Similar to college study abroad programs, students leave their home schools behind to attend a semester school, returning home with academic credit, out-of-classroom experiences, and a whole new worldview. The eight schools represented in the network have enrolled thousands of students from hundreds of high schools across the U.S. and world. Choose from semester schools located in big cities, small towns, mountains, forests, coasts and more.
Interested in hearing from the schools?
We’re excited to connect with prospective students and families! You can access a recording of our Fall 2025 webinar via the “Virtual Info Sessions” tab. Ready to connect directly with schools? Once you submit an info request, you’ll get a message from each school you’re interested in!
Why study at a Semester School?
- Learn and develop outside of a traditional classrooms setting
- Benefit from a unique curriculum tailored to your school’s setting
- Stand out when applying to college
- Build leadership, self-confidence & communication skills
- Make friends from all over the world
- See a new part of the world
The Schools
High Mountain Institute
Leadville, Colorado
The Mountain School
Vershire, Vermont
The Outdoor Academy
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
Alzar School
Chile & Idaho
The School for Ethics and Global Leadership
Johannesburg, London, and Washington, DC
Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki
Wiscasset, Maine
