Guildford Horizons in Baltimore
The first Guildford Horizons tour of the September holidays is already underway, with students and staff settling into life in Baltimore, USA. Led by Tour Leader Mr Guest and Miss Duncan, our students have been welcomed by host families at St. Paul’s School, Maryland, for a week of immersion in American school life, culture and sport.
A Journey Across the Globe
The group set out from Perth with nerves, excitement and plenty of snacks for the long haul. After two flights and a stopover in Doha, they arrived in Washington, D.C. before travelling north to Baltimore. Students quickly settled into their host families, ready to experience life at St. Paul’s.
A Weekend of Culture
The first weekend offered a full taste of American family life. Some students watched the Orioles play the Yankees at Camden Yards, while others went fishing, braved roller coasters, shopped in malls or enjoyed long brunches. A few even joined the roar of nearly 70,000 fans at an NFL game as the Ravens faced the Lions, an unforgettable experience.
For Mr Guest and Miss Duncan, the weekend began at the Baltimore Farmers Market before joining Principal Clark White for the Yankees game. The ballpark atmosphere was electric, and the hospitality of their hosts has made them feel at home from the moment they arrived.
Inside St Paul's
Monday marked the first proper school day. Mr Guest attended the Girls’ School assembly, noting the way it was completely student-led, with updates on sport, service projects and community events. “The energy and inclusivity of St. Paul’s was remarkable,” he shared. “Our students were mentioned by name and welcomed in straight away. It’s an experience that connects so strongly with what we value at Guildford Grammar.”
Later in the day, he shadowed both the Girls’ and Boys’ School Athletic Directors, observing the similarities and differences in how sport is run. Students also attended Varsity fixtures, including hockey and volleyball, where the energy in the stands reflected the pride and spirit of high school sport in the U.S.
The evening ended with dinner at the home of Clark and Leanne White, before settling in to watch Monday Night Football. Even on television, the scale and energy of American sport was striking.
What's Ahead for Our Students
With school closed for Rosh Hashanah, the group has taken time to explore Annapolis and reflect on what has already been a rich start to the program.
The Baltimore tour is the first of three Guildford Horizons experiences taking place this holiday break. This weekend, our Year 10 and 11 students begin the challenge of the Kokoda Track, while our Year 6 cohort heads to Canberra for an immersion in Australian civics and history.
Beyond the Gates: Guildford Horizons
Guildford Horizons is Guildford Grammar School’s flagship program for global exploration, cultural immersion and experiential learning. Whether it’s hiking through Nepal, learning at Oxford or experiencing school life in the United States, each journey is designed to broaden outlooks, challenge assumptions and inspire independence.
Students often return with greater maturity, fresh perspectives and the confidence to go forward with purpose. Families interested in future opportunities are encouraged to attend Horizons information sessions in Term 4, where the 2026 program lineup will be introduced.
Explore Tours & Exchanges
Give your child the chance to step beyond the gates. From Baltimore to Kokoda and Canberra, our tours and exchanges open doors to new cultures, perspectives and experiences that last a lifetime.
Discover Guildford Horizons