Dozens of Bulldogs packed their bags and journeyed across the globe during Spring Break this year, with upper school students traveling abroad to Morocco, Italy and Spain and middle schoolers visiting Washington D.C. and Colonial Williamsburg.

Bolles upper school teachers Sara Phillips-Bourass and Danielle Jones chaperoned the School’s first international program to Africa, accompanying students on an unforgettable adventure to Morocco. The group explored Casablanca, Rabat, Fes and Chefchaouen, nestled in the Atlas Mountains, as they learned about Morocco’s history and culture. The Bulldogs made authentic connections with Moroccan families, who hosted them for two days in Rabat, and spent time with students to learn about their everyday life. They also participated in a Darija language lesson, visited the Democratic Association of Moroccan Women, marveled at fascinating architecture in the Medina Inés and enjoyed a Gnaws music show with traditional instruments, dances and songs. View pictures from the program in our online photo gallery.

Eighteen students traveled to Italy with Bolles upper school Latin teachers Ginny Greenland, Mary Caroline Gillam ’17 and Elizabeth Gentry for an immersive experience in Rome and Pompeii. The Bulldogs deepened their knowledge and appreciation for Latin, art, history and food with this experience in the heart of Italy. Among their many adventures, the group explored the ruins of Pompeii, attended gladiator school, toured Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini and visited the Galleria Borghese and Vatican City. View pictures from the program in our online photo gallery.

Students participating in our longstanding Spanish Exchange Program with Colegio San Agustin joined Bolles upper school teachers Abby Sander ’09 and Andrew Dickson on a 10-day visit to Spain, where they stayed with host families and visited Madrid, Toledo and Segovia. Some students even attended a Real Madrid basketball game and the Atletico Madrid vs. FC Barcelona fútbol game! The Bulldogs will host their Spanish counterparts in Jacksonville April 21-May 3. View pictures from the program in our online photo gallery.

Special thanks to Bolles upper school academic travel programs coordinator Kristin Hong who organized all three international programs!

Bolles middle school teachers Gabi Fudge and Michael Stephens took students to Washington, D.C. and Colonial Williamsburg to participate in The Close-Up Foundation’s civics and civil discourse program. The goal of the program is to inform, inspire and empower young people to become active and engaged citizens and to develop the skills and attitudes necessary to become leaders in their schools and communities. View pictures from their trip in our online photo gallery.