Ms. Stewarts 8th grade class, at the airport.
| May 13, 2025 1:00 AM
Today, May 13, 14 graduating eighth graders from the Sandpoint Waldorf School will trade their mountain views for ocean breezes as they embark on an unforgettable trip to the East Coast — marking the culmination and celebration of their Waldorf education.
Led by their teacher, Jenni Stewart, and accompanied by Angie Roberts, an owner of the local outfitter Breakwater Expeditions, the students will explore both history and adventure over the course of the week-long trip. Their itinerary includes a day immersed in living history at Colonial Williamsburg, where students will witness reenactments and step back in time to experience early American life, which they studied as part of American history lessons this year. From there, they’ll head to the beaches of North Carolina’s Outer Banks for four days of oceanfront fun and exploration, including a visit to the historic site at Kitty Hawk, where the Wright brothers achieved the first powered flight. A full day at Busch Gardens amusement park will round out the adventure before the teens head home.
The students themselves played a key role in shaping the trip.
“They were open to going just about anywhere for our 8th grade trip — as long as there was water,” said Stewart. “Since most of them had already been to the West Coast, the idea of exploring the East Coast started to take shape.”
Stewart’s own North Carolina roots helped bring that vision to life. With the help of Breakwater Expeditions, whose owner is a Virginia native, the plan came together to give students both an experience into American history and the chance to relax and celebrate their accomplishments by the sea.
At Sandpoint Waldorf School, the eighth-grade trip is a long-standing tradition and an important rite of passage. It serves as a capstone experience — bringing together the class’s years of education, community-building, and personal growth before they head off to various high schools and new adventures next year. In Waldorf education, the teacher moves with the class, ideally from 1st through 8th grade, thus forming a strong bond with the students.
The 8th grade class at Busch Gardens Amusement Park in Williamsburg, VA.
This year’s trip holds extra meaning, as beloved teacher Jenni Stewart will be shifting roles next year to take on the position of first-grade teacher at SWS, continuing her deep connection to the school community.
As they fly east for the trip and embark on new adventures in high school and beyond, Stewart said the 14 students will carry with them the spirit of Sandpoint and the Sandpoint Waldorf School — ready to explore new horizons while reflecting on the friendships and foundation built over their years at SWS.