LaGrange, Georgia (just 60 minutes south of Atlanta) is your new favorite classroom. We’ve designed an “World School” Itinerary that covers Ancient History, Botany, and Physical Education in a single, easy overnight trip.
Mid-week offers? Check.
Hands-on history? Check.
Swimming for “PE”? Double Check.
Pack the car. Class is in session!
Subject 1: Ancient History & Social Studies
The Classroom: Biblical History Center
Forget reading about the Roman Empire—come taste it. Biblical History Center is one of only a few museums in the world where you can experience the daily life of the ancient world firsthand.
The Lesson: “Daily Life in Antiquity.”
The Activity: The Bread of Life Tour. Your students (aka your children) won’t just look at artifacts; they will recline at a Roman triclinium table, learn ancient dining customs, and taste 15 different food items authentic to the period.
Curriculum Connection: Ancient Civilizations, Roman History, Archaeology, World Religions.
Teacher Tip: Book the “Kid’s Dig” add-on to let them excavate replica artifacts in a real sand pit.
Subject 2: Biology & Botany
The Classroom: Hills & Dales Estate
Step into one of the best-preserved 19th-century gardens in the United States. This 35-acre estate is a living laboratory for plant life, conservation, and landscape architecture.
The Lesson: “Plant Identification & Conservation.”
The Activity: The Garden Scavenger Hunt. Grab a map and hunt for the rare Bunya-Bunya tree, identify different species of dwarf boxwoods, and learn how the Ferrell and Callaway families preserved this land for nearly 200 years.
Curriculum Connection: Life Science, Botany, Georgia History (The Textile Industry).
Teacher Tip: Visit Hills & Dales Estate during the Spring (Azalea season) or Fall to discuss plant life cycles and seasonal changes.
Subject 3: Physical Education (PE)
The Classroom: Great Wolf Lodge or West Point Lake
Option A:
Great Wolf Lodge (The “Physics of Fun”)
The Activity:
93,000 square feet of indoor water park action.
The Lesson:
Hydrodynamics (okay, maybe just sliding), swimming strokes, climbing, and water safety.
Why Parents Love It:
It’s 84 degrees year-round. No sunscreen battles required.
Option B:
West Point Lake (Nature Study)
The Activity:
Hiking the trails at Oakfuskee Conservation Center (at Pyne Road Park) or renting a kayak.
The Lesson:
Freshwater ecology and local wildlife spotting (Ospreys and Bald Eagles).
The Lunchroom: Family-Friendly Dining
Because “cafeteria food” shouldn’t be an option.
Your Pie Pizza: Customizable personal pizzas. Everyone gets exactly what they want (no fighting), and it’s fast.
Picnic at the Square: Grab sandwiches and eat by the Lafayette Fountain. It’s a great spot to discuss the Marquis de Lafayette and the Revolutionary War statue.
Recess: Southbend Park
Time to burn off some steam (and energy).
Every good school day needs a recess. Luckily, LaGrange has a world-class one right downtown. Southbend Park is an urban oasis designed for every age, wheel type, and energy level.
The playground features age-specific zones (so the toddlers aren’t trampled by the big kids) and is fully fenced-in for safety.
Got a skater, scooter rider, or BMX biker? Bring the helmet. This state-of-the-art concrete park was funded in part by the Tony Hawk Foundation.
Did the family dog come along? Southbend Park features separate fenced areas for Large Dogs and Small Dogs, complete with water fountains and agility obstacles.
The Dorms: Where to Stay
Homeschooler Exclusive: Aim for mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) for the best rates and lowest crowds.
The “All-In-One” Resort: Great Wolf Lodge
Best For: Families who want to park the car once and be done.
The Deal: Sign up for their emails to catch the “48 Hour Sale” or book mid-week for significant savings.
The “Budget-Savvy” Choice: Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Best For: Families maximizing the budget.
The Perk: Free hot breakfast included (cinnamon rolls!). That’s one less meal to pay for.
The “Quiet Retreat”: Courtyard by Marriott
Best For: Families with older kids who want walking access to the downtown square and museums.
Ready to Book Your Unit Study?
LaGrange is ready for your class.
🔗 Book Your Great Wolf Lodge Stay
Teacher Resources & Downloads
Make the trip count with these free printables.
Bonus Subjects: History, Civics & Engineering
Because the best lessons happen where history actually happened.
Location: Mulberry Street Cemetery
Horace King was born into slavery in 1807 and became the most respected bridge builder in the Deep South, eventually buying his freedom and serving in the Alabama legislature.
The Lesson: Bridge Building & Reconstruction.
The Activity: Walk across the Town Lattice Truss covered bridge at the cemetery entrance. This bridge (originally built by King’s son) was moved here to honor the master builder who is buried just steps away.
Challenge: Can your students figure out how the wooden lattice design holds weight without using modern steel beams?
Location: Legacy Museum on Main
While most men were away fighting, the women of LaGrange formed their own military company—the Nancy Harts—to defend the town.
The Lesson: Women in Wartime.
The Activity: Visit the Legacy Museum on Main to see the artifacts and hear the story of how these women marched to meet Union troops and successfully negotiated the peaceful surrender of the town, saving their homes from being burned.
Trivia: The Union Colonel who surrendered to them was also named LaGrange (Colonel Oscar LaGrange)!
Location: Lafayette Square
Why is a Georgia town named “LaGrange”? It’s named after the French estate of the Marquis de Lafayette, the hero of the American Revolution.
The Lesson: International Alliances.
The Activity: Find the statue of Lafayette in the center of the fountain. It is an exact replica of the one in Le Puy-en-Velay, France.
Discussion: Why did a French aristocrat come to America to fight for our freedom? (Great prep for the America 250 celebrations!)