After riding on a bus for nearly two hours from their school along the Ohio River, students from Belpre High School in Washington County arrived at the Supreme Court of Ohio. What had previously been only a chapter about the judicial branch in a textbook suddenly became a real place where they could learn about the legal system firsthand.

Last week, the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center welcomed the first group tours of the academic year. Along with Belpre High School, students from Glenwood High School in Scioto County also traveled nearly two hours to visit the historic building. Thanks to their teachers’ planning and school administrators’ support of field trips that bring learning to life, the students were able to explore an institution they might not otherwise have the chance to visit.

The school tours offer Ohio students an opportunity to connect with the Supreme Court and learn about the judicial branch in person.

“We want to demystify the judicial branch. For us, it’s important for students to come to the heart of the branch and see the work that goes on here. For them to be able to experience what the Court offers helps them connect a lot of dots,” said Jeffrey Greenley, a teacher at Belpre High School.

Andy Howard, a teacher at Glenwood High School, echoed that sentiment.

“We get them out of the classroom to see the beautiful building and to see the amazing Ohio Supreme Court. It’s fantastic,” Howard said. “They always enjoy going through the educational center and doing some of the hands-on activities.”

The students visited several areas of the building, including the ornate Courtroom, Grand Concourse, Law Library, and Visitor Education Center. The tour offers a multidisciplinary learning experience, allowing students to learn about the Supreme Court and its role in government, examine the 1930s-era artwork, and explore careers in the legal field.

Zeke Orcutt, a student at Belpre High School, said the visit deepened his understanding of the judicial system.

“Going through the museum and learning about past court cases that the Supreme Court has dealt with in the state of Ohio has really helped me understand how the court process works,” he said.

For Daisy Hamilton, a junior at Glenwood High School, it was the art that drew her attention.

“The first thing I noticed whenever I walked into the Courtroom were all the paintings on the ceiling and the walls. They’re gorgeous,” she said.

As the students got back on the bus for the ride home, Hamilton expressed her delight about sharing the trip to the Moyer Judicial Center with her friends and family.

“I’m excited to show them all the pictures I took of everything here,” she said.

Teachers are invited to schedule a free school group tour to help bring civics to life for their students. Email CourtTours@sc.ohio.gov or call 614-387-9223 to schedule a tour. Tour bookings are accepted for dates through the end of the school year.