While the hallways of Princeton Day School fell quiet for spring break, students spread out across the globe to enjoy a mix of fun, education, and relaxation.

Some seized the opportunity to join school-sponsored trips abroad, trading in backpacks for passports. For students studying French, a week in France brought language lessons to life. Sophomore Jiayi Li, who had never visited before, called the experience “both familiar and surprising.” She continued, “My favorite part was visiting the museums, Le Louvre and Le Musée d’Orsay. After learning about these paintings and artists in class, seeing them in person made everything more real.” From Parisian street cafés to the scenic Normandy countryside, students explored iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Mont-Saint-Michel, and the Palace of Versailles.

Across the Atlantic, another group of students traveled to the Bahamas for the Island School program, an immersive, sustainability-focused experience on the island of Eleuthera. Sophomore Jaysna Tuladhar describes it as “a hands-on look at how sustainability can work at a local level and how we can bring that mindset into our own lives.” Highlights included snorkeling, farming, and the school’s famous “run-swim,” which included ocean swims and cliff jumping. “We got to push ourselves, and it felt like a really fun accomplishment by the end.” 

Of course, not every student went abroad. Many chose a slower pace, opting to rest, recharge, or reconnect with family. Sophomore Prisha Tiwari spent time in Florida, enjoying the sun and visiting Disney World. “It was really relaxing,” adds Tiwari. “The second week, I just caught up on some schoolwork and took it easy.”

Whether halfway around the world or closer to home, PDS students made the most of their time away, returning with new experiences, memories, and a reset for the final push of the school year.