2009 Programs

Inauguration of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, January 20, 1961

Presidential Classroom's mission is to provide the highest quality civic education programs for outstanding high school students, using Washington, DC as a classroom. For nearly four decades, more than 120,000 students from across the United States and around the world have attended Presidential Classroom's week-long programs, gaining knowledge, insight and experience from this extraordinary educational opportunity.

Presidential Classroom is hosting Inauguration 2009, the final act in the fascinating drama surrounding the selection of the 44th President of the United States. Inaugural 2009 will be held from January 17th through January 21st 2009. Mark your calendars now. Plan to be part of the future.

You'll join a caucus of hundreds of Presidential Classroom alumni from around the country and throughout the world for an insiders' view of the transition from the George W. Bush administration to the new one. You'll attend the Swearing-In Ceremony and the Inaugural Parade. You'll party at Presidential Classroom's Inaugural Ball, one of dozens of balls held in Washington to celebrate America's new chief executive. You'll take part in history as it happens!

The number of tickets to Official Inaugural events is limited. It's first come, first served. Sign-up now to receive more information as it becomes available. This is a marvelous opportunity to see your friends from Presidential Classroom, to make new ones, and to have a front-row seat for the final event of Campaign 2008. We looking forward to seeing you!

The Programs

There will be two concurrent programs. The high school program will be open to all students and alumni in the 10th, 11th and 12th grades. The alumni only program is for Presidential Classroom alumni, and their significant others, that have graduated from high school and are over 18 years old. All age ranges will be represented in the alumni only program (students from 1969-2008).

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee for the 2009 Presidential Classroom Inaugural event is $2295 plus a $25 application fee. This fee includes room and board, breakfasts and dinners, local transportation, speakers, program costs and entertainment.

Tentative High School Program Schedule

Saturday, January 17th
Student Arrivals and Registration
Walking Tours: Georgetown University
Buffet Dinner
Student Orientation
Academic Seminar: The Amazing City of Washington
Caucus Meetings: Core Values Curriculum

Sunday, January 18th
Breakfast
Caucus Meetings: Interpreting the Constitution
Academic Seminar: The Constitution and the Presidency
Class Photo
Lunch
On-Site Visits: DC Advocacy Organizations
Touring: Jefferson Memorial
Crossfire Debates: Constitutional Issues
Dinner
Academic Seminar: Power in Washington
Caucus Meetings
Student Lounge

Monday, January 19th
Breakfast
Caucus Meetings: Interpreting the Bill of Rights
Academic Seminar: The Leadership of Abraham Lincoln
Crossfire Debates: The Two Party System and Politics
Lunch
Educational Touring: American History Smithsonian, National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, Korean Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, WWII Memorial
Dinner
Academic Seminar: Public Service in America
Inaugural Preparatory Briefing
Student Lounge

Tuesday, January 20th
Breakfast
Inauguration Activities in Washington, DC
Inaugural Parade
Gala Banquet: Color Guard Presentation, Student Reflections, Closing Speaker and Entertainment
Final Caucus Meetings
Inaugural Ball

Wednesday, January 21th
Departures

Presidential Classroom is a nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)3 civic education program, founded in the tradition of President John F. Kennedy, who challenged young Americans to be committed to public service, is approved by the National Association of Secondary School Principals Student Activity Listing and endorsed by the National Education Association, Congressional Youth Award and Who's Who Among American High School Students.