Independent Senior Project

Every senior undertakes a project of his own devising, beginning in May for five weeks, in place of his regular academic courses. Successful completion of an Independent Senior Project (ISP) is a graduation requirement.

At the start of the spring term, each senior boy proposes a project, secures the cooperation of an off-campus advisor at the place his project will occur, and develops a schedule of at least 30 hours per week specifying his detailed work plan.

Every senior undertakes a project of his own devising in place of his regular academic courses.

Small faculty committees review the project’s feasibility and merits and approve each plan. The ISP director and a faculty advisor of the boy’s own choosing work closely with him during this phase. Fundamental to this process is the expectation that the boy plan a project of merit and interest.

In general, projects tend to fall into five broad categories:

• volunteer work for school or community social service programs;
• medical or scientific research;
• business or political internships;
• academic or creative independent study or enterprises; and
• apprenticeships with theater or arts groups.

A 25-minute oral presentation of his experiences is made to a small audience of students and faculty. Finally, the ISP director, in consultation with the on-campus faculty advisor, evaluates each project.

Academic Catalogue

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