Over the course of the last three school years, members of the all-girls' student body at Holy Family High School in Glendale have visited Hawaii, France, England, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Spain, Peru and Italy. Egypt is on the itinerary for spring break 2009.

While the trips organized through EF Educational Tours complement what the students are studying in classes such as history, science, art and foreign language, they also provide "empowering" experiences, says Dr. Michelle Purghart, principal.

"The trips build self-esteem. Participants become global citizens. They learn to be risk takers" at an age when teenage girls don't normally take risks, according to Purghart. "We plan activities that require them to step out of their sense of security," such as providing free time on trips when the girls navigate foreign cities and currency.

Purghart estimates 35 percent of the student body, chaperoned by staff and parents, have gone on one or more of the trips. When students return, they give presentations to their classmates about their experiences. "The retention of what they are learning increases," she commented.

"After I came back from France" said Emmalee Fowler, junior, "I understood better how French people pronounce words. The way they pronounce the alphabet is a lot different from us." Last spring she was among five students who went to Hawaii, where the group studied volcanic geological formations and the islands' biological diversity. A highlight for Fowler occurred during a snorkeling expedition when she witnessed a sea turtle entering its underwater cave.

"I think trips like this are extremely beneficial for the student body because the girls get to see what they're learning in school," said Gabriela Ortega, school registrar who helped chaperone the tour to Greece and Turkey last summer. Visiting the ancient city of Ephesus and the Greek Parthenon provided the students "a wonderful cultural, historic experience," she noted.

Seeing the students react to famous places and artwork was a highlight for Marco Calderon, Spanish teacher and director of school activities who helped chaperone 26 students for two weeks in Italy last November where they visited Venice, Florence, Assisi, Pompeii, Naples, Rome, Sicily, Capri and the Vatican.

"Things spoke differently to different people," said Calderon. "Some were more interested in architecture. Others wanted to go to Dante's house. When we went to see Michelangelo's David, it was just unbelievable to watch the reactions on their faces."

Rebecca Bloom, one of students on the Italian trip, appreciated the sights as well as the opportunity for independent exploration. "There's more risks because it's unfamiliar, but I think it's more fun that way," said Bloom. "It was important to get that free time we had."

Jessica Intal, a junior who also was on the Italian trip, said she appreciated opportunities to form closer relationships with other students. "I didn't really know any of the sophomores that well, and through the trip I was able to get to know them better," said Intal.

Administrators say helping girls thrive is a priority at the school of 300 students, founded in 1937 as a parish high school staffed by Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. "I think everything we do reflects our motto, 'Where Women Make History," said Purghart, the fourth laywoman to head the school following the leadership of seven successive B.V.M. principals.

Fulfilling the school's vision statement, "…to produce women who are leaders in science and technology, possessing confidence and strength gained form a diverse liberal and fine arts program…," the school offers a Science and Health Career Academy track and plans to open a high-tech library in the fall. It installed a new dance studio a year ago and currently is the only all-girls secondary campus on the West Coast with a school band elective course offering instruction in musical instruments, say school officials.

"We're always moving forward every year. We do everything that research shows benefits girls --- the way they learn best," said the principal. This approach, she notes, includes plenty of collaborative group work, based on a "think, pair, share" educational philosophy.

According to Calderon, the innovative college preparatory curriculum, which includes 15 AP (advanced placement) classes, as well as the high number of extracurricular activities provide the students a wealth of educational opportunities for personal growth. "The individual attention the girls receive is really great," commented Calderon.

And, added Purghart, encouraging the students to try new things, such as traveling the world, "provides skills that will help them achieve success in life and work."

For more information on Holy Family High school, located at 400 E. Lomita Ave, Glendale, log on to www.hfhsglendale.org or contact the Admissions Office, (818) 241-3178 x 226.