1. Close Up Capitol Experience
Washington D.C. and Philadelphia
April 7 – April 13, 2018

2. What is the Close Up Program?
Close Up Capital Experience is a study visit to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia that gives students a short, active course in U.S. history that is specifically designed for the interests and curricular needs of middle school IB students.

3. Sample Itinerary Saturday p.m. - Travel to D.C. Sunday – Newseum
Monday – Monument study
Tuesday – Capitol visit
Wednesday – Day in Philadelphia
Thursday – Holocaust, Spy Museum
Friday – Smithsonian, travel home!

5. Where do we stay? **ALL NIGHT SECURITY ON EVERY FLOOR**
Accommodations are at quality hotels in Virginia or Maryland (Sheraton, Marriot, Holiday Inn, etc.)
**ALL NIGHT SECURITY
ON EVERY FLOOR**

6. What are the meal arrangements?
Usually breakfast at the hotel– lunch and dinner at a mall, Hard Rock Café, Bucca di Beppo, etc.
(students are given vouchers- they do not pay with cash)

7. Who supervises the students on program?
They are with accredited adults 24/7!
(teachers, program instructors, security guards)

8. What if someone needs medical attention?
There is around-the-clock access to a nurse through a partnership that Close Up has with Georgetown Medical Center. Students will be asked to provide medical information and a copy of their insurance card with registration. Students on medication will be responsible for taking it on their own.

9. How much will it cost?
Washington/Philadelphia program price: $2050 (program $ airfare $593 + $165 extra day)
This includes both program activities and our own individual activities.
Enrollment must be done online

10. What does the price include?
Round-trip airfare, bus transportation, hotel, and nearly all meals in D.C. and Philadelphia
Spending money is at your discretion!

11. How are we ever going to pay for this????
A large bank account 
Visa
ECA tax credit
Letter writing to businesses (I have sample letters for students to use as models)

12. ECA Tax Credit – The Math
Mom & Dad $400 – 2017 ECA
Arizona Relatives, etc. $400 – 2017 ECA
Mom & Dad $400 – 2018 ECA
Arizona Relatives, etc. $400 – 2018 ECA
Get as many friends as possible!

13. ECA Clarification
The State of Arizona refunds you or reduces your tax liability $ for $. To qualify you must have an Arizona tax liability and you are advised to check with your accountant. ECA donations may also be part of itemized deductions for federal taxes, so you may actually recoup more than your original donation. The donor must be a tax-paying Arizona resident (file and pay AZ taxes).

14. I’m ready to “ship ‘em off”, what should I do?
Turn in $400 deposit to the Academy office with the blue ECA form by Friday, October 6th.
A personal check for the amount is acceptable, even if you opt not to use ECA tax credits.

15. Must be turned in by Friday, October 6th!
$400 deposit
Must be turned in by Friday, October 6th!

16. No late deposits will be taken
No late deposits will be taken. If you miss this deadline, you will not be permitted to attend.

17. When is the balance of the money due?
All remaining balances must be turned in by Friday, February 2nd.

18. What if we need to cancel?
Deposits are non-refundable.
All but $400 beyond the deposit can be refunded up to February 22.
After February 22, you will not receive a refund.
Any money contributed through ECA cannot be refunded!

19. Please remember: We cannot split funds from one check
Include a filled-out card with your ECA check
A separate check will be needed for any additional payment not made with ECA
You may use a credit card
online with Student Activities
on your ECA donation card
in the office with Mrs. Miller

20. Program Coordinators Questions? Michael Spencer 480-308-7406
ECA Tax Credit Questions
Carol Alexander

21. Any questions I can answer now?

22. 2018 Close Up Experience