SMPREP Students Explore the World

This year at Saint Monica Preparatory, we are launching an exchange program with Cheonan Jungang High School, located just outside of Seoul, Korea. The prestigious school has a 54-year tradition as the only male public high school in the region. SMPREP recently hosted a delegation from the school including Principal Jeon Jong-Hyeon for a signing ceremony and exchange of gifts. Next month, 10 students from Cheonan Jungang will join SMPREP and take part in a weeklong, collaborative PBL (Project Based Learning) program that will explore a variety of topics around climate action. Korean students will immerse themselves in our day-to-day school life. SMPREP students, in turn, will have the opportunity to experience Korean life and culture during the week of January 6, 2025 as part of this exchange program.

"We look forward to this collaboration and building of a global dialogue and competency with our two schools," shared Rob Greene, SMPREP's Dean of Experiential Education. He also noted that during this year's annual Wintersession, where students in grades 6 through 12 experience a week out of the classroom immersed in activities around Los Angeles, California, the U.S. and the world, new opportunities for Upper School students will include a literary tour of Ireland and a STEM tour of Germany. The focus of Wintersession is on cultural and service learning and self-discovery, and last year SMPREP students toured Costa Rica, Japan, Washington, D.C., New York City, Kern and San Bernardino Counties, and more.

Two years ago, SMPREP launched its exchange program with Koyasan High School in Mount Koya, considered one of the most sacred places in Japan. SMPREP students have enjoyed collaborating with their Japanese counterparts both on our campus and in Japan. At the Lower School, we hosted two French exchange students last year from our partner school, Saint-Denis International School in Loches, France, for a month of immersive learning. In turn, a small group of our 8th grade students took advantage of the exciting opportunity to participate in the Festival of Arts & Sciences Saint-Denis hosted a couple of months later.