Program Overview
Normandy Academy is an educational journey that challenges high school and college students to delve deeper into the experiences of the Allied forces throughout the Battle of Normandy.
Program Includes:
- Male and female chaperones including Museum staff, HS educators, French major Interns (high school trips), and a professor from Nicholls State University
- All airfare travel to New Orleans, France, and back to home airport
- Pre-program communication with a Museum Education staff member
- Pre-program readings and books
- Behind-the-scenes the scenes access at The National WWII Museum
- Accommodations in New Orleans at The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center (across the street from the Museum)
- Three-star, historic accommodations in Bayeux, Normandy, France
- Private, first-class, air-conditioned motor coach transportation in France
- VIP access to sites not offered outside of our program
- Entrance fees to all sites, museums, and historic attractions in itinerary
- Gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, and servers
- Four-star accommodations at Charles de Gaulle Airport
- All meals during the 11-day program
- Backpack and name badge
Students will spend two days in New Orleans at The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center experiencing all that The National WWII Museum and the city of New Orleans has to offer. They will tour the Museum and see Beyond All Boundaries, a 4D film experience produced and narrated by Tom Hanks; meet a WWII veteran; have an exclusive session to see artifacts from the vault; and hear from museum professionals as well as a professor from Nicholls State University. They will also ride on a New Orleans streetcar, go on a tour of the French Quarter, and enjoy New Orleans cuisine.
After arriving in France, the students will spend a day touring some of the sights of Paris before going on to Normandy. They will stay in the historic city of Bayeux for a week where they will get to tour the medieval city and see the Bayeux Tapestry among other experiences. They will have the opportunity to experience French cuisine at several restaurants.
To get an up-close view of the events and places involved in the Battle of Normandy, the students will spend several days visiting the landing beaches of D-Day, important sites related to German occupation and/or the Allied invasion, museums and several cemeteries. Before leaving Normandy, students will visit the American cemetery and give a presentation on the servicemember they researched before placing flowers on his/her grave.
OBJECTIVES & ACADEMIC BENEFITS
Students will work on answering the essential question:
Why is it important to study D-Day and the Battle of Normandy 80 years later?
By the end of the experience, students should be able to:
- identify the major components of the Battle of Normandy (beach landings, airborne operations, logistics, fighting in hedgerows, etc.)
- demonstrate an appreciation of the challenges faced by the Allied servicemen who served on D-Day and in the Battle of Normandy
- develop an awareness of the importance of remembering the sacrifices and achievements of American veterans
- develop and improve research skills through both primary and secondary source research
EARN COLLEGE CREDIT
Students participating in Normandy Academy may elect to take a humanities course offered by Nicholls State University, located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, and conducted by a member of the University’s History Department for an approximate fee of $875 (to be covered by the student). The coursework will consist of online readings and assignments to be completed prior to the Academy and assignments to be completed upon completion of the trip. The professor for the course will take part in the trip and give lectures and hold discussions in New Orleans and Normandy. This three hour credit can then be transferred to any institution that the student will attend.
Normandy Academy 2024: $5,795* per student
*All high students must be at least 15 years of age by the time of the trip.
*All college students must have been enrolled in an accredited college/university for at least 1 year and be a history or education major (other majors will be considered). Additionally, college students must complete all of the requirements for the college course regardless of if they enroll in it or not.
*Course fees will be paid directly to Nicholls State University for students enrolling in the college course and are the responsibility of the student. Information will be given to those participating in Normandy Academy.
*Special Considerations: Currently, there are no domestic or international travel restrictions in regard to COVID-19. However, we strongly recommend all students participating in Normandy Academy be fully vaccinated and boosted.
To inquire about participating in this experience, please contact Kelly Goodner, Assistant Director of Student Programs at kelly.goodner@nationalww2museum.org by January 29, 2024.
This year, there are scholarships available to college applicants. Scholarship applications open on December 6, 2023, and close January 29, 2024.
Apply here for 2024 College Scholarships
Complete the form above or email studentprograms@nationalww2museum.org if you have any questions.