MRES Field Trip Highlights!
As your child grows, each new grade brings fresh experiences, exciting discoveries, and moments they’ll carry with them for years. Woven into those memories—often some of the most unforgettable—are the field trips they take.
MPTF’s role here is solely to support these opportunities through funding, helping ensure that every student has access to enriching experiences. All planning and coordination are handled by teachers and staff. With rising economic costs, some field trips—especially in 4th and 5th grade—are no longer fully covered by foundation funds alone. To bridge this gap, supplemental funds are raised through grade‑based charity events such as Thanksgiving Grams and Shamrock Shoutout Grams. These efforts, powered by our generous community, help keep these memorable learning experiences accessible to all students.
Here’s a look at the MRES Field Trips from 1st through 5th grade based on the 2025–26 school year (Currently, TK/K do not participate in field trips, and 1st graders enjoy in‑school field trip experiences). Teachers work incredibly hard throughout the year to arrange multiple field trips, both big and small, that give students meaningful learning experiences. Because of this, the list here does not include every trip a class may take:
1st grade
This in-school file trip hosted by Wild Wonders gives students close-up encounters with wild animal ambassadors (such as foxes, wallabies, reptiles etc), while learning about their habitats, adaptations, and conservation.
Another in-school field trip Heritage Trunk Show brings students to an unforgettable journey through captivating storytelling, hands‑on artifacts, and interactive demonstrations.
2nd grade
A field trip to SeaWorld gives students an exciting blend of marine science education, animal encounters, and hands‑on learning. Along with the educational components, students also get the chance to enjoy rides and attractions throughout the park. This mix of learning and adventure makes the day both meaningful and incredibly fun!
3rd grade
A field trip to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park immerses students in up‑close wildlife encounters and hands‑on learning about conservation. The park’s expansive savanna landscapes and unique safari experiences help students connect classroom science to real‑world ecosystems in a memorable, exciting way.
A visit to Old Poway Park gives students a hands‑on look at daily life in early California. During the trip, students enjoy a ride on the park’s historic vintage railway, explore heritage exhibits, and visit the local history museum, all within a charming, beautifully preserved setting.
4th grade
A field trip to Julian Mining Company gives students an exciting window into California’s early mining history. Through guided tours and hands‑on activities, students learn how miners lived, worked, and shaped the region during the 1800s.
A field trip to Rancho Buena Vista Adobe invites students to step back into the California Rancho Period and experience daily life in the mid‑1800s. Set on beautifully preserved historic rancho land, the program blends hands‑on activities, local history, and California social‑studies curriculum in an engaging, memorable way.
5th grade
BizTown San Diego is a 10,000‑square‑foot simulated mini‑city where students step into real‑world roles and experience how a community and economy function. It’s run by Junior Achievement of San Diego County and includes 21 life‑sized San Diego businesses.
Students step back in time with a visit to the Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship, beautifully preserved at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. During the trip, students explore what life was like aboard a 19th‑century sailing vessel and discover how sailors navigated long ocean voyages.
