TRIP OF A LIFETIME

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June 30, 2025

For information on admission to Notre Dame Prep, please click here.

Notre Dame Prep middle school students, families are immersed in the culture of Spain.

A group of middle school students from Notre Dame Preparatory School returned last week from an enriching 10-day journey through Spain, accompanied by middle school Spanish teacher Marisol Aguilar, her two daughters, and several parents and grandparents. The educational and enjoyable tour, which concluded with the group’s return to Detroit on June 26, offered a unique blend of historical exploration, cultural immersion and unforgettable memories. . .

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Madrid:

The group began their adventure in Spain’s capital city, Madrid. Highlights included a visit to the opulent Royal Palace, the Prado Museum, and picturesque Retiro Park. Students also explored Plaza Mayor, a central square steeped in history, and sampled an array of traditional Spanish cuisine — paella, calamari and Jamón Serrano (ham), among others.

One of the trip’s many cultural highlights was an evening at a tablao, where the touring group experienced the artistry of live flamenco. They also visited Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to the legendary Real Madrid football team, and enjoyed shopping at El Corte Inglés, Spain’s answer to New York City's Macy's department store.

The students participated in a hands-on Spanish cooking class, where they learned to prepare dishes such as Spanish omelette, gazpacho, and tartare, and also participated in a beginner’s lesson in flamenco dancing.

Barcelona:

Traveling via the high-speed Alta Velocidad Española (AVE) train, the group made their way to Barcelona. The city’s rich architectural heritage was on full display as they visited Gaudí’s Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà (La Pedrera), all with the guidance of expert local docents.

The group also explored Montjuïc Hill, Plaza de España, and enjoyed a guided walking tour that included insights into Barcelona’s fascinating Catalan culture.

Mallorca:

The journey continued with a flight to Mallorca, where students experienced a change of pace. Their beachfront hotel offered breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, and the itinerary included catamaran excursions, jet ski and banana boat rides, and time to relax along the coast.

In Palma de Mallorca, the group embarked on a guided sightseeing tour that included stops at Bellver Castle, the Old Quarter and the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma (La Seu) — a testament to Catholic Gothic architecture.

Heading home:

Before departing Spain, the group returned to Madrid for a celebratory dinner that served as the perfect conclusion to their transcontinental experience. Reflecting on the trip, Señora Aguilar discussed the impact it had on all participants: “It was like a dream," she said. "The cultural exposure, the language practice, the sights and experiences — everything we encountered will stay with us for a lifetime.”

The group of 19 returned not only with souvenirs and photos, but with lasting memories and a much deeper appreciation for Hispanic culture and language.

CHECK OUT PHOTO GALLERY HERE

For information on admission to Notre Dame Prep, please click here.

Comments or questions? mkelly@ndpma.org

About Notre Dame Preparatory School
"At Notre Dame Prep, we inspire our students to become the best versions of themselves. We challenge them through an experience of academic excellence, focused on active, project-based learning. We invite them to explore a world of opportunities beyond the classroom. We guide them as they grow in spirituality within a community strong in its Catholic and Marist identity."

Notre Dame Preparatory School is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. Notre Dame Preparatory School's upper school enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame Prep's middle and lower schools enroll students in pre-kindergarten through grade eight. All three schools are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDP is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the National Association of Independent Schools. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School, visit the school’s home page at www.ndpma.org.