Beyond the Pacific: The 2026 St. Mary’s True American High School Experience Winter Camp
When students from The Barstow School and St. Mary's School's China campuses boarded their flight to the United States, they began a truly authentic American high school experience—not a tour, not a vacation, but a chance to join real classes and learn and live alongside American peers.
This was the 2026 St. Mary's True American High School Experience Winter Camp.
This was the 2026 St. Mary's True American High School Experience Winter Camp.
Joining a local class on the very first day was the most memorable beginning. Students enrolled directly in St. Mary's local classes, sat in the same classrooms as American students, followed the same teachers, and took part in the same discussions and activities. From the first lesson, they were no longer visitors—they were real learners becoming part of the community.
This immersive experience helped students make in two short weeks the leap that often takes months: speaking English without hesitation, facing unfamiliar surroundings with confidence, and connecting naturally with peers from different cultural backgrounds. For families planning future study abroad, it was an irreplaceable early preview.
This immersive experience helped students make in two short weeks the leap that often takes months: speaking English without hesitation, facing unfamiliar surroundings with confidence, and connecting naturally with peers from different cultural backgrounds. For families planning future study abroad, it was an irreplaceable early preview.
Hands-on, minds-on, and team-oriented—the robotics course kept students focused from start to finish. Every step, from building the structure to writing the program, required repeated testing and adjustment. When the robots they built finally moved according to their instructions, the pride on every face said everything.
Half-day indoor golf was another highlight of the winter camp. Students played on a professional simulator with high-definition course settings, precision sensors, and guidance from a coach throughout the session.
For many students, this was their first formal introduction to golf. We hoped to share more than a sport: focus, patience, and self-management—the qualities that will be essential in a demanding academic environment.
For many students, this was their first formal introduction to golf. We hoped to share more than a sport: focus, patience, and self-management—the qualities that will be essential in a demanding academic environment.
Teachers from St. Mary's led students deep into the redwood forest along the California-Oregon border, where they had a real outdoor science lesson among towering trees. They identified plants, learned about ecosystems, and discovered which plants should not be touched. Students crouched down to observe and looked up in wonder, developing curiosity and a sense of respect for the natural world beyond the classroom.
We believe comprehensive education does not happen only in a classroom.
We believe comprehensive education does not happen only in a classroom.
One of the most memorable winter-camp activities was visiting a local kindergarten, where students told stories in English and led interactive games for American children. This was real community practice—with no script and no rehearsal. Facing a group of curious young children, the students had to tell stories, organize games, and guide the interaction independently from start to finish.
We believe a truly outstanding person needs more than strong academic results; they also need social responsibility and compassion. This kindergarten lesson was one of the seeds we hoped to plant in every student.
We believe a truly outstanding person needs more than strong academic results; they also need social responsibility and compassion. This kindergarten lesson was one of the seeds we hoped to plant in every student.
Parents often ask us: Can two weeks really make a difference? The answer depends on what a child experiences. Two weeks spent sightseeing brings home photographs. Two weeks of genuine immersion brings home growth.
During the camp, our students:
• lived independently in an all-English environment and built authentic language confidence;
• experienced the pace and classroom culture of an American high school and prepared emotionally for future study;
• developed broad abilities in technology, the arts, and nature exploration through diverse courses;
• built genuine friendships and cross-cultural understanding with local American peers;
Two weeks is not long, but every day was full of real, meaningful growth.
From joining regular classes to hands-on practice, from exploring nature to serving the community, we aimed to give every participant a meaningful overseas experience—not just a wider view of the world, but a strong foundation for the road ahead.
During the camp, our students:
• lived independently in an all-English environment and built authentic language confidence;
• experienced the pace and classroom culture of an American high school and prepared emotionally for future study;
• developed broad abilities in technology, the arts, and nature exploration through diverse courses;
• built genuine friendships and cross-cultural understanding with local American peers;
Two weeks is not long, but every day was full of real, meaningful growth.
From joining regular classes to hands-on practice, from exploring nature to serving the community, we aimed to give every participant a meaningful overseas experience—not just a wider view of the world, but a strong foundation for the road ahead.
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