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Nestled along the quiet, shimmering shores of Long Island Sound in Westbrook, Connecticut, Oxford Academy is no ordinary boarding school. With its individualized one-to-one academic approach and its coastal New England charm, it provides a peaceful yet engaging environment for high school boys to thrive. But what truly sets Oxford Academy apart is how it extends learning beyond the classroom—out into the world, through exhilarating field trips and immersive cultural experiences.
Whether it’s weekend adventures in major cities like Boston and New York, or international journeys to places like Iceland, Puerto Rico, or Montreal, Oxford Academy makes exploration a core part of its mission. And perhaps no experience captures this better than its annual domestic or international trip—a favorite tradition among students and staff alike. This year’s journey? A breathtaking, adventure-packed, seven-day excursion through Costa Rica.
The Spirit of Exploration at Oxford Academy
Oxford Academy’s location in Connecticut offers more than just a picturesque view of the Sound. It provides easy access to countless recreational and educational opportunities. On weekends, after their Saturday morning assessments, students can choose from a wide range of optional trips—hitting the slopes in Vermont, sailing or fishing in the Sound, or heading into the cities for museum visits, live theater, and sporting events.
From watching Broadway musicals and NBA games to zip-lining through New England forests, students get to experience culture, history, and adventure firsthand. These outings help students recharge, connect with peers, and learn in new, exciting ways. But one event every year stands out: the school’s signature annual trip.
In past years, students have ventured across the U.S. to places like Washington State, South Carolina, and California. Internationally, they’ve journeyed to Germany, Iceland, and other captivating destinations. This year, the destination was Costa Rica—a lush Central American country known for its biodiversity, natural beauty, and warm hospitality.
Costa Rica: An Oxford Academy Adventure
Six students, accompanied by Oxford Academy faculty members, Mr. McGrath and Mr. Maragliano, embarked on this year’s international trip to Costa Rica. What followed was a week full of unforgettable landscapes, adrenaline-pumping activities, meaningful cultural exchanges, and deepened friendships.
Day 1: Arrival in Paradise
After a full day of travel, the group touched down in Costa Rica, where their adventure began with lunch featuring stunning views of the tropical surroundings. The students settled into a resort hotel that would serve as their first home base, buzzing with excitement for what lay ahead.
Oxford Academy’s group having lunch during their trip to Costa Rica
Day 2: Volcano Trails and Cliff Jumps
The second day kicked off with a classic Costa Rican moment—learning that the White-Throated Magpie Jay isn’t shy about snatching fruit right off your breakfast plate! Fueled up and ready, the group headed to Parque Nacional Volcán de la Vieja, where they hiked for two hours on the trails of one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes.
The hike offered more than just exercise. It introduced students to the flora and fauna of the region, teaching them about the natural cycles of volcanic landscapes and the ecosystems that thrive there. Afterward, they swam and cliff-jumped at Poza Los Coyotes, a beautiful swimming hole, and ended the day on horseback, riding to a high peak to watch the sun melt into the horizon.
Day 3: Rapids and Rainforest
The third day was all about adrenaline. After an early breakfast and a drive through the scenic countryside, students went tubing and whitewater rafting down the Rio Tenorio. This river, cutting through deep jungle and canyons, offered not only a physical challenge but also an up-close view of Costa Rica’s unspoiled wilderness. The rush of navigating rapids together fostered trust and team spirit among the boys.
Later, anticipation grew for the next day’s zip-lining adventure and visits to coffee and chocolate plantations—a chance to taste and see how two of Costa Rica’s most famous exports are made.
Day 4 & 5: From the Forest to the Hot Springs
Day five brought a meaningful visit to Proyecto Asis, an animal rehabilitation center dedicated to conservation. Students learned about the impact of human development on wildlife and got to help prepare meals for the monkeys living there. It was a day of compassion, environmental awareness, and connection with Costa Rica’s wilder residents.
Later, the group set out to explore the surrounding forest, on a search for sloths—an animal symbolic of Costa Rica’s relaxed, “Pura Vida” lifestyle. That afternoon, they capped off the experience with more cliff jumping and a visit to the largest natural hot spring in the country, a perfect balance of excitement and relaxation.
Day 6: Wildlife Encounters and Coastal Beauty
Saying goodbye to the Arenal volcano region, the group made their way west toward the Pacific Coast. En route, they stopped at Palo Verde National Park for a riverboat excursion down the Rio Tempisque. The boys saw over 20 different animal species, including crocodiles and playful white-faced monkeys, thrilling reminders of the country’s rich biodiversity.
Next came a visit to the village of Guaitil to witness the art of traditional Guanacaste pottery. This hands-on cultural experience revealed the deep roots of Costa Rican craftsmanship and gave students a tangible connection to local history. The evening concluded in Tamarindo, where an infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean provided the perfect place to watch another unforgettable sunset.
Day 7: Surf’s Up and Farewell
The final day was all about catching waves. Students took surfing lessons in the warm Pacific surf, with instructors helping them find their balance—literally and metaphorically. After more beach time and a visit to the scenic Flamingo Marina, the group gathered for a final traditional Costa Rican dinner.
As they said goodbye to their beloved tour guide Rodrigo, who had become part of the Oxford family over the week, the students reflected on the trip’s highlights. From jungle hikes to cultural immersion, it was clear this journey had been more than a vacation. It was a learning experience they’d never forget.
Oxford Academy students taking surfing lessons in Costa Rica
Why These Trips Matter
At Oxford Academy, education is not confined to a desk or a textbook. It extends into the real world, where lessons are felt, not just taught. The annual trip—whether to Costa Rica or California—exemplifies this philosophy.
Trips like the Costa Rica adventure teach more than geography or ecology. They nurture independence, curiosity, and empathy. Students gain firsthand understanding of environmental conservation, cultural diversity, and global citizenship. They learn to face challenges—like navigating whitewater rapids or ordering food in a foreign language—with courage and openness.
Perhaps most importantly, these trips strengthen the bonds between students. Traveling together creates moments of laughter, teamwork, and shared awe that foster lasting friendships. Whether it’s cheering each other on during cliff jumps, working together in the jungle, or watching the sunset from a mountaintop, the connections made on these journeys go deeper than everyday school interactions.
Back in Connecticut, those friendships remain strong—built on a foundation of shared experiences and trust.
Conclusion: Adventure as a Path to Growth
Oxford Academy’s mission to educate the whole student—mind, body, and character—is exemplified in its adventurous spirit. By blending academic rigor with real-world exploration, the school creates opportunities for personal growth that can’t be replicated in traditional classrooms.
Trips like the one to Costa Rica show that when students step out of their comfort zones, they step into a world of possibility. They return more confident, more curious, and more connected—to nature, to culture, and to each other.
Adventure truly awaits at Oxford Academy. And for the students who walk its halls—and travel far beyond them—it’s an adventure that lasts a lifetime.
