About | Semester Schools Network

About

The Semester Schools Network is a group of schools offering semester-long educational opportunities for high school students. Students leave their sending schools for one semester to attend our schools; they return with one full semester of academic credit, as well as a wealth of knowledge and new experiences to bring back to their sending schools. Our programs deliver powerful outcomes for students—from challenging them academically, to expanding their views of the world, to helping them understand themselves as learners, to teaching them the value of participation in a small community. We have enrolled students from hundreds of high schools all over the United States and the world. We believe that a semester away can be an outstanding complement to the college preparatory education offered by independent and public high schools.

Testimonials

See what educators, parents and students are saying about the Semester Schools Network.

Educator

I frequently recommend semester schools to students and parents so that students can enjoy their immense benefits, including the opportunity to pursue a passion; the experience of living away from home in a different setting and part of the world with a new set of friends; the excitement of learning by doing rather than just learning by listening; and the opportunity to paint on a larger canvas with new paints.

Pat Bassett
President Emeritus, National Association of Independent Schools

Student

I came to Alzar not knowing exactly what I wanted to get out of it other than a change in my life and a change of pace, but what I got was so much more. I got my best friends, amazing experiences, adventure and learning that broke the mold of a traditional high school.

Martine Gulliver
Alzar School

Parent

This semester-long experience has impacted Isabella’s ‘being’ almost as much as our parenting of her over the last 17 years. Thank you HMI for providing this independent, safe and transformative experience where she found her own beliefs and ideals, life long friends and probably most importantly, her voice.

Michele Whelan
High Mountain Institute

Educator

For one short semester in Vershire, Vermont, work, scholarship, play and social time become indistinguishable for Mountain School students. Following their shared four month experience, alumni have the capacity to create ripple effects far beyond the little town in Vermont: they become bridge builders, community activists, idealists, and devout caretakers of their surroundings. They develop high standards for their relationships, turn important ideas into convictions and habits, think alternatively about life paths and the impact their actions can have on their community and environment. The Mountain School is so much more than a unique semester learning about sustainability in a residential, 24/7 environment. It is a grounding space and launching pad for young people who are enhancing their potential to make life-long constructive difference. There are few places that can do it better.

Katie Fretwell
Former Dean of Admission and Financial Aid at Amherst College

Student

Alzar School completely changed my life. I came into the semester so insecure and worried about the months I would spend away from my family. Quickly, I realized that at Alzar School I felt home with the people I was around. I became so self assured and confident with who I am that I was overcome with happiness and love for nature and all my friends which I had the privilege of meeting. I learned how to live in the moment – and with that, why it is so crucial to enjoy life and be present. Alzar School brought so much light into my life and I want to share this with the world.

Julia Neumann
Alzar School

Student

I developed a stronger desire to learn and was reminded to stay curious because I was physically in the field, actively observing what we were discussing. For example, in my coral research class, I didn’t just learn about coral reefs from slideshows; I got to explore an entire underwater world firsthand. Being able to see the reefs with my own eyes, observe marine life up close, and collect data in real time made the learning experience so much more meaningful.

Journey Higgs
The Island School

Student

The Island School showed me that leadership means serving others and the planet. My biggest takeaway is that small changes—like conserving energy or helping a teammate—can create a big impact. It made me more confident in my ability to make a difference.

Khalid Jama
The Island School

Parent

The results were profound. Since returning, we have witnessed…[our daughter’s] ability to engage in meaningful and mature conversation. The confidence and self-reliance she gained at the Alzar School have manifested themselves as she takes on significant leadership positions in her senior year of high school.

Tucker
Alzar School

Educator & Parent

My biggest takeaway is the profound connection between purpose and place. The Island School doesn’t just teach about the environment; it teaches through the environment. This has inspired me to think more deeply about how I can anchor our own curriculum in the specific context of my school’s community.

Kelly Hilton-Green
Assistant Head of School at The Pine School & The Island School Parent