NextTerm 2025 Courses

NextTerm Local

Day trips only; No additional cost to families

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Art and Advocacy: Creativity and Social Transformation 

Essential Question: How can art provoke conversation and engagement around contemporary social issues? How can creativity, seen through the lenses of art, music and the written word, contribute to community building, coexistence, and nonviolent social change? 

What will students do in this course? Art isn’t just oil paintings hanging in golden frames in museums, it is happening all around us. It’s the graffiti in train stations, the design on our t-shirts, the public sculpture in parks, the music streaming around us. 

Students will explore artists who have made an impact through their engagement with social issues and then expand their own artistic skills and creativity as they grapple with issues that are important to them.  Discussion, hands-on learning, and art-making will empower students to become more engaged, compassionate, and proactive members of their communities, contributing to a more just and equitable world.

What will students learn in this course? Students will study famous works of art that engage with social issues to understand the role artists can play as leaders instigating positive change. These works of art continue to raise awareness of important moments in our history. Students ranging from novice to advanced will enhance their skills in creating 2-dimensional art, ceramics, poetry, and performance art. All levels of artistic ability are welcome!

Curricular Focus: Arts • English • History 

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You live in what?! Your Guide to alternative housing

Essential Question: What counts as alternative housing? What goes into the design and construction of one?  What are the socio-economic and environmental impacts of them?

What will students do in this course? Here’s your challenge: You’ve decided to live in an alternative home the year after high school (options include a tiny house, recreational vehicle, school bus, shipping container, earthship, #vanlife and more). Students will need to explore the economics, budgetary constraints, environmental impact, and livability of their build. By the end of this course, students will have spoken to people who embrace this lifestyle, toured actual alternative homes, used 3D printers and design software to develop prototypes and models of homes, and physically build components of a home. 

What will students learn in this course? Vans. Earthships. Shipping containers. What do these have in common? All are alternative housing options. We will look at the reasons people choose, or are forced to choose, this lifestyle. By the end of the course, students will have explored a variety of mobile and permanent alternate housing options through hands-on experience, examined data to learn how these alternatives address social, economic, and environmental challenges, and will have created alternative home designs and models of their own.

Curricular Focus: Architecture  •  Urban Development • Engineering & Design

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The fresh factor: Inside the farm-to-table movement

Essential Question: What was the catalyst of the Farm-to-Fork trend, and why has it recently exploded? How has the Farm-to-Fork movement impacted our communities, economy, and environment?

What will students do in this course? Students will dive into the Farm-to-Fork movement through hands-on activities like visiting with local chefs, going to a farmers' market, meeting with small business owners, and examining real stories of food production. They will research and debate the impacts of locally sourced food on communities and create a final project where they design their own Farm-to-Table food concept. Through field trips, discussions, and interactive tasty experiences, students will gain a firsthand understanding of what it takes to bring food from the farm to the table.

What will students learn in this course? Students will explore the roots of the Farm-to-Table movement and understand its modern appeal. They will learn critical thinking and research skills by examining the economic, environmental, and social impacts of locally sourced food. Students will also review the ethical considerations that arise in food production, such as labor practices and animal welfare. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper awareness of sustainable food practices and a strong foundation in analyzing the complex factors that drive food industry trends.

Curricular Focus: Environmental Science  • Economics  •  Nutrition  •  Ethics

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building broadway: The business of creating a show

Essential Questions: What are the stages of a Broadway show, from concept to curtain call? What defines a show's success, and what challenges must be tackled to reach that level?

What will students do in this course? Students will dive deep into the real-life stories of Broadway hits and flops, investigating the factors that impacted their success or failure. They’ll attend a mix of Broadway shows, new and long-running, musicals and plays, and analyze what elements make them resonate (or not!) with audiences. Students will also get exclusive, insider insights by meeting with Broadway pros, including actors, producers, designers, and musicians, who will share firsthand stories and advice on what it really takes to make it on the big stage.    

What will students learn in this course? Students will explore Broadway's rich history, learning key terms and concepts that are essential to understanding the theater industry. They’ll gain insights into the financial and creative skills necessary to turn a script into a full-scale production, and they’ll uncover the secrets behind marketing a show to the public. By the end, students will see Broadway not just as a form of entertainment but as a complex, high-stakes business where creativity and commerce collide.

Curricular Focus: Business & Marketing  •  Music  •  Theater  •  Design •  Technology

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in case of emergency...

Essential Questions:  How can we effectively prepare for and respond to medical emergencies, natural disasters, daily safety risks, and unforeseen wildcard scenarios to ensure survival and resilience?

What will students do in this course? The world is changing faster than we can keep up, so we need to adapt and survive when things go wrong - fast!! The course is organized into four key categories: Medical, Natural Disasters/Weather, Daily Safety and Maintenance (car, home, school), and Wildcard/Unexpected events. Students will visit hospitals, fire stations, police stations, and, if possible, emergency centers like the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) or FEMA. They will receive certification training in First Aid, CPR, and Infant care. By working with emergency specialists, students will understand why and how being prepared for worst-case scenarios makes managing crises less intimidating. 

What will students learn in this course? Students will learn from field experts how to shift from fear to preparedness and why more people with these skills are needed. Whether it is a minor inconvenience or a critical emergency, we want students to have the right mental approach to be productive helpers. They will understand how even catastrophic events require leaders and followers to be ready to respond. The course will also explore more extreme scenarios, such as those depicted in the media and even prepared for by the CDC, like a zombie apocalypse, alien invasion, or general doomsday events. Students will examine historical and recent events to learn what was done well and what could have been improved.

Curricular Focus: STEM  •  Public Safety & Risk Assessment  •  Ethics 

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Paws, Hooves, and Healing: Exploring Animal-Assisted Service and Therapy 

Essential Question: What is the science behind the therapeutic benefits of animal-human interaction, and how do humans work with animals to prepare for this work? 

What will students do in this course? Students will visit specialized centers that train service and therapy animals, along with organizations and individuals who employ them. Tasks will include observing the components that make an interaction 'therapeutic,' witnessing the necessary training for both animals and humans, and applying research, data collection, and analysis. Lastly, students will engage in discussions regarding the practices and policies they observe, with a focus on identifying strengths and areas for improvement, while considering the specific needs of the school and the resources available.

What will students learn in this course? Students will acquire knowledge of therapeutic practices and the benefits associated with working animals, ranging from horses to dogs. Additionally, students will gain insight into local, national, and global policies and best practices related to the utilization of therapy and service animals. Through collaboration with local training programs and organizations that employ these animals, you will gain an understanding of how these interactions can have a positive impact on human well-being.

Curricular Focus: Health & Wellness  •  Psychology & Science  •  Ethics

Note: You should not have a fear of or allergy to animals. 

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baseball: More than a Pastime

Essential Question: How can an examination of baseball’s history and current day industry enhance our understanding of the game's history, economics, cultural relevance, evolving systems, and, ultimately, its unique place in the collective American psyche?

What will students do in this course? Students will visit some of New York’s, New Jersey’s, and Pennsylvania’s known and unknown historical sites related to baseball, meet prominent local baseball figures past and present, and attend one or more minor and major league games!  Activities include witnessing a 19th-century-style game, reading baseball literature, and conducting research or interviews with players and industry professionals.  Depending on their focus, students might analyze the evolution of coaching from intuition to analytics or study how sport science supports player performance today. Whether sitting in the dugout with a minor leaguer or reflecting on baseball as a metaphor for life, this journey offers a unique lens on America’s pastime.

What will students learn in this course? Students will practice and grow skills in critical reading and literary analysis, primary source historical research, interpersonal and dialogue skills in interviews, or lessons in the modern math and science of supporting baseball performance. Along the way, students will develop camaraderie with their fellow baseball scholars and discover how identifying and pursuing a research lens can produce authentic products for sharing with wider audiences. This is the course for players, fans, and all who have a love for the game. 

Curricular Focus: Sports Science  •  Math •  Humanities •  Entrepreneurship 

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Redesigning Fashion: inspired by nature's genius

Essential Question: How does nature inspire fashion, and how can designers use this inspiration to create clothing that respects the environment?

What will students do in this course? This course delves into the profound connection between nature and fashion, exploring how the natural world serves as an endless source of inspiration for designers. Students will visit diverse environments to study natural forms, textures, and systems up close. Students will use sustainable materials and eco-friendly production processes to create a blueprint for a fashion industry that honors nature's wisdom and cultural diversity. They will also meet experts in this field. 

What will students learn in this course? Biomimicry is the practice of drawing inspiration from nature’s designs, patterns, and processes to solve human problems. In fashion, biomimicry involves studying things like animal fur, plant leaves, or the way birds build nests, and applying these ideas to create clothing that is functional, sustainable, and innovative. The goal is to design in ways that respect and reflect how nature works, leading to solutions that are efficient and eco-friendly. Biomimicry is an innovative approach that is rapidly gaining traction across various fields and is now revolutionizing the fashion industry, offering a novel perspective on blending style with a profound respect for our planet.

Curricular Focus: Biology  •  Ecology  •  Environmental Sciences  •  Design

Local Courses with Short Overnight

Mostly day trips, with one to two nights of travel; Minimal cost to families

birds of a feather - a flight into science, sound, and society

Essential Question: How has humanity been impacted by our relationship with birds in the natural world?

What will students do in this course? Students will delve into topics such as the significance of birds in nature and society, the musicality of birdsong, and the impacts of environmental stressors on bird health and behavior. Daily bird observations will be paired with field trips to aviaries, bird sanctuaries, and nature reserves to give students a chance to observe birds in their natural habitats. Guided soundscaping projects will encourage students to record and analyze birdsong. Art sessions will allow students to capture the beauty of birds through drawing and photography, while scientific investigations and historical research will focus on the ecological and cultural importance of birds.

What will students learn in this course? Soar into the fascinating world of birds to explore why birds play a foundational role in our ecosystems, cultures, and imaginations. From understanding the science behind migration to uncovering how birds inspire the arts, this course will engage students across multiple disciplines, fostering a deep appreciation for these feathered creatures and their role in both nature and culture.

Curricular Focus: Sociology •  Art •  Environmental Studies

Locations: The Hun School, Cape May, and Hawk Mountain, PA

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all for the thrills: The math and science of amusement park rides

Essential Question: What is thrill? How are Physics, Mathematics, and Psychology used in the design and engineering of amusement park rides?

What will students do in this course? Students will carry out calculations to learn how rides work within safety parameters and they will experience and measure these thrill factors in various amusement parks.  The culmination of the course will be a unique design and model-construction of a thrill ride that satisfies all safety restrictions and has the maximum possible thrill. Completion of this model will require ingenuity, creativity, and explanations of the physics involved. Specifically, students will:

• Learn the engineering, mathematics and physics behind thrill rides
• Experience the psychology of thrill seeking
• Design and build a model thrill ride
• Have fun applying math and science to real world applications!

What will students learn in this course? Students will experience the exhilarating field of engineering by uncovering the physics and mathematics that go into designing thrill rides at amusement parks. Students will learn about thrill analysis and the psychology of thrill seeking. Through simulations, students will analyze and experiment with greater heights, faster speeds, and more inversions. Students will collaboratively problem solve and critically analyze the factors that are involved in thrill rides. 

Curricular Focus: Math • Engineering  •  Computer Science  •  Physics

Locations: The Hun School, Pennsylvania, Ohio

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Bittersweet Sustainability: Our Love of Chocolate

Essential Question: How has the sweet history of chocolate shaped our world and influenced our diets, economies, cultures, and ecosystems? How can the chocolate industry progress to ensure a sustainable and ethical future allowing communities to continue to pursue it as a source of delight and tradition in the 21st century?

What will students do in this course? The classroom will transform into a chocolate laboratory, where students will conduct in-depth taste testing sessions, learning to identify nuances in flavors and textures. Students will visit local chocolate shops, gaining insights into the intricacies of chocolate business and marketing, and how these sweet confections find their way to consumers. There will be an overnight trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania, where students will tour the iconic Hershey Factory. 

What will students learn in this course? Students will gain a deep understanding of the historical origins of chocolate, its implications in ethical issues pertaining to sustainable environments and communities, and its evolution over time. They will explore the economics of the chocolate industry, from cacao farming and production to marketing and consumer demand, and will develop an appreciation for the cultural diversity associated with chocolate while understanding its role in traditions and celebrations worldwide.

Curricular Focus: Science  •  Global History  •  Ethics

Locations: The Hun School, Hershey, Pa.

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game changers: The Powerful impact of women's sports

Essential Question: How has the inclusion of women’s sports changed the professional sports world and how do we account for its meteoric rise?

What will students do in this course? Women’s sports, particularly the WNBA and the Women’s National Soccer Team, are gaining unprecedented visibility, sparking important conversations about gender and gender equity in society, culture, and the marketplace.  Despite recent milestones like the US Women’s National Soccer Team’s equal pay victory and increased viewership of women’s tournaments, significant pay disparities, underinvestment, mistreatment, and objectification persist.  In this course, students will explore key moments in the history of gender equity in sports, from Billie Jean King’s “Battle of the Sexes” and Title IX to the rise of women’s professional sports leagues and NIL agreements to analyze how today’s momentum can shape the future of women’s sports and fair treatment for athletes. Students will attend potentially both a professional basketball and soccer game(s).  They will have the possibility of touring team facilities and meeting with members of the organization such as training staff, marketing, coaching staff and/or ownership.  Students will also have opportunities to meet with and speak directly to previous and current players and coaches as well as potential legal professionals, entrepreneurs, and social media influencers. 

What will students learn in this course? Through research, interviews, analysis of social media, team marketing budgets and strategies, player salaries, team profits and sales as well as onsite experiences and conversations, students will have the opportunity to not only understand the struggle professional female athletes had to endure, but also learn about the tools, leverage, allyship, and resources needed to move the needle to more equity, presence in an already competitive sports market, and momentum to ensure continued growth.

Curricular Focus: Athletics  •  Labor Relations  •  Business & Marketing •  Social Justice & Politics  •  Media Studies  •  History

Locations: The Hun School, Washington, DC and/or Connecticut

NextTerm Domestic Travel

Five to six nights of travel within the United States; Additional cost to families

Into the Open Spaces: America’s National Park Experience

Essential Question: How and why are National Parks essential to the American experience and what role do we play in their stewardship and legacy? 

What will students do in this course? Using America’s National Parks as their classroom, students will immerse themselves in the outdoor education experience, serve the Parks in a meaningful way, and develop a better appreciation for the legacy and future stewardship of these national treasures. Students will travel to Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado; visit ancient ruins; hike to mountain meadows, waterfalls, and canyons; measure scientific activity at geysers; study endangered wolves; and live together in a rustic lodge on the edge of a river. Ultimately, the visit to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Arches, Mesa Verde, and Canyonlands National Parks will help inspire a sense of responsibility for our collective ownership of these protected lands.

What will students learn in this course? Students will come to understand how history, literature, conservation biology and ecology, climate science and geology, economics, and Native American culture come together as an essential part of the human experience to inspire and sustain us because, as naturalist John Muir once observed, “...when one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world...” Students will practice collaborative and creative critical thinking skills as we design a National Park Visitor Center exhibit that shares the science, history, and outdoor experience of these special places.

Participants must have an overall moderate fitness level, willingness to reside in rustic accommodations and communal living spaces with no air conditioning, and an interest in and ability to participate in long hikes.

Curricular Focus: History  •  Outdoor Education  •  Conservation Biology and Ecology 

Locations: The Hun School and National Parks

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Transcend & Transform: a Way of Life

Essential Question: How did Henry David Thoreau and the transcendental movement transform America, our understanding of the natural world, and our place in it? And how can we train our minds to make intentional contact with the world around us?

What will students do during this course? Students will follow in the literary footsteps of Henry David Thoreau on a trip to the Maine woods, where Thoreau discovered the depths of untouched wilderness. They will kayak in lakes, walk forest paths, hike mountains, search for moose, and attempt to recreate the experiences that inspired Thoreau to write some of the most transformative and important literature of the 19th century. You will end your journey in historical Concord, Massachusetts, where we will explore Walden Pond, visit the original site of his cabin, and tour homes from the mid-19th century. 

What will students learn in this course? Students will spend time reading Thoreau’s works, journaling, listening to the sounds of nature, and attuning yourself to the rhythms of the natural world. By disconnecting with the technological world through intentional outdoor experiences, students will put Thoreau’s words into practice and learn to live deliberately, in contact with the natural world.

Participants must have an overall moderate fitness level, willingness to reside in rustic accommodations, an ability to withstand limited access to personal devices, and an interest in and ability to participate in long hikes.  

Curricular Focus: Natural history  •  Literature  •  History  •  Outdoor education

Locations: The Hun School and Maine

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The Nashville narrative: American Stories Told through song

Essential Question: How does storytelling through the art of music shape our understanding of the world around us and evoke our emotions? What is the lasting impact of iconic American songs on contemporary music and culture, and how do these songs continue to shape our understanding of American identity?

What will students do in this course? Through a blend of listening, analysis, and creative projects, we will answer essential questions that delve into the relationship between storytelling and music. By analyzing lyrics and melodies, students will uncover themes that resonate with societal issues, personal experiences, and cultural identity. In the Athens of the South, students will gain insight into the creative and entrepreneurial processes of Nashville’s artists by meeting with concert staff, experiencing musical performances, and consulting museum curators to better understand how narrative and lyrics are translated into contemporary music and popular culture. Through collaborative projects and discussions, they will create their own musical stories, fostering a personal connection to the material and the wider world.

What will students learn in this course? Students will experience the capital where American music was built as well as its lasting impact on contemporary music and culture. Students will investigate how storytelling in songs shapes our understanding of the world and evokes emotions. Students will explore how these songs from different genres convey stories that shape American identity, discussing their relevance in today’s societal landscape. By the end of the course, students will develop a deeper appreciation for how music serves as a powerful medium for storytelling, connecting them to historical and contemporary narratives that define American culture.

Curricular Focus: History  •  Writing  •  Performing Arts 

Locations: The Hun School and Nashville, TN

NextTerm International Travel

Five to seven nights of international travel; Additional cost to families. Please note: A visa may be required for students who do not hold a U.S. passport. Students should begin the visa process as soon as placement is finalized.

trouble in ireland: a study of conflict and reconciliation

Essential Question: How can a comprehensive understanding of “The Troubles” in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland foster a deeper appreciation for the complexities of historical conflicts and the importance of peace and reconciliation efforts around the world?

What will students do in this course? Beginning in Dublin, students will explore the nuance of Irish national identity, a necessary first step in understanding the historical context of The Troubles. In Northern Ireland, students will investigate firsthand the full extent of the conflict’s legacy by visiting the Belfast “peace lines” that divide neighborhoods by religion and national allegiance. They will witness artistic expressions of resistance and peace that line the walls and buildings of Belfast and Londonderry. They will also experience the jails that confined the conflict’s most strident reactionaries. To immerse themselves in Irish culture, students will tour Ireland’s national stadium, Croke Park, visit Giant’s Causeway and be exposed to authentic Irish cuisine and music. Along the way, students will engage with locals and experts to better understand how The Troubles affected Irish communities then and now.  

What will students learn in this course? Students will learn about the 25-year ordeal known as The Troubles, characterized by a call for a unified Irish nation on one hand and a fierce loyalty to the British crown on the other. The religious divide between the predominantly Protestant loyalists and Catholic nationalists escalated political tensions. Students will witness firsthand the intricacies of conflict mediation and gain an understanding of the sacrifices inherent to compromise. They will perform a critical analysis of the legacy of the conflict and remediation efforts evident in modern Ireland and make connections to current global conflicts.

Curricular Focus: History  •  Sociology  •  Conflict Resolution •  Social Activism • Art

Locations: The Hun School and Ireland

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certified by nature: equality, conservation, and ethical tourism in the azores

Essential Question: How can we protect marine ecosystems while balancing the benefits and challenges of tourism and conservation efforts? 

What will students do in this course? Students will be immersed in the diverse and vibrant marine ecosystems of the Azores, encountering marine mammals such as dolphins and whales. Through activities like, marine life observation, data collection sessions, kayaking, and guided coastal hikes, students will actively explore and study this pristine marine environment. Students will explore the hydrothermal features and ancient lakes. They will meet with local experts on conservation and tourism and explore local industries and towns. 

What will students learn in this course? Students will critically examine marine conservation strategies and the ethical implications of tourism. They will learn how to advocate for sustainable ocean stewardship and become equipped to impact marine and coastal environments positively. Additionally, students will develop their understanding of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on Goal 8: sustainable tourism and Goal 14: sustainable use of the ocean. 

Curricular Focus: Marine Biology  •  Ecology  •  Ethics • Conservatism

Locations: The Hun School and Azores, Portugal

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roots, rhythms, and rights: social justice and culture in the dominican republic

Essential Question: How might we explore the historical and social dynamics of the bateyes to understand their impact on immigration, race, and citizenship in the Dominican Republic today? How can cultural heritage and grassroots advocacy empower communities to seek social and economic justice?

What will students do in this course? By collaborating with local organizations, students will explore life in the DR, especially sugar cane workers and their families, gaining as close to a first-hand perspective on the marginalization faced by migrant labor communities as possible. Through discussions and site visits, students will critically examine how policies on immigration, race, and citizenship affect the Haitian-Dominican population, and they will reflect on the role of grassroots advocacy in promoting systemic change. Students will also visit historical sites, participate in cultural activities and classes, attend workshops on immigration policy and human rights, and collaborate on creating awareness about the issues they encounter.

What will students learn in this course? Students will learn about the history and evolution of the bateyes, the struggles faced by residents, and the community's ongoing fight for social and economic equity: particularly around current issues surrounding immigration, race, and citizenship. They will explore Dominican cultural heritage and examine how food, music, and storytelling preserve traditions, both in the Dominican Republic and among Dominican communities in the U.S.  Students will learn about the impact of Dominican music, like bachata and merengue, and how these have influenced modern fusion genres seen in artists such as Aventura and Cardi B.

Curricular Focus: Cultural Studies •  Social Justice  •  Community Development • History & Sociology • Music 

Locations: The Hun School, Dominican Republic

Spanish language proficiency is not required.

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Walls and Bridges: Understanding Berlin’s Legacy and Resilience through Technology

Essential Question: How might we foster a culture of innovation that supports local and global communities? How do design, technology, art, and urban renewal intersect to create hubs for creativity and innovation?

What will students do in this course? During our time in Berlin, students will explore significant historical sites, participate in community-focused projects, connect with start-ups and incubators, and engage with local artists, allowing them to see Berlin through diverse lenses.

Activities include visiting museums, meeting with design exports, touring innovation hubs, developing their own prototypes, exploring creative neighborhoods and creating their own graffiti art.  Through a hands-on approach, students will not only learn about Berlin’s past but also witness how the city is innovating toward a more vibrant present and future. Finally, we will try to find inspiration in Berlin to begin designing our own solutions to the complex problems facing our communities.

What will students learn in this course? Students participating in this course will start by developing a foundational understanding of Berlin's complex historical and cultural landscape, particularly the impact of the Berlin Wall, communism, and WWII. Students will then expand their understanding of a post-divided city through the lens of innovators, designers, and artists. We will learn how an innovative urban culture can approach collective problems in imaginative ways. By meeting with and learning from practitioners in diverse areas ranging from urban sustainability to human rights activism, we will identify strategies in order to meet our collective challenges. We will also explore neighborhoods, community spaces, and buildings that have been reimagined as hubs for innovation, design, and advancement. 

Curricular Focus: Social Entrepreneurship •  History  •  Urban Development •  Sustainability •  Design •  Engineering

Locations: The Hun School and Berlin, Germany

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