Patriots Point Education Department Celebrates a Year of Impactful Learning

At Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, the Education and Public Programs Department is committed to bringing learning to life for South Carolina students and teachers. With the support of the Education Oversight Committee’s Education Improvement Act, Patriots Point offers free programming for grades 3–12 that turns textbook lessons into memorable, meaningful experiences. This past school year, thousands of students and educators participated in one of three core program offerings—in-person field trips, in-classroom activity kits, and professional development workshops—each designed to support academic achievement while connecting students to the legacy of naval service and innovation.

Field Trips that Inspire

This year, approximately 11,500 South Carolina students visited Patriots Point and experienced the museum’s educational programming firsthand. These field trips offer more than a tour—they're immersive learning adventures that align with Social Studies, Science, Math, and English Language Arts standards.

This spring, more than 7,000 South Carolina fifth graders took part in a dynamic two-hour program that moved from the engine room to the flight deck. Students explored aircraft, crawled into a B-25 bomber, and even used math skills to re-enact the famed Doolittle Raid. 

For middle and high schoolers, the museum's Flight Academy provided an opportunity to engage in team-based aviation simulations. 1,637 South Carolina students participated in the Flight Academy, including over 550 who received pre-visit in-classroom training to prepare them for their missions. 

Classroom Kits that Extend the Experience

Not every classroom can make the journey to Mount Pleasant. Therefore, Patriots Point extends its reach through activity kits shipped directly to educators, providing students with engaging projects they can complete right in their own schools.

This year, 76 educators, representing nearly 5,500 students, received hands-on materials that turned desks into discovery zones.

Elementary students had the opportunity to explore wind patterns on the equatorial front during a case study on the attack of Makin. Meanwhile, middle and high school students engineered their way through a catapult kit while learning about jobs on the flight deck, including the “shooter”, also known at the Catapult Officer and leader on the flight deck – blending social studies with science and connecting these stories back to the USS Yorktown.

Professional Development that Empowers Educators

Great learning starts with great teachers, and Patriots Point is proud to support the educators who make it all possible. 

This year, over 75 South Carolina educators participated in professional development workshops hosted by the museum. These sessions offer content-rich experiences aligned to curriculum standards, while also providing contact hours toward recertification.

A highlight of the year was a two-day immersive workshop attended by 51 educators, which included an overnight stay aboard the ship. From walking the same decks as WWII sailors to diving into primary source materials like letters, logbooks, and journals, these teachers didn’t just learn about history, they connected with it in a way they can carry back into their classrooms.

As we chart a course for the 2025–2026 school year, we’re excited to continue serving South Carolina’s vibrant educational community. Enrollment for next year’s programs opens August 4th—and we invite all interested educators to climb aboard!

For questions or to sign up, please contact Tamara Parker at tamara.parker@patriotspoint.org.