What is Discover Term’s learning philosophy and educational model?

Discover Term focuses on three primary areas of mastery (self/physical/academic) – that path is built with new habits of health (both physical and mental), learning new ways of self-direction, time-management, project execution, leveraging adaptive learning platforms, and gaining new leadership skills. In order to begin a journey of mastery in these areas each Discover Term cohort uses adaptive learning platforms, physical training, and cross-discipline projects. 

Discover Term has developed its own curriculum that’s based on Socratic-style learning. We include core skill educational tools like Khan Academy, Lexia, and No Red Ink, as well as our own project-based learning experiences that we’ve developed.

Students have time in their schedule when they can continue their self-paced foreign language coursework they have brought from their school back home. Neither Surf Term nor Powder Term offers its own foreign language coursework.

Do I need approval from my current school to attend?

You need approval from your current school if you’re planning on your child returning to their current school for the remainder of that semester, at the conclusion of a term. You may also want to get approval from your school to confirm that they will allow your child to advance to the following grade level upon returning if they don’t go back to attend school for the remainder of the year. 

Does Discover Term offer academic credit?

No, Discover Term does not offer direct academic credit as the program is not officially accredited by any organization. However, some schools will accept coursework for school credit if presented with our course descriptions and Program Guide. We recommend if course credit is needed to request pre-approval from your school before attending. 

Are cell phones and other devices allowed?

No, cell phones and other devices are not allowed. If a student is found to have and be using a cell phone they will be sent home. Students are able to send and receive letters throughout each term, and students may call home on the 2nd and 4th Sunday during their stay.

Who are the staff members?

Each term will be administered, on-site, by a full-time staff that will include a program director, Socratic guides, counselors, a chef, and professional ski instructors. Jamie, Garrett, and Justin will all be cycling through the term in successive two and three-week periods.

Do I need any ski experience or physical readiness to attend Powder Term? 

No, you do not need any ski experience. Yes, you should be physically fit to spend a few hours each day skiing. In order to come prepared, the child should be spending at least 30 minutes per day in rigorous activity, for a month leading up to Powder Term. Some activities could include skiing, basketball, soccer, swimming, running, etc.

Powder Term participants must come with their own jacket, snow pants, hat, goggles, gloves, socks, long underwear, neck warmer, etc. Powder Term will provide skis, boots, poles, and helmets.

Do I need any surf experience or physical readiness to attend Surf Term? 

No, you do not need any surf experience. Yes, you should be physically fit to spend a few hours each day surfing. In order to come prepared, the child should be spending at least 30 minutes per day in rigorous activity, for a month leading up to Surf Term. 

Surf Term participants must come with their own swim gear and ocean apparel that is detailed in the student packing list they receive before attending. Surf Term will provide access to an appropriately sized surfboard.