Stay tuned for more about about the 2026 8th Grade D.C. Trip!

See below for information about last year's event

Annual 8th Grade Trip to Washington, D.C. - May 14-16, 2025

In eighth grade, GPS students anticipate becoming leaders in their schools and community. The eighth-grade year also traditionally culminates in a multi-night trip to Washington, D.C. Across the district, this time-honored tradition offers each graduating class the opportunity to bond before heading off to high school. This year's 8th graders are looking forward to upholding this GPS tradition and experiencing the unique cultural and educational opportunities provided by our Nation's capital–an experience we hope will last in their hearts and minds for years to come.

The mission of the DC Trip Fundraising Committee is to ensure that all 8th graders can go on the trip regardless of financial need and that students at every middle school have the same experience. The 8th Grade DC Trip Committee is now part of the Greenwich Alliance for Education and actively raises funds throughout the year.

Thank you for your generosity during the Election Day Bake Sale!

We held three bake sales on November 5: Riverside Elementary, Old Greenwich Elementary, and North Mianus Elementary, from 7 am-5 pm.

To Support -

Donate by check or online.
Attend the Dancing for D.C. parent event on January 24, 2025, at Old Greenwich Social Club! (ticket sales to come)

How Can You Help?

You can SPONSOR a student for the total cost of the trip, $896

You can DONATE any amount towards the fundraising account.

To donate - Please mention 8th Grade Trip - EMS in the memo line

By check

Payee Name: Greenwich Alliance for Education

Address: Greenwich Alliance for Education

48 Maple Avenue, Suite 302

Greenwich, CT 06830

Online - https://greenwichalliance.org/dc-trip-donation-landing

Contact Gia Burton or Monica Huang, with fundraising ideas and/or if you are interested in helping out.

Register your child here!

The trip coordinators really need to give headcounts to WorldStrides ASAP. Remember: if you are on the fence about the trip, you can always purchase trip cancellation insurance for $149 so if something comes up, you can be refunded 100% the cost of the trip! Don’t delay and register TODAY.

IMPORTANT: If you think you might need financial aid, please reach out to Principal Guarino ASAP. ALL financial aid requests are due by October 31 and are strictly confidential. Financial aid may not be guaranteed after October 31!

Sample Highlights of the Trip

The Eastern Middle School trip is scheduled for May 14-16, 2025. During their 2 nights & 3 days in D.C., our 8th graders will hit the ground running. They will explore the Nation's capital and the surrounding area, where they will experience firsthand what they have been studying throughout elementary and middle school. Here are some highlights of the trip:

Washington Monument

Holocaust Museum

Arlington National Cemetery

To check out all of the fun they will have:  Click here to view the Washington D.C. video.