;

Teacher Program Electives

Join us for an exciting slate of thematic electives during the 2025-26 school year!

Let Close Up show you a new side of our nation’s capital!

A core aspect of Close Up Teacher Program are our electives, thematic experiences designed by our teacher program specialists that tell the stories of important people, places, events, and relationships that shaped our nation’s history. Scroll down the page to find out more about the half-day and full-day electives you’ll have to choose from in 2025-26!

Capitol Hill Walking Workshop

Capitol Hill Walking Workshop

An ideal elective for first-time high school teachers looking to find their bearings.

Chancellorsville Battlefield

Chancellorsville Battlefield

Examine presidential leadership in a time of conflict. 

For Jobs and Freedom

For Jobs and Freedom

Hear the undertold and forgotten stories of the 1963 March on Washington.

Indigenous America in the Nation’s Capital

Indigenous America in the Nation’s Capital

Look back in history at this story of resistance, equality, justice, and dignity.

Engaging with Monuments

Engaging with Monuments

Explore the Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorials.

An Evening at the Memorials

An Evening at the Memorials

Experience the World War II, Korean War Veterans, Vietnam Veterans, and Lincoln Memorials at night.

Divided We Stand

Divided We Stand

Uncover the political divisions between two of our most important founders: George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

The People’s House: A White House Experience

The People’s House: A White House Experience

Created by the White House Historical Association, this new, cutting-edge educational experience sits one block from the White House.

Capitol Hill In Depth

Capitol Hill In Depth

Focus on the history of Capitol Hill and hear fascinating stories from the past 221 years.

Spies Like Us

Spies Like Us

Uncover World War II-era covert actions and the intriguing people involved in them.

Si Vis Pacem

Si Vis Pacem

Go back in time to the landmark Washington Conference on the Limitation of Armament.

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

Wander the former residence and grounds of Marjorie Merriweather Post.

“

As a government teacher, it’s nice to have more resources…

for teaching media literacy and having students critically think about the information they receive.

— High School, Educator, Texas ”

Read More Experiences >

“

I learned that there’s a huge network of people with the same goals and drive as me…

and that our collaboration really could make a difference. It gave me hope for the future of our communities and our nation!

— Kemper, Student, Texas ”

Read More Experiences >

“

Close Up is a positive experience for students…

seeing themselves as having the power to influence the democratic process.

— Sheilagh, Educator, California ”

Read More Experiences >

“

Close Up brought me CLOSER to politics…

the entire notion no longer seemed obscure. I became very involved in politics on the local and national level.

— Margaret, Student, New York ”

Read More Experiences >

671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 900
Arlington, VA 22203

703-706-3300 or 800-CLOSE UP

^{CST-1002082-40:

Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.}