U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Exeter-West Greenwich Regional Junior High School and High School in West Greenwich, Rhode Island as part of two nationwide tours: the Department’s History Rocks! Trail to Independence tour and her Returning Education to the States tour.
The History Rocks! tour aims to highlight innovative ways of teaching U.S. history ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The Returning Education to the States tour involves visits to all fifty states for discussions with students, teachers, and community leaders about effective educational practices.
During her visit, Secretary McMahon toured history and civics classrooms at the junior high school where students were studying the origins of the United States and its founding principles. She also visited engineering and career and technical education (CTE) classrooms at the high school, participating in a roundtable discussion focused on preparing students for future workforce needs.
“As the first colony to declare independence, Rhode Island offers students a direct connection with America's founding,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “It was inspiring to visit Exeter-West Greenwich Regional Junior High and High School today to see ways the school is teaching the next generation of Americans about our history and civic foundations and preparing them for the evolving needs of the workforce. With hands-on learning and an appreciated understanding of our nation’s principles, these students are set up for a promising future.”
The History Rocks! initiative is part of America 250 celebrations led by the U.S. Department of Education in partnership with more than 50 national and state organizations including America First Policy Institute, Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College, among others. This coalition works to advance civic education and broaden opportunities for students to learn about key ideas, individuals, and events in American history.
Secretary McMahon's nationwide school visits aim to showcase quality instruction in history and civics that connect students with American principles. The Returning Education to the States Tour gathers input from educators, parents, and local leaders across all states with plans to compile best practices into a toolkit for broader distribution.
In addition, Freedom 250 acts as an official public-private partnership coordinating efforts between federal agencies such as the White House Task Force 250 and local organizations for commemorating America's 250th anniversary.
Further information about these initiatives can be found on resources related to America 250 celebrations as well as Freedom 250 efforts.
