Brooks Middle School: 8th Grade Washington, DC, Trip Packet

 We are excited to announce that the Brooks Middle School 8th grade trip to Washington, DC, will take place Saturday, March 16, through Tuesday, March 19, 2024!

We are partnering with the Close Up Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that has led hands-on educational programs for more than one million students and teachers nationwide since its founding in 1971. Using the nation’s capital as a living classroom, students get a “close-up” view of U.S. history, government, and democracy in action. Close Up’s unique, immersive, all-inclusive programs give students a fun and educational experience in Washington, DC, that they never forget. In this packet, you’ll find information about Close Up, the cost of the program, and important dates and deadlines.

Close Up’s Instruction and Supervision

Teaching Method: Close Up takes student travel beyond a sightseeing tour, treating DC as an interactive, living classroom. Close Up’s staff of full-time teaching fellows help students actively engage with the city, and each other, through interactive lessons, debates, and simulations. Students will be placed in small groups and partnered with one Close Up instructor for their entire time in DC. Close Up instructors are trained to deliver an experiential curriculum that helps students connect what they are seeing and experiencing in DC to the classroom.

Safety and Security: Safety is Close Up’s top priority. Close Up provides 24-hour supervision on program, including a program leader, two program instructors, night monitors in every hotel hallway, and a dedicated Close Up representative for our school. Close Up is also committed to the safety and health of all participants, and their COVID-19 protocols can be found in your Close Up Student Account.

Program Highlights

During our students’ time in Washington, DC, Close Up will bring them face-to-face with the people and places that have shaped our nation. Students will have the opportunity to:

  • See famous monuments and memorials
  • Visit the world-renowned Smithsonian museums
  • Explore Arlington National Cemetery
  • Discover Washington’s vibrant neighborhoods
  • Participate in a dynamic Current Issues Deliberation activity and visit Capitol Hill
  • Speak with members of Congress
  • Discuss current issues facing our community and country
  • We hope that your student joins us for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Dr. Denise Gildon Trip Coordinator

School Information
School Name: Brooks Middle School
Trip Coordinator: [email protected]
Contact: Dr. Denise Gildon

Program Details
Dates: March 16-19, 2024
Transportation: Roundtrip flight from ORD/MDW
Student Program Tuition & Airfare: $1,713

Important Deadlines
$500 Nonrefundable Deposit: October 17, 2023
Final Payment: January 11, 2024
100% Cancellation Fee Deadline*: January 11, 2024
*All payments are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Should you request a refund prior to January 11, 2024, Close Up will refund any amount paid over the $500 deposit.

Program Tuition
Our all-inclusive program cost covers:

  • Roundtrip airfare from ORD/MDW
  • Quality hotel accommodations
  • All meals upon arrival
  • Coach bus transportation around Washington, DC
  • 24-hour supervision and instruction, including a program leader, small-group program instructors, and night monitors
  • A dedicated Close Up representative for our school
  • All program logistics and planning
  • All entrance fees and gratuities
  • Educational materials
  • Specialized access to Georgetown Medical Center

Registration and Payment Information

To register your student directly through out website, please follow the directions below:

Step 1: Go to www.closeup.org
Step 2: Go to https://www.closeup.org/enroll-by-code/
Step 3: Enter the enrollment code 42363, and press ‘Submit’.
Step 4: Complete the registration and wait for your confirmation email. Please check spam/junk folders.
Step 5: Follow the prompts to complete the enrollment information and make payments. If you have questions about payments or registration, please reach out to the school’s trip coordinator. If you prefer to use a personal check or money order to make payments, please make it payable to Close Up Foundation, include your student’s participant ID in the memo line, and mail it with a payment coupon printed from your account to:

Close Up Foundation
Attn: Finance Department
671 N Glebe Road, STE 900 Arlington, VA 22203