This year, GLA Southwest’s eighth graders will embark on their farthest trip yet – to the Bahamas to study the transatlantic slave trade.

Building Community and World Knowledge from a Young Age

GLA Southwest, led by CEO Tamika Evans, emphasizes community and real-world learning. Evans has worked with GLA families for almost 20 years. She says educational trips match the school’s mission – to develop knowledgeable, confident, and well-rounded leaders.

“We want to make sure they go beyond their 10-mile neighborhood radius,” Evans said.

The trips start small. Students visit historic Philadelphia in third grade and Lancaster County in later years. But each year, the sights grow farther away from GLA Southwest’s West Philadelphia location.

Sixth graders travel to Atlanta to learn about the Civil Rights Movement. Seventh graders visit Canada to study the Underground Railroad. As students grow older, every excursion plants new ideas about the world.

“It opens your mind to things that aren’t happening where you live and the experiences other people have to go through,” said Jayden, now in seventh grade.

The Bahamas: New History and Warm Waters

This year’s batch of eighth graders will travel farthest yet – to the Bahamas. Students look forward to time with friends, warm island weather, and lessons about the transatlantic slave trade.

“I’m looking forward to everything,” said London, an eighth grader. “Spending time with my friends, learning more about the Transatlantic Slave Trade.”

In the Bahamas, GLA Southwest students will likely visit historic ports involved in the slave trade, memorial sites, and museums documenting the islands’ history. The trip promises to showcase a part of history not covered in many American textbooks – deepening students’ knowledge of slavery’s global impact.

Fundraising Efforts Make Travel Possible

As students grow older, trips become more expensive – often costing over $1,000 per student. GLA Southwest relies on year-round fundraising to make the trips possible. Evans says the community helps however it can – through donations, partnerships, scholarships and more.

“The community help is appreciated, and anyone looking to help can do so on GLA’s website,” Evans said.

Donations help the school’s most dedicated students travel to lesser-known historic sites. After fundraising and months of anticipation, GLA Southwest’s eighth graders will pack their bags for a journey to remember. They’ll return with fresh perspectives, stronger bonds, and a deeper grasp of history. I sincerely hope you like reading this “Philadelphia Charter School Students to Study Transatlantic Slave Trade in Bahamas-Find Out Details” article.

Skylar Lacey

Skylar Lacey, a Travel and Tourism Management graduate from Temple University, offers 5 years of experience in travel writing and airport logistics at PhiladelphiaAirport.net. Her expertise helps travelers make the most of their journeys through Philadelphia International Airport. Connect with her on Instagram for more travel tips and insights.

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