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NEW for 2026-27!

GATEWAY TERM FOR GRADES 6—12 1

THE PENNINGTON SCHOOL | GATEWAY TERM

At Pennington, we believe that meaningful learning happens when students have the opportunity to discover and pursue their passions, apply what they know, and engage deeply with authentic, real-world experiences. With a faculty eager to design immersive programs rooted in their own expertise, we created a new learning experience unlike any other. We are excited to introduce Gateway Term, launching this spring. From May 17 to June 4, 2027, students will leave behind their typical schedules and immerse themselves in experiences that challenge them academically, personally, and even globally. This third term of the school year will culminate in a celebration week, during which our entire community will gather to showcase and reflect upon the remarkable learning and growth that students have experienced. Each student will be required to meaningfully demonstrate what they have discovered.

Honor • Virtue • Humility

Students at each grade level will engage with the Gateway Term through a program tailored to their stage of academic and personal development. In addition to the Term itself in the spring, the academic year will be punctuated by introductions to each program, helping students to envision the connections between their current coursework, their Gateway experience, and their long-term path through Pennington. At the conclusion of the Term, students will receive feedback on the interdisciplinary skills and dispositions that they demonstrated during Gateway. These assessments of vital habits of mind, body, and spirit—identified by the School in its aspirational Portrait of a Pennington Graduate—will be part of a student’s report card and transcript. Two design principles guide us as we integrate this experiential dimension into the School’s curriculum. Both are crucial to Pennington’s mission of fostering individual excellence in all of its students. First, we will provide avenues for choice and autonomy wherever possible, allowing students to

THE PENNINGTON SCHOOL | GATEWAY TERM

imagine unique possibilities as they forge a path through Pennington. Second, the Gateway Term will help each individual reflect on their growth and learn to communicate this narrative effectively to others. To bring this last principle to life, all Upper School students will be guided by faculty to create a meaningful and personal portfolio that accompanies them throughout their Pennington career, ultimately framing and highlighting their journey as they look toward college and beyond. Gateway Term is more than three weeks on the calendar; it is a multi-year journey of discovery, exploration, and purpose. It reflects Pennington’s commitment to helping students become curious

learners, thoughtful leaders, and confident young adults who are prepared to adapt and to make meaningful contributions in an everchanging world. We look forward to this first year of the program and to further developments down the road. Fees for participation in specific courses are approximate, and will be determined more precisely later in the year, once students have been assigned to each class. Some classes will have requirements such as a valid passport, travel waiver, or other documentation. Courses with travel components will provide guidance about health and safety, packing lists, and other information in the spring.

and in 1969, the three arches were removed to make way for the building of Meckler Library. In the 1980s, the original arches were transformed into outdoor benches and placed on the east side of Meckler Library, near their original location. Today, the benches, restored thanks to a gift from the Class of 2011, create a border on the east walkway leading to Meckler Librar y. In 2014, when Dr. William S. Hawkey became head of School, he restored the Gateways as a senior prize awarded just before Commencement and adopted “Honor, Virtue, Humility” as Pennington’s motto. In 2026, new gateways were erected at the corner of the campus bordering West Delaware Avenue and Burd Street in celebration of Pennington’s long and distinguished history.

THE ORIGIN OF

“GATEWAYS”

AT PENNINGTON In 1922, Dr. Francis Harvey Green created a senior honor society called “The Gateways” when he was head of School. He took the name from three arches at Cambridge University, engraved with the words: “Humility, Virtue, Honor.” In 1939, three brick, concrete, and stone arches were erected in Pennington’s “Gateway Grove,” each spelling out one of the words: “Humility, Virtue, and Honor.” These arches were used for the induction ceremony into “The Gateways” society. In 1941, the Society was disbanded,

THE PENNINGTON SCHOOL | GATEWAY TERM

GATEWAY TERM BY GRADE

Grades 6, 7, and 8: Middle School Maymester We are thrilled to offer a Middle School Maymester as part of the new Gateway Program at Pennington! Our program is designed around 100% student choice and mixed-grade-level collaboration and will involve campus projects, local field trips, and community partnerships. This fall and winter, Middle School faculty will develop a catalog of passion-based, hands-on experiences across a wide range of themes, including: farm-to-table cuisine, filmmaking, STEAM, sports analytics, and more. In March, we will have a special presentation assembly, after which students in Grades 6-8 will apply to courses of interest. We anticipate all of the benefits and opportunities that experiential learning brings: teamwork, leadership development, and real-world problem-solving. Middle School’s Maymester will conclude with a showcase event to celebrate student learning and creative accomplishments with our community, and families will be invited. We’re looking forward to sharing more details in the months ahead! Cost: The cost will vary depending on the course.

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Grade 9: Discover The Grade 9 experience is designed to turn each student’s curiosity into meaningful exploration and possibility, and to strengthen the bonds of community established during their first year in the Upper School. This program will be structured by three modes of engagement which students will rotate through daily. Students will: 1) pursue and extend their learning in an area of interest; 2) strengthen their connections to the people and places around them; and 3) envision where their interests might take them next at Pennington, all while creating a portfolio that documents the work and experiences that have mattered most to them this year.

Extend Learning

Guided by a team of faculty mentors, each student will identify an area of interest from their studies over the year and extend their learning with a project that allows them to dig more deeply into a topic, transfer their learning across disciplines, or put an idea into action.

Imagine:

• After delving into a biology topic of your choice for your semester-long research project, ground your investigations in community. How are people facing or overcoming a challenge you identified? Are there area experts you can interview to learn more? Can you design or adapt a solution for our local environment? • Apply your study of properties of two-dimensional shapes in geometry by discovering and hypothesizing about their appearance in nature, such as the hexagonal honeycomb sections created by bees. Or, combine this knowledge with a new interest in microphotography from your Photo I course to create a multimedia presentation on this phenomenon. • Improve the board game you initially created in World History about systems of trade—or the healthy living app you built in Grade 9 Seminar—by using the design-cycle process, which you hope to learn more about before entering the Applied Science certificate program in your junior year. • Having noticed how slang, memes, music, and social media are changing the way Gen Z communicates, explore how young people

are reshaping language and expressing their cultures and identities in French, Spanish, German, or Chinese. • Inspired by the use of fairy tales and the visual style of the graphic novel The Magic Fish, from your Literary Forms class, write and illustrate an additional chapter of your own creation. As the final piece of this Gateway experience, students will have the opportunity to present what they have worked on in a format appropriate to their project: a gallery walk, a written piece, a talk, a demonstration, or something else.

Connect to the Pennington Community

Building upon the relationships and experiences established during Camp9 in the fall, students will challenge themselves through outdoor adventure, possibly pursue a certification or credential aligned with their interests, and engage with their surroundings, both in and around campus. In doing so, they will be encouraged to diversify their perspective, collaborate in community, and realize that they possess the power to be agents of the positive changes they wish to see in the world.

Envision Future Opportunities

Punctuating the Gateway experience for Grade 9 students will be a series of introductions to future opportunities at Pennington, including: • Global Studies and Applied Science certificate programs • Study abroad and exchange programs • College counseling and preparation • Club and program leadership Students will also begin constructing their personal portfolio, a record that will grow with students over the next three years. It will document their learning, accomplishments, and aspirations, and help them prepare for college by identifying their individual interests and academic passions. This process will begin before the Gateway term, with dedicated time in the final weeks of the academic year to edit and reflect upon their work.

THE PENNINGTON SCHOOL | GATEWAY TERM

GRADES 10 AND 11:

CHOOSE YOUR PATH Sophomores and juniors will learn by doing as they choose from more than twenty immersive programs designed and led by Pennington faculty. Whether exploring law, community service, STEM, visual and performing arts, business, entrepreneurship, or environmental science, students will pursue subjects that inspire them while developing real-world skills and meaningful connections. Many programs will extend beyond campus, offering domestic and global travel opportunities that allow students to engage with communities, cultures, and professionals worldwide. Students will also continue to build their portfolios, which will serve as a lasting record of each student’s experiences, reflections, and accomplishments. By the end of the Grade 11 Gateway Term, these portfolios will be an invaluable resource for students as they prepare college applications and essays the following fall, pursue internships and jobs, apply for scholarships, and develop personal profiles that highlight their unique skills, interests, and documented growth.

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GATEWAY TERM COURSES, GRADES 10 and 11 AI for Good: Tech, Tools, and Teamwork

In this immersive course, students will transform from passive tech users to AI problem-solvers. Functioning as a creative team, they will tackle real challenges using the power of artificial intelligence. Students will go beyond the hype to understand the “how” behind generative AI, neural networks, and LLMs. Then, it’s hands-on: they will master advanced prompt engineering to create stunning visuals, videos, and music. Students will also dive into the cutting edge of AI, using natural language “vibe coding” to build interactive tools and Agentic AI to build autonomous agents. With ethical frameworks and critical thinking at the core, students will discover new abilities and leave with a professional-grade AI skill set and a portfolio-worthy project. Faculty: Ken Coakley and Scott Doughty Cost: No charge

Artistic Alchemy: Glaze Formations and Kiln Atmospheres

Every glaze is a chemical formula. The creative process in ceramics relies on chemical formulations and reactions to achieve desired results. This course will give students the time to delve deeper into ceramics and chemistry by exploring oxidation- and reduction-firing processes. Students will learn about glaze formulation and create their own glazes to test in each process. Both hand-building techniques and pot-throwing will be taught to create test pieces and personal projects. The program includes a field trip to the Takaezu Studio and will culminate in an outdoor Raku (reduction) firing of work. Students of all levels are welcome as long as they possess patience and an appreciation for artistic and scientific processes! Faculty: Dolores Eaton and Tom Horsley Cost: No Charge

THE PENNINGTON SCHOOL | GATEWAY TERM

Crossroads and Cameras: The New Jersey Revolutionary War Project

How can visiting the places where history happened change our understanding of the past? In this immersive Gateway experience, students will explore the people, places, and stories that shaped the American Revolution through visits to historic sites in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Valley Forge, Washington Crossing, Trenton, Morristown, and Princeton. Acting as historians, researchers, and digital storytellers, students will document their experiences with photography, videography, and field notes. During the second week, they will transform their learning into digital travel guides and media projects that connect Revolutionary-era history to modern audiences. Through inquiry, collaboration, and creativity, students will discover why New Jersey truly was the “Crossroads of the Revolution.” Faculty: Jenna Vecchione, Carleigh Alpert, Mark Ross Cost: No Charge

CYO Community Connection

Students will visit local Catholic Youth Organizations in Mercer County to gain experience in how these organizations cultivate leadership, teamwork, and community service. Students will develop skills such as responsibility, mentoring, positive role-modeling, communication, organization, problem-solving, and basic educational support of children. Doing small chores around each facility and helping preschool- to elementary-school-aged children will give our students a handson approach to skills they may use if they pursue careers in education, psychology, social work, healthcare, coaching/recreation, or community leadership. Faculty: Caitlin Nielsen, Jen DeLorenzo, Stephanie Hodges | Cost: No Charge

Inside Psychology: Your Brain, Behavior, and Mental Health

This course is an introduction to understanding the brain and human behavior. Students will explore how the brain shapes thoughts, emotions, relationships, and behavior. We will examine neuroscience, mental health, and social psychology, such as group behavior, conformity, and the bystander effect, through discussions, media analysis, experiments, simulations, guest speakers, and facility visits. Students will develop skills in critical thinking, observation, discussion, and analyzing human behavior through a psychological lens. The course will culminate in a project that allows students to apply what they have learned to a real-world question or topic related to the brain and behavior. Faculty: Susie Paige, Karen Balerna, Nancy Brunner | Cost: No Charge

Justice in Action

This course introduces students to the foundations of the American legal system through case studies, legal research, debate, and courtroom simulations. Working alongside Pennington alumni and former members of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Unit, students will analyze authentic legal case materials modeled after those used to train new prosecutors. Throughout the term, students will develop skills in argumentation, collaboration, and public speaking while preparing legal briefs and oral defenses. The experience culminates with student presentations of mock oral arguments before members of the New Jersey and Mercer County court system. Faculty: Chad Bridges, Kerri Ward, Chauncey Farrington | Cost: No Charge

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The Living Writer: Research, Writing, and Publishing

This course explores the rich writing traditions and contemporary voices of authors from local areas (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York) through close reading, research, creative writing, workshopping, and publishing. Students will study regional writers and their literary movements and examine how place shapes written expression. This class emphasizes written analysis, archival and literary research, and original composition. In addition, students will participate in a college-modeled creative writing workshop in which they will both receive feedback on their work and provide feedback to their peers. As a culminating project, students will write, design, print, and bind their own “chapbooks” featuring their own writing, gaining hands-on experience with the creative and publishing process while developing their own literary voices. Faculty: Tyler Kline, Michelle Hart, Rachel Burke Cost: No Charge

Public Service: Civilian and Military Leadership and Service

Students will explore a variety of ways to commit to community service at the local, state, and federal levels. Students will meet and interact with representatives from all branches of the United States military, members of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government at both the state and federal levels, local law enforcement professionals, and others engaged in public service. This Gateway program will include a four-day trip to the Washington, DC, area with visits to Marine Base Quantico, the Pentagon, the National Mall, assorted Smithsonian museums, the Capitol, the United States Naval Academy, and other government offices, as can be arranged. Students will also begin their own leadership journal to document their exploration of leadership as an area of study and reflection. Faculty: Mark Reilly, Andrea Popel, Nick DeRosa Cost: TBD

Red Hawk Runway: A Study of Costume and Fashion

Costumes are a patchwork of aesthetics, practicality, and art that express culture, politics, trends, economy, fads, technology, and more. This immersive course will cast students as anthropologists, dramaturgs, critics, seamstresses, and designers to deconstruct how clothing tells stories. Students will thread connections between clothing and the world at large through film study and research into historical costumes, textiles, and sustainable fashion. Through tailored site visits, students will gain experience in professional costume shops, museum exhibits, and masterclasses with alumni in the theatre and fashion industries. Students will explore the intersection of costume design, commercial fashion, and the inseparable connection between the two industries. The last layer of the course will have students weave their own creative process: beginning a conceptual design, forming a collaborative vision, learning the basics of sewing, shopping for fabric and garments, designing a commercial collection, understanding the basics of fashion show production, and executing their own runway design. This might even culminate in Pennington’s first avant-garde Met-style gala on campus. Faculty: Peter Secrest, Grisselle Laborde, Adrienne Papa Cost: No Charge

THE PENNINGTON SCHOOL | GATEWAY TERM

The Robot Games

Students will learn how to construct and program robots to compete in a culminating VEX Robotics-style competition. During the first week, students will learn to build robots for different tasks. In the second week, they will build robots for the exhibition competition. Students will work in teams of two or three to build their robot, then compete in a two teams-vs-two teams challenge. By building and coding their robots, students will experience the engineering design cycle, hone their technical expertise by adapting their designs, and practice grit in approaching novel tasks. In doing so, they will develop valuable skills in creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving through this hands-on learning experience. Faculty: Ryan Vogt, Kara Bottino, Talia Natoli Cost: No Charge

Science Sandbox

What does a scientist actually do on a Tuesday morning? How does a lab technique connect to the health of a local stream? And what does it take to turn raw data into a discovery that matters? Science Sandbox is an experiential program designed to answer those questions through doing, not textbooks. Students will spend ten intensive days working as scientists: making observations, collecting field data, running lab techniques, analyzing

real public health and environmental datasets, visiting research institutions, and hearing from working scientists across multiple fields. The program builds observational skills through illustration, photography, and journaling, and students will create a personal portfolio of their experiences and reflections. It will culminate in a team capstone project rooted in genuine community need. Students will collect samples from local waterways in partnership with a regional watershed association, analyze them using real lab techniques, contextualize their findings against public datasets, and present their results to scientists and conservation partners. Their results will go back to the partner organization as usable data—because real science has real stakes. Science Sandbox is for curious students who haven’t yet pictured themselves in a lab coat, blending rigorous science, mentorship, and community investment in a science-rich region. Faculty: Stephanie Heyeck, Aneka Bell, Julianna Cresti Cost: No Charge

The Secret Life of Objects: Exploring the Ancient World Through Museum Collections In this Gateway Term experience, students will work to bring the past to life and learn about how the things people leave behind tell stories that can inspire and educate us today. We will have the opportunity to visit some of the country’s most spectacular museum collections of ancient art and artifacts, such as the Penn Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Princeton Art Museum, as well as conduct research in Princeton University’s Rare Books and Special Collections. The experience will inspire engagement with the legacy of ancient civilizations from Europe, Africa, and the Near East. The culmination of the program will be a personal creative project focused on a single artifact. Faculty: William Dingee, Ben Sulton, Kate Kehoe Cost: No Charge

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Shakespearience: All the World’s a Stage

Ultimately, theatre teaches us that individual excellence is a gift we cultivate so we have something valuable to offer the ensemble. You stand alone in your craft, but you rarely step onto the stage alone. Theatrical performance is one of the most beautiful paradoxes in art: it requires an individual to dig deep into their own truth, yet that individual effort is entirely meaningless without a collective working toward the exact same goal. It is the perfect intersection of singular vulnerability and collective trust. It lasts just a moment, but stays with you. Why Shakespeare? Shakespeare’s enduring, universal themes are best understood through live performance, just as they were originally written over 400 years ago for diverse audiences and untrained actors. This class offers a theatrical and creative experience, suitable for students with or without a theatre background. Through various games, activities, masterclasses, and field trips, students will explore Shakespeare’s work and bring one of his plays (or a collection of scenes) to life. The course will culminate in a student-driven, minimalist production performed on campus, with potential outreach touring to local elementary schools, libraries, and/or senior centers. Faculty: Suzanne Houston, Cathi Pappano, Mark DiGiacomo, Jason Harding Cost: No Charge

SharkTank Pennington

Students will study businesses undergoing hardships and collaborate to find entrepreneurial solutions. After researching their businesses and the relevant industries, students will use vibe-coding to develop apps to help these businesses overcome their difficulties. Students will troubleshoot their ideas 20

with other participants and incorporate feedback to strengthen their projects. Participants will then craft a pitch and present their ideas to business leaders who will have been briefed on “their” company’s issues. This class promises to help students develop valuable skills such as problem-solving and public speaking. Faculty: Peter Chase and Alex Ahn Cost: No Charge

Sports Statistics

Sports Statistics explores the intersection of sports, statistics, and technology. Students will learn how data is used to evaluate performance, inform strategy, and shape decision-making within sports. Through interactive activities, students will gain an introduction to statistics and to data visualization software for analyzing real-world sports data. This experience extends beyond the classroom with visits to professional sports organizations in the Philadelphia area, where students will gain an understanding of how analysts use data to enhance their teams. Faculty: Elizabeth Roehm, Byron Kou, Elysia Price, Ryan Stokes Cost: No Charge

Understanding Food Insecurity: History, Policy, and Hope

This immersive class will study local poverty through the lens of food instability as a systemic issue rather than a temporary crisis. Week one will focus on history and immersion, featuring a Trenton “food desert” tour, a poverty simulation, and hands-on food security partnerships. Week two will emphasize systemic agency; students will draft policy briefs for local politicians and community leaders, and design a “Resource Rally.” This project will bring the Pennington community together to improve food security for our neighbors and culminate in a student-led hunger project that will donate thousands of food items to local food banks. Faculty: Amanda D’Angelo, Sarah Zoll, George Ward Cost: No Charge

THE PENNINGTON SCHOOL | GATEWAY TERM

GATEWAY TRAVEL COURSES FOR GRADES 10-11

Gateway offers a variety of travel experiences designed to match different interests, comfort levels, and goals. Whether you are drawn to outdoor adventure, theme-based exploration, or cultural immersion, each trip is designed to build resilience, broaden perspectives, and foster meaningful connections with people and places. Experiences range from easy and moderate to challenging, with the most immersive opportunities including international travel and host family stays that encourage personal growth through cultural exchange.

Living Wild

Living Wild is a backpacking adventure trip that invites students to practice self-reliance, build community, and learn about the natural world. The field course includes multi-day backpacking as well as pre- and post-trip experiences on campus and in the local area. We will focus our attention on the idea of wilderness as a land management strategy, a location, and a philosophy for exploring themes of responsibility, affection, and gratitude. Leading up to the departure, students will learn and practice skills related to backcountry travel, food preparation, packing, cooking and cleaning, first aid, and Leave-No-Trace principles. In the field, students will be responsible for leading in various ways: group discussions, itinerary planning, navigation, and the logistics of camp life (setting up, breaking down, cooking, and cleaning, etc.). Upon returning to The Pennington School, students will organize a project that reflects on their wilderness experience. Faculty: Nate Van Yperen, Stephanie Cohen, Adisa Phillips Cost: $500 (includes transportation, equipment, meals, and activities)

THE PENNINGTON SCHOOL | GATEWAY TERM

Potomac River Cycling Expedition: History, Science, and Adventure

Join a tight-knit field-studies team on a multi-day, flat cycling journey along the historic C&O Canal towpath from Cumberland, MD, to Georgetown, D.C. After mastering trail-side bike repair and field first aid while still on campus, students will take turns leading daily route legs on a traditional multi-gear hybrid or trail bike. Students can bring their own bikes or arrange a local rental for the trip (no e-bikes permitted). The group will explore as engineers, field scientists, and historians: navigating hand-carved tunnels, studying 19th-century locks, observing living “witness trees” at Antietam, and scrambling across Potomac gorge boulder fields. Along the way, students will roll into mountain gap towns like Harpers Ferry, complete a hands-on conservation project with National Park Rangers, and discover how human ingenuity transformed a river corridor into a living laboratory. At night, comfortable accommodations along the route will allow the students to recharge. Beyond mastering practical field skills and earning verified service hours, students will return home as confident trail leaders, ready to co-host a public campus gallery exhibition, sharing their discoveries and media with the larger School community! Faculty: Holly Jones and Peter Walsh Cost: $750-$1,000 (includes transportation, lodging, equipment needs, and meals)

Olympic National Park and Mt. Rainier Immersive Expedition

Olympic National Park in Port Angeles, WA, offers students an opportunity to step away from the distractions of modern life and fully immerse themselves in one of the most diverse ecosystems in the country. Students will hike through ancient temperate rainforests, explore the rugged Pacific coastline, kayak on pristine lakes, and spend a night under the stars. If weather permits, the journey will also include a visit to nearby Mt. Rainier, where towering glaciers and subalpine meadows add another striking landscape to the experience. Along the way, they will learn basic outdoor and survival skills, adapt to unfamiliar environments, build resilience, and reconnect with nature and one another through shared experiences free of technology. Upon returning to Pennington, students will complete a choice-based project that reflects on their experiences, personal growth, and key takeaways from their time in Olympic National Park. This course provides an experience that demands resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace the unfamiliar. Faculty: Kristin Maynard, Luke Sferra, Jackie Kephart Cost: $1,500-$3,700

THE PENNINGTON SCHOOL | GATEWAY TERM

Nashville: Music and Society at a Crossroads

Explore the rich musical traditions and cultural history of Nashville, one of the world’s most influential music cities. Through visits to historic churches, live performances, recording studios, museums, and cultural landmarks, students will examine how music has shaped and been shaped by the city’s history, faith, traditions, and social movements. They will explore the influence of the Methodist Church and sacred music alongside the profound contributions of Black musicians and communities, tracing how the legacy of slavery, the civil rights movement, and the blending of gospel, blues, folk, and country music have shaped Nashville’s identity and the sound of America. Upon returning to Pennington, students will complete a choice-based project that reflects on the connections between music, history, culture, social change, and their own experiences. This course provides a welcoming introduction to travel with guided experiences and opportunities to build confidence. Faculty: Don Dolan and Tyhesha Elmore | Cost: $3,600

Chile: Identity, Memory, and Culture

The goal of this trip is to explore Chile as a nation shaped by resilience, memory, and transformation. Students will examine the legacy of dictatorship and political repression, exploring how these experiences continue to influence Chilean society today. Through the works of artists, musicians, and writers, including Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda, students will discover how art, music, poetry, and literature have served as powerful expressions of identity, resistance, and remembrance. The journey will also examine Chile’s remarkable economic development alongside the opportunities and challenges created by immigration, offering insight into how these forces have shaped one of Latin

America’s most dynamic societies. A homestay with students from Craighouse School in Santiago, a fellow Round Square school, will provide an authentic cultural immersion, allowing participants to experience daily life in Chile while building meaningful international friendships and broadening their global perspectives. The experience is especially valuable for students studying Spanish, though no prior knowledge of the language is required, as students will be welcomed by bilingual families and attend a bilingual school. This course will be an immersive experience that demands resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new cultures, perspectives, and ways of life through international travel. Faculty: Joselle Lamoutte, Brooke Wilkinson, Matt Mysliwiec Cost: $3,600

Croatia: The Power of Stories

What gives a story the power to inspire, endure, and shape the way we see the world? And how can we build our own story of a place by listening to its people, exploring its history, and experiencing its culture? In Croatia, students will explore historic cities, medieval fortresses, ancient traditions, and legendary landscapes while discovering the universal role of storytelling in shaping cultures and societies. From Croatian folklore, myths, and legends to the stories preserved in its architecture, landscapes, and traditions, students will examine how stories preserve history, express shared values, challenge injustice, and connect people across generations. By blending literature, history, folklore, and local culture, this experience invites students to consider not only how stories help us understand Croatia’s past and make sense of its present, but also how we can piece together and create our own story of Croatia through the places we visit, the people we encounter, and the experiences we share. Through guided explorations and immersive cultural experiences, students will build confidence, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for the stories that give a place its identity. The class will be a welcoming introduction to travel with guided experiences and opportunities to build confidence. Faculty: Samantha Stern-Leaphart, Shawn Nicosia, Scott Vogel Cost: $3,600

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Malawi: Community-Focused Solutions Using STEM

Students will apply STEM skills to develop community-focused solutions in Malawi. This year’s projects include: 1) designing a solar power phone charger and developing a process for the chargers to be made locally at a refugee camp; 2) implementing an educational program and production process for women to make and sell soybean milk; 3) formatting, selfproducing, and marketing a children’s book that was co-authored last year by Pennington and Dzaleka students; and 4) designing furniture and learning materials for a community library at the Dzaleka refugee camp. All projects will require collaboration with our Malawian partners, creative design and problem-solving, budgeting, and resource collection. The trip combines hands-on project work with cultural and educational experiences and is open to students who participate in at least one Malawi project during the academic year. This course is an immersive experience that demands resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace the unfamiliar. Faculty: Sue Wirsig and Gabbi Chwae Cost: $3,500-$3,800

Morocco: Crossroads of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East

Discover Morocco, where Africa, Europe, and the Middle East have converged for centuries, creating a rich blend of cultures, languages, and traditions. Through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, students will explore the connections between history, religion, sustainability, and global citizenship while experiencing Morocco’s historic cities and vibrant medinas. Students will spend two days living with families in the Medina of Rabat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sharing meals, experiencing daily life, and building meaningful cross-cultural connections. Visits to mosques and historic religious sites will deepen their understanding of Islam and its influence on Moroccan society. The experience is especially valuable for students studying French, as everyday interactions will provide opportunities to hear and practice French, one of Morocco’s widely spoken languages, though no prior knowledge of the language is required. Students should be open to trying new foods, embracing unfamiliar customs, and engaging with different cultures with curiosity, respect, and an adventurous spirit. The class will be an immersive experience that demands resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace the unfamiliar. Faculty: Kendra Sisserson, David Hallgren, Lauran Hocquaux Cost: $4,300

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GRADE 12

SENIOR GATEWAY EXPERIENCE Seniors bring their four-year Upper School journey full circle through Gateway Term, culminating in Pennington’s highly successful senioryear program (formerly Horizon)—a cornerstone of the curriculum for decades—that supports the School’s mission to foster individual excellence through student-centered learning. Throughout their final year, students prepare for life beyond high school by exploring potential career paths, developing financial literacy, and building essential professional skills. During dedicated class meetings, workshops, and advisory time, students focus on practical college and career readiness, mastering everything from crafting polished LinkedIn profiles and delivering confident “elevator introductions” to developing networking and professional communication skills. They also learn and expand crucial life skills such as financial literacy, car care, and personal safety.

Designed to let students pursue deep interests outside the regular school year and beyond the classroom, this year-long preparation empowers seniors to identify their passions and shape a capstone experience that reflects who they are and where they are going. Beginning in the fall with faculty support and mentorship, seniors will design their own tailored Senior Gateway Experience. Aligned with the goals they have cultivated across their years at Pennington, these custom experiences can take many forms—including personal passion projects, career-focused placements, hands-on campus work, immersive travel, or deep-dive academic research. Students dedicate two weeks to their approved project under the guidance of a committed mentor, creating a capstone that, alongside their multi-year portfolio work, serves as a powerful reflection of their growth and readiness for their next chapter of life. During the final week before Commencement, seniors bring their high school journey to a meaningful close by presenting their Gateway projects to the junior class, faculty, and their own families, proudly showcasing all they have achieved as they move toward the next step of their journey.

CELEBRATION AND REFLECTION WEEK During the third week of Gateway Term, the final week of the academic year, the Pennington community will gather for Celebration Week, when students from every grade will share their projects, research, travels, internships, performances, and discoveries. Each student will be individually assessed on their work; it will be the core demonstration of their learning during this term. This is required to garner Gateway credit each year, which is a condition of promotion to the next grade. Celebration Week will also provide dedicated time for students to produce and revise their Upper School portfolios in conjunction with trusted teachers, advisors, and the College Counseling office, while maintaining traditional end-of-year events such as Senior Chapel and award ceremonies. Thursday, June 3, will celebrate Grade 8 at Middle School Graduation, and on Saturday, June 5, we will end the year on a high note with the Upper School Commencement ceremony, officially closing the 2026-27 academic year for our students. Gateway work will be assessed in two ways: first, it will be graded as pass/fail. Second, report cards will include a new area dedicated to Gateway work, visualizing a student’s development in skills and dispositions that Pennington has identified as essential, as expressed in our Portrait of a Graduate. Gateway serves as a third academic term of the year; as such, it will also count toward graduation credit (each year earns 0.25 credits, with 1 credit required for graduation), and appear on a student’s academic record.

FAQs Is the Gateway Term required for all students?

Yes, Gateway Term is an essential component of Pennington’s academic year. The same standards expected for a school day in Semesters I and II remain during the Gateway Term, including those for attendance and satisfactory completion of work.

Is the Grade 9 program for all ninth-graders together, or will there be small-group activities? The Grade 9 program combines individualized and small-group study based on interests and grade-wide experiences. All students will have a chance to choose an area of interest to explore further.

Can a Grade 9 or Grade 12 student take one of the Grade 10-11 classes instead?

No, each grade-level experience is designed with that specific grade in mind. If a Grade 9 or Grade 12 student expresses interest in one of these courses, faculty will help them identify a related experience that honors that interest while remaining within the parameters of their respective gradelevel program.

When and how can I choose my class (Grades 10 and 11)? Courses will be selected in October, with decisions about Gateway communicated in December. Some decisions involving Gateway travel experiences may be made earlier than this.

Will AP classes or exams interfere with Gateway?

No, cumulative assessments for courses in Semesters I and II will all be completed before the beginning of the Gateway Term.

Are semesters shorter because of Gateway?

As part of the restructuring of the academic year to include the Gateway Term, cumulative assessments will be integrated into the normal rhythm of each semester, so there will no longer be dedicated exam weeks that

interrupt classes. This shift essentially offsets the loss of instructional days. As a result, an average year with Gateway Term may be only a day or two shorter each semester than with the prior schedule, and it has not required a re-imagining of Pennington’s curriculum.

Will I be able to do anything Gateway-related during Semester I and II, or do these activities only happen during the Gateway Term?

The standard school year will be punctuated by preparation for Gateway Term. For example, there may be an advisory meeting dedicated to program selection, portfolio work, or the Gateway Senior Experience. There may also be a few times when students meet in smaller groups to prepare for Gateway in earnest. For the most part, though, academic time in Semester I and II will remain devoted to coursework.

Is financial aid available for Gateway classes that have a cost? Yes, similar to School practices in other areas of academic and extracurricular life, financial aid will be available in some cases.

Do I need permission from a parent or an advisor to sign up for the Grade 10 and 11 classes?

Signing up for a Gateway course in Grades 10 and 11 is akin to signing up for any other course: parents/guardians will sign off on student requests, and advisors will help students make informed decisions.

Will Gateway classes change each year?

Some Gateway courses will change each year; the program is likely to be more fluid than the typical curriculum during Semesters I and II.

THE PENNINGTON SCHOOL | GATEWAY TERM

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