NextTerm FAQs

All Upper School students in grades 9 through 11 participate in NextTerm. Middle School students enjoy a condensed intensive program each January called Rad Days. Students in grade 12/ PG propose and create individual Capstone experiences each May, though some may apply to be teaching assistants on NextTerm courses.  

During the three week mini-semester, time commitments vary largely dependent upon the course in which a student is enrolled. Most courses have a minimum on-campus obligation from 8:25 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day. However, some courses include evening and weekend commitments. And, traditional homework gives way to research and project-based work. Students have regular access to campus for this work, as well as the ability to remain on campus for meals, activities, or to accommodate drop off and pick-up times, etc.

Most courses meet on campus during the first week of the semester, and travel the second and/or third week. On those days, school hours vary. All students receive a course syllabus with travel plans well in advance of the semester.

Yes, all NextTerm courses are graded, semester credit, intensive courses that will appear on each student's transcript (similar to a summer course).

An additional motivation in the development of NextTerm was to help Hun students distinguish themselves in the college process with additional courses and life experiences. How many high school graduates have participated in credited classes that offer these types of internships, immersive experiences, and the creation of real-world products, not to mention the reflective opportunities for college essays? Whats more, given that NextTerm is an additional semester of academic work beyond our existing academic curriculum, it is highly regarded. 

NextTerm courses have assessments like any other course. All students will produce a cumulative project, reflective of their experience and acquired knowledge. They will also have a platform to share their work with experts in the field and the larger Hun School community. A community exhibit of NextTerm projects takes place at the semester conclusion, each June.  

The Ninth Grade Experience and all local NextTerm courses are covered by your family’s tuition commitment. Domestic and international NextTerm courses that require air travel, carry a supplemental cost of $500 - $3,000. Supplemental fees are generally equivalent to 50% of the cost of the trip. 

Students who currently receive financial aid are eligible for commensurate grants for NextTerm. 

NextTerm begins after AP exams are completed. However, some national tests might still run during travel periods. NextTerm faculty teams issue detailed course syllabi in April. Each student is encouraged to carefully examine his or her syllabus at that time, taking into account the schedule and expectations of the course. Advanced Placement exams will be accommodated however, students will not be excused from course requirements for other conflicts.

Yes! The program is designed so that most NextTerm courses will support participation in spring athletics, performing arts, etc. Most travel courses begin their trips at the conclusion of the spring athletics season. 

A limited number of courses, specifically those that include long-distance travel, may conflict with post-season sport commitments such as state tournaments or national regattas. Student-athletes who wish to play a spring sport are advised to avoid courses that conflict with their sport schedules. 

Yes! All students present their cumulative assignment and projects during a two-day project exhibition for field and industry experts and The Hun School community each June.