About The Traveling School
Traveling School Mission: To empower young women academically, physically, and culturally through an experiential overseas high school semester.
Traveling School Vision: Cultivate engagement, leadership and confidence in young women.
The Traveling School offers teenage girls ages 15-18 the opportunity to explore the world and learn about themselves through academic, physical, and cultural challenges. Sixteen motivated young women and four inspiring teachers travel to a unique region of the globe for 15 weeks. Students earn full credit, immerse in new cultures, develop outdoor skills, and build confidence during this transformational semester.
Just the Facts
Why We Go
- The Traveling School builds female leaders with powerful voices and widened perspectives that are inspired to learn, able to adapt and take risks and engage with the world. Our students, from across the globe, share a common desire to redefine high school, engage in a global community and make positive change.
Program Size
- 16 students travel with four full-time teachers
Student/Teacher Ratio
- 4:1
Students
- All female
- Ages 15-18
- Students must be 15 by the semester start date
- Click here to see where our students are from
Student Profile
- Highly motivated, adventurous, fun
- Curious, engaged, interested
- Academically motivated and well-adjusted
- Seeking challenging academic learning in a non-traditional setting
- Hoping to differentiate self on college applications
- Looking for support while thinking about life, school, career
- Interested in other cultures
- Desire one-on-one interaction with adult mentors/teachers
- Want to develop outdoor skills and competency
Program Length
- 15-week semester (105 days)
Program Dates
- Fall Semester: August 20 – December 5
- Spring Semester: February 1 – May 15
Program Locations
Each semester travels through 3-4 countries in a region. Locations are subject to change depending on regional changes including: weather, political climate, safety considerations, and educational opportunities.
- Fall Semester: Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia)
- Spring Semester: South America (Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia)
Academics
- At The Traveling School, the classroom is all around us. Learning comes to life through the places we visit, the people we meet, and the stories they tell. Regional curriculum and custom-designed textbooks support academic activities and cultural experiences.
- Students take six semester credits choosing from: Global Studies, PE & Independent Life Skills, History, English, Natural Science, Algebra 2, Precalculus, and Spanish (spring semester only).
- Prior approval from high school required for admission
- Learn more here.
Cultural Engagement
- Students practice language skills in local markets, converse with community members, engage in community service projects, and participate in weeklong homestays. This cultural engagement helps cultivate self-awareness, respect, and a sense of environmental and social responsibility. Learn more here.
Outdoor Adventure & Leadership Skills
- Outdoor experiences provide young women with the opportunity to increase self-confidence, build strength, and develop leadership skills in a supportive environment. With no prior experience needed, students will camp, hike, backpack, canoe, mountaineer, rock climb, rappel, mountain bike, white water raft and more. Learn more here.
Applications Due
- Priority Admission Deadline for Fall & Spring Semesters: February 1
Tuition
Financial Aid & Fundraising Opportunities
Since 2003:
- Financial aid awards range from 10%-60% of tuition depending on need
- Limited merit-based scholarships may be available and do not exceed $3500
- 42% of students have received financial aid
- Since 2003, we have distributed over $794,189 in financial aid awards
- Learn more here.
Why All Girls?
All Girls Makes For a Strong Experience
Alumnae Colleges and Universities
Click here to view the list of schools.
Nondiscrimination Policy
The Traveling School is committed to excellence through diversity in its students, faculty, staff, and Board of Directors. The Traveling School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees/applicants for employment and students/student applicants without regard to race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or political affiliation – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or employment qualifications or where marital or veteran status are statutorily defined eligibility criteria for Federal or State laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. The Traveling School will make reasonable accommodations to allow qualified individuals with a disability to participate in the essential functions of the program. This policy does not preclude discrimination based on bona fide qualifications or other recognized exceptions under the law.