When Learning Comes to Life 

How a hands-on field trip helped K–5 virtual students connect, explore history and build real-world relationships 

Learning does not only happen behind a screen. For students at Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan (HVAM), in-person experiences play an important role in building connection, curiosity, and community. 

For the second year in a row, Michigan Virtual Academy teacher Mariah Foster brought history to life through the school’s Greenfield Village field trip. The annual trip, held on September 26, is the highlight of the fall semester. This year, the trip brought together 200 K–5 online students and families for a full day of exploration, learning, and community building. 

Planning a trip for so many families takes coordination but Mariah was up to the challenge for the second year in a row. She scheduled the visit a few weeks after the start of the school year to give families time to sign up and prepare. And thanks to her efforts, HVAM families were able to take advantage of special group rate admission at $14 as well as EBT pricing at $3 per ticket, which ensured that the experience was accessible to everyone.  

For many students, the field trip offered something especially meaningful: the chance to experience learning alongside classmates they typically only see on a screen. 

Families met at Greenfield Village at 9:30 a.m., entered the historic park at 10, and were able to explore the grounds at their own pace. Rather than following a rigid schedule, the trip was intentionally designed to be flexible, allowing each family to create an experience based on their own interests. 

From riding a steam-powered train to taking a turn behind the wheel of a Model T, students were immersed in hands-on history. Many families stopped to watch live glassblowing demonstrations, explore historic homes and workshops, and learn about daily life in America’s past through interactive exhibits. 

The open format encouraged curiosity and engagement, giving students the freedom to connect classroom lessons with real-world experiences in ways that felt natural and memorable.  

Throughout the day, six HVAM teachers and staff members walked the grounds, greeting families, taking photos, and enjoying the rare opportunity to spend time with students in person. According to Mariah, the most meaningful moments came from what she calls “magical meetings.” 

These are the moments when students finally meet their classmates or teachers face to face, sometimes for the first time after months or even years of learning together virtually. For many families, these interactions were deeply impactful, putting faces to names and strengthening relationships beyond the screen. 

“These moments are priceless,” Mariah shared. “They remind us how important in-person connections are, even in a virtual school environment.” 

Events like the Greenfield Village field trip help set HVAM apart. While virtual learning offers flexibility and personalized instruction, opportunities for in-person connection allow students and families to build stronger relationships, feel more connected to their school community, and create lasting memories tied to learning. 

For younger students especially, these experiences support social development, confidence, and engagement, all while reinforcing academic concepts in a hands-on, meaningful way. 

As the day came to a close, families left not only with photos and souvenirs, but with a deeper sense of belonging within the HVAM community. 

Looking ahead, Mariah is already excited to plan next year’s outing, and to create even more “magical meetings” that help learning truly come to life. 

To learn more about how Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan supports students through engaging academics and community-building experiences, visit our Events page.