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Civics beyond the classroom.
Close Up gives Decatur High School students a year of service, dialogue, and hands-on government—culminating in an unforgettable week in Washington, D.C.
2027 Washington, D.C. trip · February 7–12, 2027
What is DHS Close Up?
A year-long civic learning experience
A year-long civic learning experience
Students explore local, state, and national government through community service, conversations with public leaders, thoughtful discussion, and travel. They learn how to listen, deliberate, and work with people whose perspectives may differ from their own.
Decatur High School partners with the nonpartisan Close Up Foundation to connect classroom learning with real institutions, real issues, and students from across the country.
At a glance
At a glance
Full school year
Meetings, service, and preparation
One week in D.C.
February 7–12, 2027
20+ years at DHS
A lasting Decatur tradition
Financial support
Need-based assistance is available
WHAT STUDENTS EXPERIENCE
See government, history, and community up close
See government, history, and community up close
The strongest story is the students doing the work—not a long list of destinations.
01 · DISCOVER
Learn in the places where history lives
Learn in the places where history lives
Explore museums, monuments, cultural institutions, and the stories behind them.
02 · ENGAGE
Talk with leaders and one another
Talk with leaders and one another
Meet policymakers, discuss current issues, and practice respectful deliberation.
03 · EXPERIENCE
Build confidence and community
Build confidence and community
Travel with classmates, meet students nationwide, and return ready to participate.
THE YEAR IN CLOSE UP
THE YEAR IN CLOSE UP
More than one trip
More than one trip
A clear sequence helps families understand the commitment and helps students see how the year builds toward Washington.
01
01
Join & prepare
Join & prepare
Interest meeting, team building, and civic discussion.
02
02
Serve Decatur
Serve Decatur
Rake & Run and the MLK Service Project.
03
03
Explore Georgia
Explore Georgia
Visit the State Capitol and meet local leaders.
04
04
Experience D.C.
Experience D.C.
Deliberate, tour, meet officials, and connect nationally.
STUDENTS AT THE CENTER
A visual story of learning, friendship, and discovery
Cost & financial support
Cost should not be a barrier
Cost should not be a barrier
The Decatur community works with the Close Up Foundation, the Decatur Education Foundation, individual donors, and student fundraisers to make participation possible for more students.
For families
For families
The interest form includes a confidential place to request financial assistance.
We received an overwhelming response to our 2027 trip and have closed sign-ups in an effort to create the best possible experience for all participants. Please consider signing up for the spring 2028 trip.
Key advantages of the Spring 2028 trip include:
No conflicts with Easter or major spring holidays
Opportunity to see Washington, D.C. during peak Cherry Blossom season
Pleasant spring weather
A higher likelihood of Congress being in active session
Broader student peer interaction with schools attending nationwide
Access to early bird pricing from CloseUp
Please consider this as an option if you (and your friends) are on the fence.
Contact us below for more info.
Our 2027 DC Trip will be
February 7-12 2027
Close Up is a year-long program that engages students in local, state, and national government and leadership by offering opportunities to talk to students all over the country and engage with policymakers representing Decatur, Georgia, and beyond. We work together to volunteer in our community, visit state-level offices and take a week-long trip to Washington, DC.
Close Up is a year-long program that engages students in local, state, and national government and leadership by offering opportunities to talk to students all over the country and engage with policymakers representing Decatur, Georgia, and beyond. We work together to volunteer in our community, visit state-level offices and take a week-long trip to Washington, DC.
Students will learn how to deliberate with those they agree with and other people who may have a different perspective.
Students will learn how to deliberate with those they agree with and other people who may have a different perspective.
DHS Close Up partners with Close Up DC, a nationally recognized, bipartisan civic education program that gives students a unique opportunity to experience how the U.S. government works through a week-long trip to Washington, D.C.
DHS Close Up partners with Close Up DC, a nationally recognized, bipartisan civic education program that gives students a unique opportunity to experience how the U.S. government works through a week-long trip to Washington, D.C.
DHS Close Up is dedicated to bringing a group of students to Washington, D.C. that is as diverse as our amazing city. For over 20 years, DHS has helped students engage with peers from across the country, discuss current events, tour the Capitol, and explore cultural sights and events.
DHS Close Up is dedicated to bringing a group of students to Washington, D.C. that is as diverse as our amazing city. For over 20 years, DHS has helped students engage with peers from across the country, discuss current events, tour the Capitol, and explore cultural sights and events.
Hello- thank you for your interest in CloseUp. Use the slides to help you see information on the February 2027 trip
Hello- thank you for your interest in CloseUp. Use the slides to help you see information on the February 2027 trip
Missed the interest meeting? Check out the slides from our initial meeting.
Decatur High School Close Up is dedicated to bringing a group of students to Washington DC that is diverse as our amazing city.
Decatur High School Close Up is dedicated to bringing a group of students to Washington DC that is diverse as our amazing city.
DHS has been sending kids to Washington DC for over 20 years to meet with students across the nation, discuss current events, tour the Capitol, and explore cultural sights and events.
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