We plan to continually expand and promote this with exciting trips for Riverstone families to opt into. Click a link below to read more about each trip.
Italy | Germany | Spain | Costa Rica | College Trip | China or Taiwan | Washington DC | San Francisco
If your family is interested in sending your student on any of the following Educational Experiences next school year, please fill out the interest form below.
Otter Exchange Program
The Science of the Renaissance and International School of Florence Exchange-Italy
November 2-15, 2025
Offered to high school students Grades 9–12
Estimated cost: $3,000
Riverstone International Students are invited to embark on an innovative interdisciplinary course that explores the rich tapestry of Renaissance achievements while probing the profound connections between Renaissance art, the emergent sciences, and the mathematical innovations that have shaped our understanding of the world. Students will experience an exchange and host stays with students from the International School of Florence. Prerequisite and post course work will be required for this trip as it counts towards one high school elective credit.
November 3-15, 2025
Offered to high school students Grades 9–11
Estimated cost: $2,800
Students will engage in an interdisciplinary study of history, with a focus on key periods such as World War II, the Cold War in Europe, or the 17th-century religious wars, including the Inquisition and the Witch Hunts. In addition to historical exploration, the program will facilitate cultural exchange and language immersion through active collaboration between students in both countries. During the two weeks in Germany, a particular emphasis on the historical US-German relationship will help students gain a nuanced understanding of past events and their ongoing influence on contemporary society. Students will take part in an exchange with students and families from Wilhelm Raabe Schule in Hannover, Germany (including host-stays). There will also be ~4 days of excursions with the Riverstone group in Berlin, Germany.
November 3-15, 2025
Offered to high school students Grades 9–11
Estimated cost: $2,700
Students will embark on a signature interdisciplinary exchange program with The American School of Madrid (ASM) to examine political violence and Spanish history looking at topics such as Spanish Inquisition and Franco’s fascist regime, including visiting the world-famous Reina Sofia Museum and the Prado. This exchange program builds on our students becoming global citizens, allowing them to fully integrate into another culture with linguistic connections, and engage in transdisciplinary learning that align with the Middle Years Program (MYP) focus. There will also be ~4 days of excursions with the Riverstone group to nearby cities including Valencia, Segovia, and Toledo. We are working with ASM to have ~15-20 ASM students come to Riverstone in the Spring of 2026.
8 days during Spring Break (between March 16–29, 2026)
Offered to students Grades 8–12
Estimated cost: $3,200–$3,800
The Costa Rica Spring Break Trip is an annual trip hosted by our Spanish Department. This trip is an adventure-packed trip that focuses on Spanish-language immersion. Students can expect highlights such as rafting, Zipline adventures, enjoying the beach, being fully immersed with host families, learning how to cook authentic Costa Rican meals, and participating in community service projects. This is a trip our Spanish students do not want to miss!
8-10 days during Spring Break (March 22- May 29, 2026)
Offered to students Grades 9–12
Estimated cost: $2,800
Registration will be limited to 20 students.
Riverstone’s Eastern College Tour will run from March 23-30, 2026 with our home base in Boston, MA. From our accommodations in Boston, students will tour two schools per day and up to ten different colleges or universities on the trip. While many schools don’t take reservations for spring visits until the end of winter, we have reached out to the following schools and plan to arrange guided tours at as many of them as possible:
- Providence College
- U Conn
- Olin College of Engineering
- Brandeis University
- Wellesley College
- Babson College
- Bentley University
- Harvard University
- Tufts University
- Emerson College
- Boston College
- Amherst College
- University of New Hampshire
- Northeastern University
- Boston University
All of these schools will be in session when we are visiting, so Riverstone students will get a good feel for what life is like on each campus. We plan to visit one school in the morning and one in the afternoon each day. On some days, students will get to choose which schools they want to tour. Hotels, flights, and ground transportation will be included in the cost of the trip. Meals will be additional. A fun, non-college-based activity will be planned for Saturday. The trip will be open to 9th through 12th grade students with 10th and 11th grade students receiving priority.
8–10 days during Spring Break (between March 16–29, 2026)
Offered to students Grades 8–12
Estimated cost: $3,800–$4,800
The China or Taiwan Spring Break Trip is an annual trip hosted by our Mandarin Department. Some exciting outdoor and educational activities included on this trip may include: culture and art tours, participating as an exchange student, building traditional rafts, engaging in a community service project, exploring nature, and experiencing a day in the life in a Mandarin-speaking country. (Note: The final decision between China or Taiwan will be made according to travel advisories, cost, and interest- stay tuned!).
7 days, early summer (Between June 5-20)
Offered to rising Grade 8 students
Estimated cost: $2,300–$2,500
Riverstone's annual DC trip for rising Grade 8 students is a summer tradition that our students can't miss! We offer this trip to grade 7 students (and prospective 2024-2025 Grade 8 students) The itinerary is tied to Grade 8 curriculum. Students can expect highlights such as guided tours at Gettysburg Battlefield, Mt. Vernon and Old Town Alexandria, a biking tour around the National Monuments, exploring museums in the National Mall and learning about our nation's capital!
8-10 days, early summer (specific dates TBD)
Offered to rising Grade 7 students
Estimated cost: $1,500-$2,000
The San Francisco Culture, Language, and Communities Tour offers an enriching experience that blends education on language, history, and cultural diversity. The trip immerses students in San Francisco's multicultural heritage, starting with an exploration of the Haight-Ashbury District, highlighting the intersection of language, art, and social movements. Students will practice Spanish while engaging with the vibrant Mission District murals and visit Mission Dolores to learn about early California history. A walking tour of Chinatown exposes them to Chinese culture, where they can learn basic Chinese phrases and visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. Through visits to the California Academy of Sciences and the San Francisco Zoo, students connect language learning with environmental conservation, while exploring the natural world. The trip also emphasizes the diverse communities that shape the city, from Latino influences to Asian heritage, culminating in discussions on the city’s modern technological evolution in areas like Mission Bay. The use of public transport throughout the trip fosters practical language skills, enhancing students' cultural immersion and understanding of San Francisco's dynamic communities.
*Please note that the dates and prices are tentative until the trips are confirmed. This is based on at least 10 students committing to attend each trip.