Signature Programs

There are certain programs that define a Hun School education. These experiences, both inside and outside the walls of the classroom, build our students’ confidence and expand their minds. These are the building blocks to graduation day and to thriving in an ever-changing world.

NEXTTERM

NextTerm is a three-week, project-based, immersive semester that gives students the freedom to pursue their passions, curiosities, and interests. All students in grades nine through eleven choose from a menu of more than twenty courses, including many with a travel component. During NextTerm, students aren't just working toward a grade (although courses are graded); students work to solve real-world problems and advance the way our society thinks about and approaches the issues of our time. Courses are team-taught, informed by a variety of environments and real-world practitioners, and utilize resources both on and off campus.

Interdisciplinary Learning

The Interdisciplinary Studies department was designed to help students thrive in the 21st century. Skills like creativity, effective communication, collaboration, and ethical decision making take center stage in each discussion-based, student-centered class. Interdisciplinary Studies classes don’t have textbooks; rather, teachers use current events, issues, and ideas to inspire critical thinking and understanding. Students are required to take Seminar courses freshman and sophomore year, and can elect to take other classes in the department during their junior and senior years. 

Cultural Competency PROGRAM

Cultural competency is relevant and relatable to every student at The Hun School, where students come from dozens of states and countries. Programs like the MLK Leadership Summit, Shared Spaces, What's Happening Wednesday, National Day of Silence, and International Week create mutually beneficial exchanges of cultural exchange and learning. 

Girls and Boys Leadership Cohorts

Middle and Upper School students who exhibit leadership qualities are invited to join leadership cohorts -- groups of student who are guided by faculty mentors in a two-year leadership development program. They attend programming, participate in roundtable discussions, discover and hone their leadership styles. Upon completion of the programming, the students go on to mentor younger students.

Centennial Speakers Series 

Each year, The Hun School welcomes a lineup of thought leaders, entertainers, authors, and activists  who share their experiences and expertise with our students. These folks stretch our understanding of real-world issues, afford us the opportunity to reflect, and wow us with their impressive abilities. (We’re looking at you, Black Violin!)

DAILY ADVISORY AND Extra Help

We’re a community of learners who love asking good questions, especially after the class period ends. Hun students meet with their advisor daily. Under the leadership of a faculty advisor, this built in cohort provides connection and tailored support for every student throughout their time at Hun. 

Founded as a tutoring school, Hun knows that all students learn differently and connection is essential for success. To facilitate this, extra Help is also built into each day’s schedule. Faculty are available before and after school, providing students an opportunity to seek one-on-one guidance, ask for feedback, or clarify a concept they learned that day in class. 

Middle School Debate

Our Middle School students build confidence, increase their critical thinking skills, and improve their communication skills by participating in mandatory all-School debate weeks. During three separate weeks throughout the year, our faculty create scenarios, split students into groups, and guide them in crafting their debate skills.

The Hun Way

Each year, The Hun Middle School begins with an orientation program that helps students feel welcome, known, and respected by their peers and teachers. Students engage in learning activities designed to help them gain a deeper understanding of their individual strengths and weaknesses and shared community expectations.

 

Scholars program

Students can identify interdisciplinary interests and then select courses that inform and support that study. They design a project portfolio that advances their understanding of a particular thesis or guiding question. Scholars select five courses related to their area of interest from Hun's rich and diverse curriculum. In two of those courses, they will complete a portfolio project which, along with successful completion of their related Senior Capstone, results in an Honors Distinction on their Hun School Diploma.