Middle School Curriculum

Every day, students from across the country join us in Washington, DC, to build the skills and dispositions of engaged citizens.

How do we do this?

On Close Up’s middle school programs, students use the nation’s capital as a living classroom where they explore its iconic sites and discover how the issues and ideals represented impact us today. Through various interactive site visits, workshops, and discussions, students learn the historical events and ideas that have shaped American democracy and gain a deeper understanding of their unique role in our political system.

SO, WHAT DISTINGUISHES THE CLOSE UP EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE?

Highly-Trained Program Instructors

Close Up delivers its world-class experiential curriculum through a staff of highly-trained, college-educated Program Instructors (PIs), each of whom works with a small group of 20-24 students throughout the week. It is in this intimate workshop setting that students work with their peers from across the country. Together, they create a learning community to exchange ideas that expand their worldviews and help them gain a greater understanding of their role as citizens.

Methods

Close Up helps students build a connection to the American political system and find their voices in the process by exposing them to the history, institutions, and processes that demonstrate how our nation’s founding still impacts us today. Our programs provide young people with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for a lifetime of active and effective citizenship; so they may return home informed, inspired and empowered. So, how does this show up in our practice?

Comprehensive Curriculum

Experiential Learning

Issue-centered Education

“

Close Up made me realize how SIGNIFICANT my thoughts and views are…

Although everyone will not always agree, everyone has a voice and needs to be heard.

— Christie, Student, Texas ”

Close Up is a positive experience for students…

seeing themselves as having the power to influence the democratic process.

— Sheilagh, Educator, California ”

Close Up brought me CLOSER to politics…

the entire notion no longer seemed obscure. I became very involved in politics on the local and national level.

— Margaret, Student, New York ”