1,500 Sixth-Graders Immersed at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation | Feb 10, 2025
“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,” said Ema Jáuregui, interim superintendent of the Cartwright School District.
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.
Students from Cartwright schools on a Field Trip to Taliesin West. Photo Credit Linda Brader
Students from Cartwright schools create cyanotype blueprints—a process that exemplifies Wright’s innovative approach to design. Photo Linda Brader
Students’ cyanotype blueprints drying in the sun. Photo Henry Hendrix
“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.”
Students from Cartwright schools create their designs. Photo Linda Brader
Students from Cartwright schools create their designs. Photo Linda Brader
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 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, book a tour, make a donation, or become a member.
Students from Cartwright schools touring the drafting studio, looking at designs created by Frank Lloyd Wright. Photo Linda Brader
