Mount Pisgah is taking an unconventional approach to education next January: sending its Upper School student body outside of traditional classes for a week of educational and service-based trips. Instead of staying in, students will go “Beyond The Classroom.” 

In January 2026, students will have the opportunity to choose a trip tailored to their interests. Options range from service-oriented mission trips to culturally immersive educational excursions, and destinations range from domestic locations, like Florida and Arizona, to London, Paris, and Costa Rica. There are also local trips, like mission work in Atlanta and a career exploration hosted at school.

Seniors will have a special trip specifically for them. They have the opportunity to go to Universal Studios with their class and no other grades will be permitted on this trip.

The importance of outside experience is being highlighted through these experiences. It is important to bring students away from traditional learning structures and teach them how to apply their skills in the outside world. 

Every trip provides an opportunity to learn and grow as a person, especially the mission trips, where students get to serve communities in need.

“These trips will be very beneficial for the education of our students. I may not be going on a domestic or international trip, but even the local ones enhance the experience of our school,” said Ms. Dover.

In previous years, the middle school has carried out similar trips to Washington, DC and Savannah. These trips are expected to be even better, and many hope to see new cultures and experience new things.

“I’m so excited for these trips and to help those in need. It’s such an amazing opportunity to help those in need, or to experience new cultures and things in the world,” says Emily Shelton.

Mount Pisgah believes that these trips will truly benefit the learning experience of the Upper School student body.