. students will visit a number of various museums such as the Holocaust Museum, the various exhibits that the Smithsonian has to offer, and more! Evening activities include Dave and Busters, mini-golf, and others that allow the students to bond in a fun and safe environment. 

High School

Devon freshmen visit Gettysburg, PA, where they tour some of our state’s most prominent historical landmarks with Devon Prep faculty members (and graduate!) Mr. Paul Sanborn. They visit the Seminary Ridge Museum, the National Civil War Medicine Museum, and the Gettysburg Battlefield; other outings include time at Harper’s Ferry, a Frederick Keys baseball game, and bowling. 

The sophomore and junior classes take service-oriented trips in order to engage with eachother, other schools, and their communities. Each year, Devon runs trips to the Romero Center Ministries in Camden, New Jersey as well as two service sites in Germantown and South Philadelphia to serve those in need within local communities. There, they participate in the center’s “Urban Challenge” experience centered around service and Catholic Social Teaching. Days are spent performing service at local schools, nursing homes, and community centers, with evenings dedicated to group reflection and forming deeper connections with classmates.

Other service sites vary but could include spending time at local primary schools, planting community gardens, or helping at food banks. Students stay in the community at the sites, offering opportunities for reflection and spending time with classmates.

The Devon Prep field studies program culminates in our students’ senior year with two trips in the fall; The KAIROS senior retreat, and the class trip to Naples, Florida. During the class trip to Florida, they spend their week participating in physical and cultural activities,, service opportunities, and general fun in the sun. Highlights include a day trip to the Everglades, a morning of service at St. Matthew’s House, and an excursion of choices such as deep-sea fishing or golf. The seniors also enjoy time on the beach with their classmates and a variety of local restaurants.