Freshmen at Islip High School had the opportunity to travel with classmates to visit two colleges during the school’s first ever ninth-grade college trip earlier this spring.

Accompanied by district and building administrators, students first travelled by bus to the College of New Jersey in Ewing Township. While at TCNJ, they enjoyed breakfast in the dining hall, toured the campus, learned about the admission process and various programs, and experienced Lions Day festivities.

Next, the Islip freshmen traveled to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where they enjoyed lunch at the dining halls, toured the historic campus and explored the bookstore. Before boarding the bus back home to Islip, students dined on cheesesteaks at the famous Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks in Philadelphia.

“Our students shared that they enjoyed learning about the different buildings and majors, and that showing interest in the college and being involved in extracurricular activities is important in the application process,” Assistant Principal Meghan Stern said.

“We were thrilled to offer our ninth graders a chance to travel out of state to visit two colleges in person,” Principal Lara Gonzalez said. “The tour was what we hope will be the first of many as we develop a multigrade college awareness continuum at Islip High School. Our college program will include opportunities for students in grades nine to 12 to explore various options both within and outside of our region.”

Date Added: 6/5/2023