Middle School Students Made It to Puerto Rico

Our middle school students made it safely to Puerto Rico after leaving Thursday and traveling through the night.

After a long journey, Friday became their first opportunity to settle into the rhythm, beauty, and culture of Puerto Rico. Though everyone was tired, the students moved through the day with curiosity, resilience, and a strong sense of community.

A special thank you goes to Lillian and Jessi for helping Luisa support everyone throughout the long travel day and arrival.

The group began their Puerto Rico experience with a guided introduction to Old San Juan led by Ramón. He helped students connect with the history, architecture, and energy of the city as they explored it together.

Their first stop was Raíces, where students enjoyed a well-earned meal after traveling. One of the memorable parts of the day was hearing students respond with surprise as they tried new foods and discovered flavors they enjoyed.

From there, the group walked through Old San Juan, including el Paseo de la Princesa, where they took in beautiful ocean views and the historic surroundings. They continued along the old limestone walls near the forts, spotting lizards, cats, and the small details that make walking through a city such a meaningful way to learn.

Students also visited the field near San Felipe del Morro, where local families and community members were flying kites. It was a colorful and joyful moment that gave students a glimpse of daily life and tradition in the city.

Before heading to the hotel, students had a short opportunity to pick up souvenirs and stopped at la Plaza de Colón for photos.

After a full day of travel recovery, walking, food, and exploration, the group ended the evening with showers, dinner, and much-needed rest.

The following day was expected to bring another big adventure, including swimming through river canyons and spending time at the beach. As the trip continued, students were expected to have more limited access to their phones so they could stay present and fully engaged in the experience.

This first update from Puerto Rico captured the heart of experiential learning. Students were not only studying language, culture, geography, and history — they were experiencing it in real time.

More updates to come as our middle school students continue their Puerto Rico journey.