2025 End-of-Year Culminating Experiences

Posted June 3, 2025

In the final stretch of the school year, each San Antonio Academy grade, from curious Pre-K boys to graduating 8th-grade leaders, embarked on a purpose-driven End-of-Year Culminating Experience. Designed to extend learning beyond the classroom, each grade-level trip reflected The Academy’s mission to provide an exceptional education intentionally crafted for boys. Whether navigating high ropes courses, trekking the Grand Canyon, or tracing the paths of Texas history, each adventure is anchored in the school’s core values of scholarship, leadership, integrity, and brotherhood. 

SAA's End-of-Year Culminating Experiences are primarily underwritten by The Academy Fund. Academy Fund donations make a significant difference by providing valuable resources and opportunities that turn the expected into the exceptional.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-Kindergarten set off on an epic adventure to LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Aquarium San Antonio. From building and racing their own LEGO cars to exploring the deep sea, every moment was packed with excitement and discovery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kindergarten enjoyed a day at Devine Acres Farm. During their trip, the boys learned about seasonal agriculture, fed sheep and goats, mined for gems, and even went on a hayride. It was the perfect blend of learning and fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st Grade experienced the excitement of LiggettVille Adventure Center. During their trip, the boys tackled towering climbing walls, zip rails, and the tallest indoor ropes course in Texas, all while encouraging one another, strengthening their bond, and embracing every challenge together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2nd Grade explored The Meadows Center in San Marcos. From glass-bottom boat rides to learning about local plants and animals, the boys gained a deeper understanding of how nature works and how they can all contribute to caring for the environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3rd Grade explored new heights—and depths—at Natural Bridge Caverns. It was a day packed with discovery, adventure, and brotherhood, as they explored stunning underground cave formations on a geology-focused tour and then conquered the Twisted Trails ropes course up above.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4th Grade visited The Science Mill in Johnson City, TX. This STEM-based trip enabled them to explore various exhibits featuring cutting-edge technology, engaging games, and interactive programs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5th Grade traveled to Fredericksburg, TX, for their End-of-Year Culminating Experience at the National Museum of the Pacific War—hometown of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. While exploring the six-acre site, which includes the historic Nimitz Hotel (now the Admiral Nimitz Museum), they learned about the life and legacy of one of America's greatest military leaders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6th Grade set off on a two-day adventure to the Outdoor School at Camp Champions in Marble Falls, TX. Immersed in the great outdoors, they challenged themselves with rock climbing, soared through the trees on zip lines, and paddled across the water in kayaks, all while building confidence and unforgettable memories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7th Grade had a 2-night stay aboard the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi — a historic WW II aircraft carrier turned museum. While there, they also had the opportunity to do some fishing at the CCA Marine Development Center. Back home, they wrapped up their journey on two wheels, cycling the beautiful San Antonio Missions trail, from Mission Concepción to Mission San José, and ending at Mission San Juan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8th Grade spent five unforgettable days exploring the Southwest, where every moment was packed with learning and adventure. They began with a service project in Phoenix, explored Sedona, and hiked the South Kaibab Trail at the Grand Canyon. The boys then floated down the Colorado River, crossed the Navajo Bridge, and stood in awe of Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos. Their journey continued with hikes in Zion National Park, sliding down Coral Pink Sand Dunes, and visits to Checkerboard Mesa and Emerald Pools.