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.
High School Trip 1: June 25 – July 5, 2025
High School Trip 2: July 1–11, 2025
College Trip: July 7–17, 2025
Students from across the country will gather in New Orleans at The National WWII Museum and spend two nights at The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center. They will tour the Museum and see Beyond All Boundaries, a 4D film experience produced and narrated by Tom Hanks; have an exclusive session to see artifacts from the Museum’s collection; and hear from museum professionals as they learn about World War II and the D-Day Landings. Together as a group, participants will then travel to Paris, France, to begin the second part of the adventure.
After arriving in France, the students will see a few of the sights of Paris by bus before traveling on to Normandy. They will stay in the historic city of Bayeux for a week where they will have time to explore the medieval city and local shops. Students will also have the opportunity to experience a variety of French cuisine at local restaurants.
To get an up-close view of the events and places involved in the Battle of Normandy, 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 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 servicemembers 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
Normandy Academy 2024: $5,795* per student*
* Does not include Nicholls State University Course Credit.
Program Includes
- Chaperones including Museum staff and high school educators
- All airfare travel to New Orleans, France, and back home
- Pre-program readings
- Behind-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
- Four-star accommodations at Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Private 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, and servers
- Most meals during the 11-day program
COLLEGE CREDIT
Students participating in Normandy Academy may elect to take a humanities course offered conducted by a member of the History Department at Nicholls State University, located in Thibodaux, Louisiana. 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. The course fee is $875 (to be covered by the student).
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.
- All high students must be at least 16 years of age by the time of the trip.
- Recently graduated High School students must attend a High School trip.
- All college students must have been enrolled in an accredited college/university for at least 1 year.
Normandy Academy applications open October 28, 2024.
Applications now close February 7th.
Check back soon for more information about scholarships for the 2025 Normandy Academy programs!
To inquire about participating in this experience, please contact Kelly Goodner, Assistant Director of Student Programs at kelly.goodner@nationalww2museum.org by January 17, 2025.
Will I be able to attend church on Sunday?
Unfortunately, no. Due to our touring schedule it will not be possible to attend church in person while in New Orleans or Normandy.
What should I bring on the trip?
Here is a link to a packing list for the trip. Rain jacket, umbrella, and a jacket for cool mornings are always recommended. We also recommend that all participants check the weather in Normandy and New Orleans leading up to the trip. Summer in Normandy is very different than most parts of the United States.
Will we have free time on the trip?
The Normandy Academy schedule is pretty packed. We tour from about 8:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. almost every day. You will have free time for dinner and will be able to explore the museums we visit at your own pace. We also have a free afternoon that you can use to explore Bayeux in small groups.
How do you communicate on the trip or with chaperones?
We use an app called Band that all participants and parents/guardians must download. The app has messaging features as well as a way for those at home to follow along with the trip via posts and photos.
How much money should I bring?
This depends on each person and if you are interested in buying lots of souvenirs or extra snacks. The program will provide per diem for all meals that are not paid for by staff, but you may want to bring extra funds if you go to more expensive restaurants or buy extra snacks at a grocery store.
How should I exchange money?
We recommend pulling money from an ATM once the group is in France. There is a post office ATM in Bayeux that has low fees and good exchange rates.
Can my family meet me in France after the program/can I stay in France after the program is over (College trip only)?
Yes, you may be picked up by family or stay in Paris after the program. The WWII Museum will only book a return plane ticket from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport. If you decide to return from a different airport, you will be responsible for your own return ticket. The decision to stay in Paris after the program must be made by March 1, 2025. No changes to students' travel itineraries will be made after this date.