SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 15, 2025) – The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation is embarking on its most ambitious youth program yet, hosting 1,500 sixth-grade students from Phoenix’s Cartwright School District at Taliesin West for a series of field trips running through May, immersing them in art, design, history and nature at Wright’s winter home and studio.
Each of the 27 planned visits will host approximately 60 students, along with teachers and chaperones, for a full-day experience exploring Wright’s principles of architecture and philosophy of “learning by doing.” During their visit, students will draft their own floorplans and bring them to life using cyanotype blueprinting—a process that exemplifies Wright’s innovative approach to design.
“Taliesin West is uniquely positioned to inspire young minds and show them how creativity, design and hands-on learning can shape their futures,” said Abbie Wilson, the youth & family programs manager at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. “This program is about more than learning; it’s about sparking inspiration and helping students see how they can shape the world around them. With the generous support of our sponsors, this will be our largest youth program to date and will make this transformative experience accessible to a new community of learners.”
The program is aligned with Arizona State Learning Standards and is facilitated by experienced education professionals, ensuring an enriching environment with a student-to-adult ratio of 10:1. Beyond the hands-on activities and exploring the World Heritage Site, the curriculum introduces students to potential career paths in architecture, design and construction.
"The students of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and fostering their curiosity and creativity is essential for their success," said Ema Jáuregui, interim superintendent of the Cartwright School District. "Field trips like this not only deepen their understanding of design and innovation but also broaden their horizons, inspiring them to explore a world of endless career possibilities."
The field trips are made possible by the generosity and support of its sponsors, including Northern Trust, Onsemi, Cox Charities, the Society of Architectural Historians and SRP. In addition to the new initiative, the Foundation hosts a number of youth and family programs throughout the year, including interactive workshops and day camps, that utilize model-building and crafts to delve deeper into Wright’s enduring legacy and principles of organic architecture.
For the most up-to-date information on programs at Taliesin West, to book a tour, to donate or to become a member, visit FrankLloydWright.org.
About the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, established by Wright in 1940, is dedicated to preserving Taliesin and Taliesin West, both on the World Heritage List, for future generations, and inspiring people to discover and embrace an architecture for better living through meaningful connections to nature, the arts, and each other. The Foundation continues the Frank Lloyd Wright legacy by broadening access to his ideas, works, and organic design principles — considered just as relevant today as in his own time — and provides new pathways for audiences to create beauty and connectedness in their own lives. Conveniently located 20 minutes north of historic Old Town Scottsdale, Taliesin West was recently named among the top 10% of attractions worldwide by TripAdvisor. Visit FrankLloydWright.org for more information on tour schedules, cultural and educational experiences and events. To shop the latest Wright-inspired home, design and lifestyle products, visit FrankLloydWrightStore.com.
About Cartwright School District
Cartwright Elementary School District is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and serves approximately 14,000 students in 20 schools in a 14-square-mile area. We are proud to have two Maryvale area "A" rated schools: Sunset Elementary and Marc T. Atkinson Gifted Academy. We have 11 Kindergarten through 6th-grade elementary schools, six schools serving students in grades K - 8, and four middle schools with students in grades 7 and 8. Our district is the largest employer in the area, providing jobs to more than 2,000 people. Our motto is "One Team, Una Familia!" because we believe in elevating and celebrating each student's success as a family.
We offer a robust STEM program and two Dual Language Programs at Starlight Park College Preparatory Community School. We also offer FREE breakfast and lunch and FREE all-day kindergarten.
The Cartwright School District values technology and the importance of its use in the classroom. We provide Dell Chromebooks or iPads for scholars to use in conjunction with their lessons.
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