Student Life

Experiential Education

"Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the stars and the mountains above. Let them look at the waters and the trees and flowers on Earth. Then they will begin learning to think, and to think is the beginning of real education.”
- David Polis

The Experiential Education Program at Palmer Trinity is designed to enhance student learning through hands-on, real-world experiences. This program extends beyond the classroom, engaging students in activities that foster personal growth, environmental stewardship, leadership skills, and cultural awareness. By exploring Florida’s natural, social, and cultural environments, students gain valuable insights into themselves and their communities, preparing them for lives of purpose, empathy, and impact.

Middle School Programs

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6th Grade Travel Week | Marine Lab and Deering Estate

6th Grade - Travel Week
Travel Week is an educational travel experience for our 6th-grade students. The week is composed of a three day two night stay at Marine Lab in Key Largo and two field trips to Deering Estate in Palmetto Bay.
Marine Lab
Through introductory discussions, hands-on activities and field observations, students learn about marine science and the interdependent nature of the marine ecosystem of the subtropical Florida Keys. The three days and two nights program is a popular choice for Florida schools. The first afternoon is a lagoon snorkel, followed by field trips by boat to the seagrasses, mangroves, and coral reef on the succeeding days. Evening activities are the invertebrate diversity lab, plankton identification lab, coral reef ecology and the field identification of reef fish discussions. More information is available on the MarineLab website.
Deering Estate
Deering Estate is a historic landmark in Miami covering 450 acres of diverse ecosystems and hosting 10,000 years of human history. During their visit, students learn, through engaging hands-on minds-on activities, about South Florida’s rich cultural and natural resources. More information is available on the Deering Estate website.
7th Grade | Lakes, Ropes, and Stars

Lakes, Ropes, and Stars is a three days and two nights educational program that builds confidence, increases self-acceptance, and grows lasting friendships. Students participate in team building initiatives such as the rope course and enjoy lake activities while learning about water and forest ecology and taking part in evening hikes and astronomy lessons. The objectives of this travel experience are to explore freshwater and forest ecosystems, build confidence, and enhance teamwork. More information is available on the Circle F website.

Upper School Programs

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9th Grade | Everglades Expedition - NCOAE

The Everglades Expedition is a professionally guided five-day outdoor educational experience that promotes authentic learning, personal growth, leadership, and stewardship. Students kayak and canoe while engaging in structured co-curricular activities focused on the challenge by choice, collaboration, resiliency, and compassion. The Everglades as a classroom offers an unprecedented learning environment where curiosity is fostered, critical thinking is required, and diligence is vital. Teaching occurs in Educational Groups, which are developed to maximize student engagement, interest, and skill development. The Everglades Expedition curriculum focuses on human skills, with objectives associated with improving students’ self-actualization, decision-making, esteem, communication, teamsmanship, civic responsibility, leadership, and environmental stewardship. The experience offers students tools to help clarify their values and transfer their learning to their home, school, and personal life. More information is available on the National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education website.
Shark Research and Conservation

The Shark Research & Conservation Program (SRC) at the University of Miami conducts conservation-relevant shark research while inspiring scientific literacy and environmental engagement in youth through hands-on field research experiences. Every year, Palmer Trinity brings students and teachers out on a research vessel to survey, sample, tag and study sharks. More information is available on the Shark Research & Conservation Program website.