LEAP Live. Experience. Advance. Prepare.
LEAP is a program that prioritizes learning in the concrete and physical world of action as a complement to learning in the vicarious and conceptual world of most classrooms. Students are encouraged to step beyond customary learning situations and begin a lifelong process of challenging the self to exceed comfortable boundaries. The program takes students out of the classroom and into broader areas of hands-on exploration, in the company of teachers who model the excitement and joy of lifelong learning. This side-by-side experience stimulates deeper teacher/ student relationships that are subsequently transferred back into daily campus life. Course offerings typically focus on specialized skills, the arts, community service, scientific field studies, cultural immersion experiences, or outdoor challenges.
Students can take on the LEAP Challenge through a variety of offerings scheduled throughout the school year, including Fall, Winter, and Spring activities on both weekends and weekdays, as well as 3-day, 7-day, and 10-day experiences. Details about each opportunity can be found throughout this catalog.
LEAP: Weekend and Weekday Explorations
Small Adventures, Lasting Impact
Required for: All new students (9-PG) + All Members Class of 2028 = 1 Experience per trimester
**Add Accountability for all LEAP programs - Failure to attend one or more of the registered Experiential Learning programs may result in additional academic work, financial responsibility for future activities and/or disciplinary action.
The Weekend and Weekday Explorations program offers experiences designed to enrich student learning beyond the traditional classroom. These experiences aim to foster curiosity, encourage lifelong learning, and promote social-emotional growth by immersing students in hands-on, real-world activities. Whether through an off-campus weekend adventure or a focused weekday workshop, LEAP opportunities help students develop practical life skills, strengthen cultural awareness, and build meaningful connections with peers and faculty. Weekend experiences are typically more immersive, offering extended time for exploration, community-building, and personal growth, while weekday experiences provide
accessible, engaging activities that complement academic learning and offer students a creative or reflective break during the school week.
Examples of Fall, Winter, Spring Weekend (1 or more per weekend):
Pie making, pumpkin carving, mindfulness retreat, hiking, pottery painting, ice skating, sledding, decorating sugar skulls, christmas cookie decorating, museum trips, Lunar New Year celebrations, making handmade soap, local sporting events, campus clean up, mental health awareness walk, making care packages, indoor rock climbing, cultural movie nights, local museum visits,
Examples of Fall, Winter, Spring On-Campus Weekday (1 each weekend, and 1 per weekday):
Open Campus Art Studio, Wellness Therapy, Baking, star gazing, academic and skill building workshops (college essay, financial planning, study skills and assessment prep.)
Cost: Most trips will incur little to no cost. Some additional cost may be incurred by families for more extensive experiences - i.e. overnight ski trip, bruins game, etcetera.
LEAP: Discovery Days
Engage, Explore, Discover
3-Day Experience
Required for all current students
LEAP: Discovery Days are a mini-term course requirement in October, during which groups of students and faculty explore a specific topic, project, or adventure. Curricula are designed around the existing interests of school community members and may also involve off-campus instructors with relevant expertise. Since each group focuses on a single goal or endeavor, LEAP also imparts lessons about group membership and the advantages and responsibilities of interdependence. This program is at the additional cost of each family and ranges from no cost to $700.
LEAP: Global
New Ideas, New Friends, New Experiences
5-Day Travel Experience
Optional for all students
The 5-Day Travel Experiences are an optional opportunity to venture beyond New England during our school Thanksgiving, Christmas, and/or March breaks. They are typically structured as a 5-day experience (though the exact duration varies from 4 to 6 days). These experiential learning opportunities are centered around fun and team building. Students step out of their usual routine and comfort zones, build independence, and strengthen peer bonds in an enjoyable, relaxed setting. By navigating logistics, engaging in problemsolving, and sharing casual reflections, students develop both self-awareness and group insight. The unstructured time additionally boosts confidence in real-world settings. Participants return with valuable insights into group dynamics, lasting memories, and a stronger sense of connection to their peers. This program is at the additional cost of each family.
2025 Offering:
Thanksgiving Break - Universal Studios Orlando (Florida)
Future Proposals:
Disney World (Florida)
Disneyland (California)
US National Parks (Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Sequoia)
10-Day Travel Experience
Optional for all students
The 10-Day Experiences are an optional opportunity to travel within the United States and Globally. Every year, current Marianapolis students have the ability to take their education abroad during Spring Break. This Marianapolis Program builds students' character through enriching educational tours that promote cultural discovery and foster responsible global citizenship. These tours challenge students to build independence and develop intercultural competence as they engage with distinct cultures from around the world, encouraging students to critically think about their own experiences and compassionately consider the experiences of others. This program is at the additional cost of each family.
Past Trips…
2026 Trips: France, Puerto Rico
2027: Spain
Wilderness Aware - Whitewater Rafting
LEAP: Discovery Days
NESS Stonington Field Expedition
SPECIALIZED SKILL | PERSONAL CHALLENGE
The mission of the New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) is to empower students with a love of learning through ocean-based experiential programs. NESS is the first and only program of its kind to be accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Their goal is to advance academic opportunities for all students, through unique educational models that empower students with leadership, teamwork, confidence, and problem-solving skills. Their STEM-based curriculum uses marine science, sailing, powerboating, and adventure sports as learning platforms. Students enrolled in this course will be engaged in the following four opportunities.
Sonar Sailing: Climb aboard a Sonar keelboat and identify the simple machines and technology of a sailboat. Work as a team to steer the boat, trim the sails and navigate the waters of Stonington Harbor with a knowledgeable and safe sailing captain.
ROV and Tidepool: Explore the deep as you work as a team to draft, design, and engineer an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). Test your ROV in a “simulation tank” and its ability to operate with the challenges of buoyancy, pressure,
NESS Stonington Field Expedition
SPECIALIZED SKILL | PERSONAL CHALLENGE
and hydrodynamic shapes and sizes. Then rise to the surface and discover the amazing life in the ocean’s tide pools and the crowded animal communities living right around rocky shorelines and our docks. Peer into tide pools while learning about crabs, snails, algae and more. Things cling, stick and slide in these rocky habitats.
Kayaking and Plankton: Get a taste of kayaking in this adventurous program. Learn the basics of how to hold a paddle, how to steer, and how the wind and the waves can affect movement of the boat. Practice paddling within the safety of Stonington Harbor as you explore the watershed. Then collect samples and check out planktonic life found locally using microscopes and find out how they provide the basis of the food web to our oceans. Identify why these creatures are so important to all life on Earth.
Fishing on NESSie and Fish Dissection: Climb aboard a powerboat with an experienced captain and go fishing! Experiment with different types of rods, reels, and lures as you learn the techniques to bring in the catch of the day. Observe local species to learn about external anatomy and the adaptations fish use to best survive in their environment. Dissect a fish to explore the internal functions that aid in survival. Note: dissected organisms are returned to the energy cycle.
Cost: $550
Everybody's a Critic
THE ARTS | SPECIALIZED SKILL
Students learn the basics of film technique and analysis, pairing a developing understanding of sound design, mise-en-scene, and cinematography with existing knowledge of close textual analysis. They then watch a trio of films together, with each student writing a critical review (article) of each. Students then come together as a panel to decide upon the most fitting original "awards" to bestow upon each film.
Anticipated Cost: $25-30
Marine Science and Conservation
SPECIALIZED SKILL | FIELD STUDY
Get up close with African penguins, beluga whales, harbor seals and more. In addition to providing hands-on learning of materials taught in class, this experiential learning course is designed to continue the development of skills in scientific inquiry, laboratory, and field techniques. This is an ideal class for anyone interested in getting immersed in careers focused on marine biology and environmental conservation.
Anticipated Cost: $590-600
Marine Animal Health & Veterinary Science
SPECIALIZED SKILL | FIELD STUDY
This program will immerse participants in the marine world to learn how Mystic Aquarium staff care for thousands of animals each day. Throughout this program students will be interacting with aquarium animals, aquarium research scientists, veterinarians, animal trainers and animal rescue professionals to understand the science behind their work.
Anticipated Cost: $590-600
Woodworking SPECIALIZED
SKILL | PERSONAL CHALLENGE
Join local woodworker Tim Rainville in his shop, The Looking Glass, in Woodstock, CT. Tim handcrafts custom furniture with painstaking attention to detail, using beautifully figured hardwoods. As a one-person shop, Tim develops designs with clients and builds pieces from start to finish. In addition to woodworking, learn about shop safety and electricity. By the end of the week, you will even have created your own lamp!
Anticipated Cost: $480-550
Early Childhood Education Assistant
COMMUNITY SERVICE | SPECIALIZED SKILL
Do you like working with children? Do you see a future in early childhood education? Would you like to spend the week volunteering at one of our local Elementary Schools? Volunteering presents a tangible way for you to make a positive impact in their community and help the school realize their mission. You will work one-onone with the teachers and will assist in a variety of ways, as a tutor, reading mentor, classroom or library assistant, monitoring the playground or lunchroom, sharing your area of expertise or fun experiences. Interacting, playing, and engaging with the children, participation in classroom activities, will be a rewarding experience for you and will be an exciting experience for the children - all while helping our fellow educators.
Anticipated Cost: $30 (transportation to and from school)
Art & Nature Wellness
THE ARTS | SPECIALIZED SKILL | CULTURAL AWARENESS
Nature offers us a sanctuary, a place where we can find peace, wonder, and inspiration, while the arts teach us that there are multiple ways to see the world and express ourselves. Spend your week exploring the gardens and grounds of New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill and connect with nature through various art mediums. Learn how horticulturists use color, shape, and form to design our garden spaces and practice basic watercolor techniques in the gardens, explore natural dyes and create your own eco prints, get introduced to the basics of plant care and create a kokedama display and miniature terrarium to bring the benefits of plants indoors, and end your week by connecting with nature through observation, journaling, and yoga in the garden. All classes are taught at an introductory level, no previous art, science, or horticulture background necessary!
Anticipated Cost: $390-425
Training & Certification
SPECIALIZED SKILL
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid (FA), and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) courses are designed to equip individuals with essential lifesaving skills in emergency situations. This course is specifically focused on providing the students with the knowledge and skills to effectively respond and provide aid to individuals in physical need. CPR is a crucial skill aimed at preserving or restoring a person's breathing and circulation in cases of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. The FA portion of this course will teach participants how to provide immediate care to an injured or ill person. This portion will cover: Injury Assessment, Basic Wound Care, Burn Treatment, Fracture and Sprain Management, and additional medical emergencies like allergic reactions, choking, and seizures. Training in the use of AEDs is often included in any CPR courses, providing individuals with the knowledge and confidence to effectively use this life-saving device in emergency situations. An AED is a portable electronic device designed to automatically diagnose and treat lifethreatening cardiac arrhythmias, specifically ventricular fibrillation. It delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm.
Do not be intimidated by the medical language. Taught by Mr. Thomas Halley, MS, ATC, an Athletic Trainer and Certified Instructor, this course will empower its
Training & Certification
SPECIALIZED SKILL
participants to confidently respond to those in need and is for anyone who would like to be better equipped to support the injured individual until medical professionals arrive at the scene or the patient can be safely transported for assessment by a medical professional. This course is designed for the high-school students, is user-friendly, and focuses on providing practical skills that can make a significant difference in saving lives. Whether you be a future life guard, camp counselor, or helpful citizen, this course is for you.
Anticipated Cost: $100-150
The Art of Animation
THE ARTS | SPECIALIZED SKILL
Animated films are a wonderful way to tell a story to an audience through expressive animation and magical visual effects. This LEAP course is for students interested in learning about art and the ways animated films can tell a story. Animated films have emotional depth with relatable topics. Animated films have just as much cinematography, heart, and emotion if not more than any other films. In this LEAP course you will have the opportunity to study animation from different genres and through the work of different studios (Disney, Dreamworks, Ghibli etc). Students will learn how to tell a story themselves and will take part in storyboarding an animation short of their very own. This course will highlight the importance of animated movies and the impact they can have on people of all ages.
Anticipated Cost: $50
Can You Escape?
THE ARTS | SPECIALIZED SKILL | PERSONAL CHALLENGE
Get ready for an exciting challenge that combines creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork! An escape room experience is an immersive, interactive adventure that challenges participants to work together to solve puzzles, uncover hidden clues, and complete a series of tasks within a set time limit. As a team, you will be "locked" in a themed room, often with a storyline or mystery to unravel, and will be challenged to use their problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills to escape before time runs out. The goal is to foster a fun and engaging atmosphere where creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration are key to success. Whether navigating a haunted house, solving a heist, or escaping a time machine, each experience offers a unique, thrilling challenge that brings people together to test their wits and enjoy the thrill of victory or the suspense of defeat. Students participating in this LEAP experience will travel daily to a variety of Escape experiences, two or three rooms a day, possibly 5 rooms over the course of three days. Be prepared to think outside the box and possibly design your own escape room back on campus.
Anticipated Cost: $275
Through the Lens: Capturing the Spirit of New England
SPECIALIZED SKILL
This course offers an immersive exploration of New England's diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture through the lens of photography. Students will learn how to capture the essence of this captivating region, from the rugged coastlines to the charming small towns, the bustling streets and the serene beauty of the New England landscape. Through a combination of field trips, guided photo walks, and technical instruction, participants will develop their photographic skills while discovering the unique sights, colors, and stories that define New England. The course will cover essential photography techniques, such as composition, lighting, and framing, while encouraging creative expression and storytelling through images. Students will also explore the historical and cultural significance of their subjects, learning how to convey a sense of place in their work. By the end of the course, participants will have a portfolio of photographs that reflect their personal journey through New England. Your own digital camera, not a phone, is required for this course.
Anticipated cost: $125
Culinary Creations: Mastering the Art of Cooking
SPECIALIZED SKILL
Whether you are a beginner eager to learn the basics or an experienced home cook looking to refine your skills, this hands-on cooking class will help you become more confident in the kitchen. In this course, you will explore a variety of cooking techniques, from knife skills and meal prep to creating flavorful dishes from scratch. Our expert chefs will guide you through each step of the cooking process, offering tips on ingredient selection, cooking methods, and presentation.
Throughout the course, you'll learn how to prepare three distinct dishes, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients. By the end of the class, you will not only know how to cook with precision and creativity but also have the knowledge to recreate the dishes at home for your friends and family.
Anticipated Cost: $175
Discover New England: A Historical Journey through Time
FIELD STUDY | CULTURAL IMMERSION
Step back in time and explore the rich, captivating history of New England, a region known for its pivotal role in America's past. This immersive history tour will guide you through the iconic landmarks, charming towns, and historical sites that shaped the early American experience. From colonial settlements and revolutionary battlefields to maritime heritage and cultural landmarks, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the region’s diverse and transformative history.
Each stop on the tour will provide insight into the stories of Native American heritage, the Revolutionary War, the rise of industry, and the cultural evolution of New England over centuries. We will travel to a handful of New England's most historic sites in Boston, Concord, Salem, Lowell, Mystic, New Bedford, and Plymouth.
Anticipated Cost: $100-$150
Athletics over Time
FIELD STUDY
This immersive course explores the rich history of athletics through in-depth visits to a variety of Hall of Fame locations. Students will embark on a historical journey, discovering the evolution of athletic achievement, iconic figures, and transformative moments that have shaped the world of sports. Through on-site visits, guided tours, and interactive discussions, students will gain a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and technological influences that have impacted athletics over the years.
Over this three day time period, key sites visited may include the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and the International Volleyball Hall of Fame. At each location, students will examine the legacies of pioneering athletes, coaches, and teams, gaining insights into their achievements and contributions to the development of their respective sports.Through a combination of field trips, readings, and discussions, students will critically analyze the role of sports in society, the changing dynamics of athletic performance, and the cultural impact of Hall of Fame legends.
By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the historical significance of athletics, enhanced by a personal connection to the physical spaces that celebrate these achievements. This unique learning experience will
Athletics over Time
FIELD STUDY
provide both historical context and contemporary relevance to the world of athletics and sports culture.
Anticipated Cost: $200-$250
Lights, Camera, History: Exploring the Past Through Film
THE ARTS
Film is one of the most powerful storytelling tools of the modern era. It allows audiences to emotionally connect with characters, immerse themselves in different time periods, and gain insight into historical events, cultures, and figures. In Lights, Camera, History, we’ll explore how filmmakers represent the past—both real and imagined—on screen.
While historical films often dramatize or fictionalize elements of actual events, they also serve as a lens through which we can understand major moments in history, cultural values, and shifting national identities. From political revolutions and scientific breakthroughs to social movements and tragic disasters, historical films help us make sense of the people and stories that have shaped the world.
We’ll study a diverse selection of films—such as The Last of the Mohicans, Lincoln, Apollo 13, Everest and Titanic—and examine the historical context behind each story, the creative choices made by filmmakers, and the messages conveyed through character, setting, and narrative. Along the way, we’ll ask: How do these films balance fact and fiction? What perspectives do they highlight—or leave out? And how do they influence our collective memory of the past?
As a LEAP course, this class combines critical analysis with creative engagement. It will culminate in a hands-on project that highlights the power of historical film to shape our understanding of storytelling, historical interpretation, and the human experience.
Anticipated Cost: $15
Weather & Storms
FIELD STUDY
It has been said that "if you don't like the weather in New England, just wait 5 minutes!" Our weather is constantly changing, and with the added stress of a changing climate, storms will become more extreme in nature. This LEAP week course will study the factors which create weather and specifically the causes of severe storms. Along the way, we will examine two of the very worst weather related disasters to ever affect New England: the 1938 Hurricane and the 1953 Worcester Tornado. We will visit the Blue Hill Observatory and see a working weather station which has recorded over 140 years of weather data. Ever want to go out and chase tornadoes? We will virtually ride along with some extreme meteorologists as they try to uncover the mysteries that surround Nature's storms.
Anticipated Cost: $45-50
Nature Speaks THE ARTS
This LEAP course immerses students in hands-on experiences that celebrate and explore the natural world of New England. Partnering with Sage’s Garden Center and Candle Light Farms, students will engage in creative, environmentally focused projects such as making herb jars, seed bombs, bird feeders, and nature journals, as well as outdoor activities like nature walks, local hikes, and fire building. Through both individual projects and team-based challenges, participants will learn about local ecosystems, practice sustainable living skills, and develop a deeper appreciation for the environment while working together, problem-solving, and enjoying time in the fresh air.
Anticipated Cost: $85-100
The Try Squad
PERSONAL CHALLENGE | SPECIALIZED SKILL
The Try Squad invites students to embrace adventure and step outside their comfort zones by exploring a variety of unique sports and activities they might not typically have the chance to experience. Each day will bring a new challenge, with possibilities such as rock climbing, cornhole, disc golf, axe throwing, rowing, pickleball, archery, fencing, indoor skydiving, or fishing. Students will have the opportunity to learn the basics of each activity, sometimes through specialized group instruction, while working together and encouraging one another to succeed. Along the way, they will build valuable skills such as teamwork, patience, problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. This experience is designed to inspire personal growth and curiosity, helping students discover new interests, strengthen their abilities, and create lasting memories through active and engaging adventures.
Anticipated Cost: $175
Taste & Tell SPECIALIZED SKILL |
CULTURAL AWARENESS
Taste and Tell offers students an exciting opportunity to explore the world through food while stepping outside their comfort zones. Each day, participants will visit a different cultural restaurant, sampling authentic dishes and learning about the traditions, ingredients, and stories that shape each cuisine. Possible stops could include restaurants featuring Korean, Brazilian, Mexican, Thai, African, Vietnamese, Italian, Indian, Middle Eastern, Japanese, French, or Caribbean fare, giving students a taste of the wide variety of flavors and styles found around the globe. In addition to tasting and learning, participants will gain practical skills in food reviewing and vlogging, exploring how to capture their experiences through engaging storytelling, thoughtful critiques, and creative video production. This course blends cultural exploration with hands-on media creation, offering students the chance to discover new flavors, broaden their perspectives, and celebrate the universal connections food can inspire.
Anticipated Cost: $175
Kayaking & Camping with Sherlock Holmes
PERSONAL CHALLENGE
The Connecticut River runs from Canada to the Long Island sound. At the southern end of the river is a beautiful area with amazing landscapes, plentiful wildlife, and impressive historical landmarks. Our trip will involve launching kayaks next to a historic ferry site, traveling down the river to Selden State park (which is only accessible by boat) where we will have dinner and spend the night under the stars. The following day after breakfast and breaking camp, we will kayak back up the river to Gillette Castle State park where we will visit “Sherlock Holmes” house. This trip will involve many things like hiking, sleeping on the ground, eating smores, carrying boats and equipment, quietly observing nature, and making memories that will last for months and years to come.
Anticipated Cost: $125
Independent Study
Do you have the passion and dedication to develop your own LEAP experience? Speak with Mrs. Tata to share your Independent Study Proposal prior to the closing of the registration period. All proposals will require formal submission and approval.
Cost: Individual incurs all costs and provides all arrangements