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 24 – July 5, 2026
High School Trip 2: June 30 – July 12, 2026
College Trip: July 6–17, 2026
Students from across the country will convene 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 cinematic experience bringing to life America’s WWII story; participate in an exclusive session featuring artifacts from the Museum’s collection; and engage with Museum professionals to deepen their understanding of World War II and the D-Day landings. As a group, participants will then travel to Paris, France, to begin the second phase of the program.
Upon arrival, the cohort will travel to the historic city of Bayeux for a week, with opportunities to explore its medieval architecture and local shops. Students will also experience a variety of French cuisine at neighborhood restaurants.
To gain a deeper perspective on the Battle of Normandy, students will spend several days visiting D-Day landing beaches, key sites related to the German occupation and Allied invasion, museums, and cemeteries. Before departing Normandy, students will visit the American Cemetery to present their research and remembrance of a servicemember, and place flowers on his or her grave.
The final leg of the trip includes a day in Paris to explore major landmarks and cultural offerings in one of Europe’s most historic cities. This experience will broaden the historical context of the program while maintaining its focus on World War II. Students will then depart from Paris via Charles de Gaulle Airport.
OBJECTIVES & ACADEMIC BENEFITS
During the program, students will work on answering the essential question:
- Why is it important to study D-Day and the Battle of Normandy more than 80 years later?
By the end of the program, 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 tuition for 2026 is $5,895 per student*.
*Does not include optional Nicholls State University course credit fee of approximately $875, which will be paid directly to the university and is the responsibility of the student.
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 on the Museum's campus
- Lodging in historic Bayeux, Normandy, and Paris
- Four-star accommodations at Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Private air-conditioned motor coach transportation in France
- VIP access to sites provided specifically to Normandy Academy
- 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 instructed 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 27, 2025.
The deadline to apply is January 23, 2026.
Check back soon for more information about scholarships for the 2026 Normandy Academy programs!
To inquire about participating in this experience, please contact our Student Programs Department at student.programs@nationalww2museum.org by January 10, 2026.
Will we have free time on the trip?
At The National WWII Museum, we believe this experience is life-altering. We are committed to providing students with opportunities for choice, reflection, and personal engagement throughout the program. The Normandy Academy schedule is full, with daily touring typically running from 8:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. However, participants will have free time in the evenings for dinner and will be able to explore the museums and shopping opportunities at their own pace. Each leg of the trip also includes time to visit local sites and explore in small groups.
How do you communicate on the trip or with chaperones?
While abroad, the cohort uses an app called Band, which all participants and parents/guardians are required to download prior to the trip. The app includes messaging features for direct communication with chaperones and also allows families to follow through trip updates, posts, and photos.
How much money should I bring?
The program provides a per diem for each cohort member to cover meals not eaten in a group setting. However, participants may wish to bring additional funds for optional expenses, such as purchasing extra snacks and souvenirs. If you bring extra cash, we recommend a small amount—under €100. There will be access to ATMs (exchange rates and fees apply), and debit or credit cards work well in France, provided you notify your bank in advance. Spending needs vary by individual, so the amount you bring ultimately depends on your personal preferences.
How should I exchange money?
We recommend pulling money from an ATM once in France. There is a post office ATM in Bayeux that has low fees and good exchange rates. However, if you would rather arrive with cash on hand, visit your local bank and they will do a cash exchange for you. There isn’t any time built into the schedule to go to a physical cash exchange stall; do not plan on exchanging American currency while in Europe.
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 National 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, 2026. No changes to students' travel itineraries will be made after this date.
I am not an adventurous eater. Will there be options for me in France?
We do our best to accommodate all dietary needs and restrictions throughout the trip. While we work closely with our partners to provide appropriate options, there may be limitations based on local availability and cultural differences. That said, students should come prepared to be flexible and open to trying new foods. Experiencing local cuisine is an important part of cultural immersion, and we encourage participants to be adventurous. However, if you're not an adventurous eater, rest assured France offers a wide variety of simple, familiar options, and we will do everything we can to ensure that every cohort member is seen and satisfied.
Do I need to speak French?
No prior knowledge of French is required. While learning a few basic phrases is encouraged to enhance the experience, all programming is conducted in English, and staff will assist with any language barriers.
If you have any direct questions or needs, please email student.travel@nationalww2museum.org.