• Four Decades of Experience: Register your middle or high school today for one of Close Up’s 2012-13 Premier Election Series Programs available November – January. Our experience and special events makes these programs memorable and impactful for all participants!
  • Become Inspired: "I have one of the most important jobs in the country. Every week we work to inspire students to become active participants in their government, and in doing so I become more optimistic about the future of our country as I see these students become passionate about their civic responsibility" - Andy Clark, Program Instructor
  • The Capital is Our Campus: Taking place in the nation's capital, our fast paced and interactive programs offer exciting, challenging and unforgettable activities while breathing in all DC has to offer. From famous landmarks to meeting government officials, Close Up not only allows you to see your government, but to also experience it.
  • Make Friends And Have Fun: Close Up is a unique blend of interaction, exploration, and fun! While both DC and Close Up have much to offer, the highlight of the trip for many of our students is living, learning, and sharing ideas with students from across the country and from all walks of life.
  • Get Face To Face: Every year we arrange over 1,200 meetings for students and adults with their Congressional Offices during our Capital Hill Day. Close Up students and teachers also experience their government in action and first-hand by attending Supreme Court hearings, legislative sessions, and committee meetings on the Hill.
  • High School Options: Close Up is more than just a tour. Our high school programs allow students to experience government in action in one of the world's most dynamic cities. Schools can also add theatre performances, day trips to area destinations, or a study visit to New York City!
  • College Credit: Close Up's dynamic curriculum allows you to take your educational experience even further. High school students can get a jump on the college admission process by opting to earn college credit from The University of Virginia.
  • Our Top-Notch Instructors: Unlike other tour organizations, Close Up uses only trained program instructors, not contracted tour guides. Our instructors make sure that students have the most rewarding and fun experience possible while also learning valuable lessons that complement their history and government classes at home.
  • Our Teacher Program: Welcoming educators from all 50 states and every US territory, our teacher program combines the best of peer-to-peer learning with insights and educational tools from DC's most venerable institutions. 95% of participatin educators report returning re-energized and with new ways to inspire their students.
  • Middle School Options: Close Up's one-of-a-kind middle school program allows students to experience American history through the stunning monuments, memorials, and sites in Washington, DC. Many middle schools also choose to add visits to Williamsburg, Jamestown, Philadelphia, and New York City!
  • Enhance Your Experience: At Close Up, we customize educational experiences for schools and groups across the country each year. Whether it is a night at the theatre in DC, a day trip to Gettysburg or Philadelphia, or a visit to New York City after your time in DC, Close Up offers you flexibility even within our core programs.
  • Program For New Americans: This week-long experiential learning program in Washington, D.C., gives migrant and immigrant students a practical understanding of U.S. politics and culture. Our specially trained staff accomplishes this by encouraging communication, collaboration, and leadership.