Big News: GradCity Featured in the WSJ & New York Times!
We’re thrilled to share some major news: GradCity has been featured in both the The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal 🎉
That’s right — two of the world’s most iconic and respected publications have spotlighted what we’ve always known: senior trips are a rite of passage, and GradCity is proud to be leading the way.
The Wall Street Journal- “Have Fun on Spring Break, Kids. I’ll Be Right Next Door”
In the WSJ, Tara Weiss did an incredible write-up highlighting our one-of-a-kind approach to student-parent spring break trips, a unique offering alongside our traditional senior break experiences.
As the article notes, “GradCity, a company that organizes spring break trips for high-school seniors, opened trips to parents in 2008.” Since then, these shared experiences have evolved into a meaningful way for families to celebrate a major milestone together. The magic lies in striking the perfect balance: giving graduates the independence they crave, while still offering parents the opportunity to be part of the celebration.
The article highlights our recent trip to Riviera Maya, which “included about 1,200 guests from 14 Michigan high schools—and their families.” With thoughtful options like an adults-only resort section and a separate pool, plus student rooms designed for four-person occupancy, we tailor every detail to ensure that both students and parents can enjoy the experience on their own terms. As the article explains: “Students sleep four to a room and parents are given the option to stay at the adults-only section of the resort.”
Another key point the article touches on: “Schools aren’t involved in the trip.” That’s entirely intentional. We work directly with families and student leaders to design trips that are exciting, safe, and stress-free. From booking to beachside memories, GradCity is all about creating unforgettable celebrations for the entire grad community.
From the unforgettable memories to the once-in-a-lifetime experiences, our trips are about more than just travel. They’re about celebrating milestones, making lifelong friends, and kicking off the next chapter of life with a bang.
The New York Times- “Spring Break for the Teens of New York’s Elite: Sun, Fun and Networking”
We’re also honored to have been featured in The New York Times, in a recent piece by journalist Dionne Searcey, who explores the high-energy, high-style spring break traditions of New York’s elite high school seniors — many of whom travel with GradCity to Paradise Island in the Bahamas.
The article captures what’s become an unsanctioned but highly anticipated rite of passage for students from prestigious schools like Trinity, Ethical Culture Fieldston, and Hackley. Over the course of five unforgettable nights, “more than a thousand teens filled the Atlantis Bahamas resort,” embracing themed parties, beachfront lounging, and the start of future social networks.
As one student simply put it: “No care in the world.”
While school officials continue to keep a formal distance, the tradition shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, it’s thriving. As The Times notes, “GradCity started focusing solely on high school spring break trips about five years ago,” a move that has helped us elevate these experiences into something truly next-level.
Some parents choose to join their teens on the trip, but the core of the experience is about balancing freedom and structure. From private concerts to sunset cruises, our trips are carefully curated to offer the right mix of independence, responsibility, and once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Whether students come for the beach, the bonding, or the beginning of something bigger, it’s clear: GradCity isn’t just planning trips, we’re helping define senior year’s biggest memory.
Thank you, WSJ and New York Times!
These features are a huge moment for our entire community: students, parents, and our hardworking team whom all help make the magic happen year after year. And it’s just the beginning.
💥 Check out the features:
Want to be part of what everyone’s talking about?
Join the GradCity experience. You’ll see why the world’s paying attention.