Special Student Programs

A Field Trip for the History Books!

George Washington’s Mount Vernon offers a variety of educational experiences for students of all grade levels. In addition to touring Washington’s iconic Mansion, student admission to Mount Vernon also includes access to the Pioneer Farm (seasonal), Blacksmith Shop, Ford Orientation Center, and the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center. The Education Center, which was specifically designed for students, features 23 interactive galleries and theaters (including a special-effects movie, dynamic graphic displays, surround-sound audio programs, and the most life-like models of Washington ever created).

As part of your field trip to Mount Vernon, consider enriching your students’ learning experience by including one of the following special student programs! Our student programs were specifically designed to help you meet relevant curriculum standards. We understand that every second counts as you work towards local and state educational goals. The following programs will assist with achieving the prescribed Standards of Learning for the subjects of History, Civics, Economics, Geography, Science, and Math.

Use our Field Trip Reservation Request Form to make your reservation.

Click here for Field Trip Resources.

Special Student Programs for 2012-2013

Colonial Days at Mount Vernon

Recommended Grade Levels: 2-6
Program Availability: 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.,
 March 5 – March 15, 2013 & Fall Dates TBD
(Tuesday-Friday only)
Program Description: Experience 18th-century plantation life at Mount Vernon during this special student program! At the Pioneer Farm, students watch costumed interpreters produce 18th-century goods; learn about George Washington’s innovative farming practices; visit a reconstructed Slave Cabin; play colonial games; and see animals (like horses, mules, sheep, and oxen). Elsewhere on the Estate, students can tour Washington’s Mansion; meet people from Washington’s world; and participate in a special student ceremony at Washington’s Tomb. Budget at least 2 hours.
Program Fee: FREE with paid admission ($8 per student, $8 per required chaperone, $14 per additional adult, 1 free teacher for every 20 students). Advance registration required. Additional Options: Our new George Washington Comic Book is available for $3 and student lunches are available for $5 per lunch (see below for details).

Special Funding Available for Colonial Days! Don’t let tight budgets prohibit your field trip to Mount Vernon! Local (VA, MD, DC) Title 1 Schools will receive a 50% discount on student admission and a $50 rebate per bus.

Legends and Legacies: The Real George Washington

Recommended Grade Levels: 3-8
Program Availability: November 19, 2012 – February 28, 2013
(weekdays only; not available on Feb. 15 & 18)
Program Description: This 90-minute guided tour takes students beyond the myths of cherry trees and wooden teeth to explore George Washington's real character and accomplishments. Students participate fully in the experience through observation, questions, and discussion. While visiting the Mansion, the Slave Quarters, and Washington's Tomb, they use their imaginations and analytical skills to discover Washington as a political and military leader, visionary farmer, family man, entrepreneur, architect, and slave owner. Students will be divided into tour groups of 30 students and 3 chaperones.
Program Fee: $36 per tour group plus admission ($8 per student, $8 per required chaperone, $14 per additional adult, 1 free teacher for every 20 students). Local (VA, MD, DC) Title 1 Schools will receive a 50% discount on student admission! 

Seed to Table: Farming at Mount Vernon

Recommended Grade Levels: K-2
Program Availability: April 22 - June 14, 2013 (weekdays only)
Program Description: Through storytelling, hands-on activities, and inquiry-based discussion, students discover George Washington the master farmer. During this 45-minute guided tour of the Pioneer Farm, students learn what crops Washington grew and why; meet an animal (like a horse, mule, sheep, or ox); and learn how simple tools were used to improve farming practices. Students will be divided into tour groups of 30 students and 3 chaperones.
Program Fee: $36 per tour group plus admission ($8 per student, $8 per required chaperone, $14 per additional adult, 1 free teacher for every 20 students). Local (VA, MD, DC) Title 1 Schools will receive a 50% discount on student admission! 

Farmer Washington: A Man of Innovation

Recommended Grade Levels: 3-8
Program Availability: April 22 – June 14, 2013 (weekdays only)
Program Description: This 60-minute tour introduces students to George Washington’s innovative farming practices and his belief that America’s economic success and independence was tied to the ability to produce and ship agricultural products around the world. While touring the Pioneer Farm, students are engaged through inquiry, object-based learning, and other special activities to understand Washington as a creative, experimental, and forward-thinking agriculturalist. Students will be divided into tour groups of 30 students and 3 chaperones.
Program Fee: $36 per tour group plus admission ($8 per student, $8 per required chaperone, $14 per additional adult, 1 free teacher for every 20 students). Local (VA, MD, DC) Title 1 Schools will receive a 50% discount on student admission! 

Through My Eyes: Character Tours for Students

Recommended Grade Levels: 2-8
Program Availability: Year round (weekdays only)
Program Description: In this new 45-minute program, students follow a lively character from Washington’s world as they go about their daily activities, making several stops along the way. As students are immersed in the 18th Century, they will learn about life on Washington’s plantation. Students will be divided into tour groups of 30 students and 3 chaperones.
Program Fee: $50 per tour group plus admission ($8 per student, $8 per required chaperone, $14 per additional adult, 1 free teacher for every 20 students). Local (VA, MD, DC) Title 1 Schools will receive a 50% discount on student admission! 

Click here for more field trip enhancements, discounted meal options, and other amenities.

Use our Field Trip Reservation Request Form to make your reservation.

If you have questions, contact our Reservations Office at 703-799-8688 or groups@mountvernon.org

Click here for Field Trip Resources.

Can't make it to the Estate? Consider arranging a virtual field trip!  Participate in a Face to Face videoconferencing session with one of Mount Vernon's historical interpreters including Martha Washington; Washington housekeeper Mrs. Forbes, Washington physician Dr. Craik, or a colonial storyteller. In these 30-minute sessions, students engage in direct dialogue with characters from George Washington's life. Click here for more information.