Highland welcomes student groups! All guided programs are 90-minutes, including an outdoor history walk and a tour of interior exhibit spaces. Throughout their onsite experience, students are encouraged to explore Highland’s historic spaces, engage with our archaeological research, and enhance their understanding of how the past impacts and informs our present. Following the program, groups may continue to explore the grounds, original outbuildings, and visit the museum shop.
- Time: Allow for 90 minutes
- Price: $14.00 per student and adult chaperone
- FREE TO TEACHERS
- 15 student minimum
When booking, please inquire about our discounts for Virginia-based schools. Contact tourgroups@highland.org to set up a program
Here’s Highland (Elementary Grades)
Students will explore the life and legacy of America’s fifth President through five key topics:
- His Revolutionary War service
- His home and plantation at Highland
- The Louisiana Purchase
- The Missouri Crisis
- The Monroe Doctrine.
Along the way, they’ll consider historical events from multiple perspectives, engage with artifacts and documents from Monroe’s time, and expand their understanding of “the last Founding Father.” A culminating activity invites students to add their voices to the telling of America’s ongoing story.
More to Monroe (Middle School & High School)
Learn about the life and contributions of America’s fifth President, including Monroe’s time as a Revolutionary soldier, statesman, and diplomat. Students will explore the historic buildings and grounds at Highland to learn more about its enslaved and free occupants, as well as how recent archaeological discoveries have upturned the understanding of this plantation.
Want to enhance your visit? Consider booking an appearance by James Monroe!
Highland can also arrange catered box lunches for school groups. Reach out to tourgroups@highland.org for information.
Meet President James Monroe
For a truly unique experience, consider having James Monroe re-enactor Beau Robbins perform for your group! Please contact tourgroups@highland.org to inquire about pricing and availability.
Highland After Hours
Are you seeking outdoor dining for a student group spending the night in Charlottesville? Consider having a catered meal in the Hilltop Pavilion at Highland and a private exhibit viewing for your students after hours. Contact tourgroups@highland.org to inquire about availability.
Virtual Programs
Can’t make it to Highland? Let us come to you!
Time: 30 minute presentation with 15 minutes for questions (45 minutes total) on Zoom
Price: $65.00 per session
Contact tourgroups@highland.org to set up a program.
Becoming a Nation (4th-5th grade)
VA SOL: 3.1 f), g); VS.1 a), d), e), f), g); VS.4 a), b); VS.5 a), b); VS.6 c); USI.1 a), b), d), e), f), g); USI.6 a), b), c); USI.8 a), b), c)
Learn about James Monroe’s role in the Louisiana Purchase. What did westward expansion mean for native peoples, the institution of slavery and free white landholders? How were the free and enslaved residents of Highland impacted?
Slavery at Highland (4th-12th grade)
Learn about the individual experiences of those enslaved at Highland. Discuss living and working conditions, resistance and community. Students will learn how descendants from the enslaved families of Highland are involved with the stories told at Highland today.
Rediscovering Highland (6th-12th grade)
VA SOL: USII.1 a), d), f), g); VUS.1 a), d), f), h); VUS.6 b), e)
Learn how the Monroes’ main house was lost and then rediscovered. Evaluate primary and secondary sources and discuss how the combination of science and history can
reveal a new understanding of the past. Learn how the discovery of the main house led to a connection with descendants of those who were enslaved at Highland.
Ask an Expert (K-12th grade)
Send in advance questions and curate your own Q&A session with Highland’s Education Programs Manager!
Teachers take note: Highland’s student group tours address a wide variety of state and national learning standards across disciplines. From content-based learning to engaging in historical inquiry and practicing crucial social and emotional learning skills such as self-awareness and social awareness, our programs encourage deep learning and meaningful reflection. Please let us know if you are looking for specific standards to be met and we are happy to help.
Student Group Lunch Options
Highland offers many convenient options for student tour groups to enjoy lunch on grounds. Boxed lunches can be ordered in advance for tour groups using the link below: