2026 J-Term Course Guide

-term 2026

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Dear Upper School Families, We are excited to present this year’s J-term program that is part of every Upper School student’s experience. For 2026, January 6 - January 15 will be J-Term. Some international travel dates could begin prior to January 6, and the travel dates specific to each course are noted in the course descriptions. There will be no Upper School on campus classes held on Monday, January 5 nor on Friday, January 16. The second semester classes will begin on Tuesday, January 20.

The goal of J-Term is manifold: • Expose students to a kaleidoscope of topics that we cannot offer in the regular curriculum and that they might not otherwise explore • Allow faculty and other experts to share their special interests and passions • Provide authentic, hands-on learning experiences with deep-dive focus • Spark new interests, tap into aptitudes students may not know they have, develop different skill sets, and broaden perspectives • Create alternative contexts to develop leadership and problem-solving skills • Collaborate across disciplines and grade levels • Provide an opportunity for faculty and students to build meaningful relationships in new ways • Take an alternative learning break between traditional semesters • Create “different weather” at a time of year when days and weeks feel long and dreary In short, J-Term provides one more way to fulfill Prairie’s mission to nurture the creativity, interests, and abilities of every student and to inspire students to explore, thrive, and add value individually and in collaboration with others.

Participation in J-Term is a graduation requirement and appears each year on the transcript with a grade. Courses include individual and collaborative work, reflections, presentations, and other student work products, and final grades will be recorded as High Pass, Pass, Low Pass, or Fail.

Enrollment will begin with students’ course selections and every effort will be made to place students in one of their four choices. For oversubscribed courses, a lottery system may be used. Enrollment will intentionally blend grade levels.

Serious disciplinary incidents prior to or during J-Term may result in forfeiture of certain J-Term courses, including fees already paid, and course reassignment.

Some courses, especially those that include travel, require a high level of maturity and responsibility. Parents, please consider your student’s readiness for these experiences.

While all other courses are open to students of all grade levels and aim to mix grade levels, international travel courses are only open to 10th -12th graders. Students with special needs should select courses in which they can participate fully without compromising their wellbeing. Winter-season varsity athletes should consult their coaches now about any conflicts with J-Term travel or other course activities and select courses accordingly. Students considering travel courses should be aware that hotel stays may book up to 4 students per room (single sex). Travel, food and lodging are included for all trips unless specifically noted in the course selection guide.

J-Term course fees are not part of the school’s Inclusive Fee because costs vary widely.

Families who receive more than 50% financial aid are eligible for J-Term aid. Only courses whose estimated cost exceeds $500 are eligible for financial aid grants. Up to 50% of the estimated cost may be awarded. Please note that the J-Term aid budget will be weighted towards juniors and seniors. Because funds are limited and aid is not guaranteed, students must be able to pay in full for at least two of their four selected courses. We strongly encourage students to invest in J-Term by getting summer jobs and embracing other opportunities to fund J-Term experiences.

Families will be notified about payment for on-campus J-term courses through the FACTS online billing system. The amount due will be posted in FACTS at the beginning of October and the payment will be due at the end of October.

Payment deadlines for all travel courses will be communicated by the faculty trip leaders.

We hope you share our excitement about J-Term 2026 and look forward to the enriching experiences represented in these pages.

Mari Grobschmidt Head of Upper School

NEw york city Broadway and the Arts!

There’s nothing like the stage lights and skylines of NYC! See iconic landmarks such as Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Fashion on 7th Avenue, Grand Central Terminal, and the United Nations Headquarters.

Expand your knowledge with trips to the National Immigration Museum, the Museum of Broadway, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of Modern Art. We will participate in a tour of Madison Square Garden, NBC Studios, and Radio City Music Hall as well as attend workshops with Broadway actors and technicians. In the evenings we will have the opportunity to attend a New York sporting event, as well as two Broadway shows. If you can make it here, you’ll make it anywhere!

Cost: $3,983 - $4,300 (lunches not included) Instructors: Mr. Christianson and Mr. Geary Travel Dates: January 6-12

From Wood to Water A Beginner’s Workshop on Building Small Watercraft Discover the art of boatbuilding! This course will guide you through the fundamentals of construction, from exploring the unique properties of wood to gaining skills in essential joinery techniques. Learn the proper application of marine-grade adhesives and gain hands-on experience with a range of woodworking tools, including saws, planes, sanders, and drills, ensuring both proficiency and safety. You’ll also explore the art of boat painting and finishing, creating a beautiful and protective exterior. The culmination of this experience will be working collaboratively to build a small, functional boat, such as a kayak or canoe, from raw lumber to a finished, water worthy vessel. No prior experience is required, just a can-do spirit. Embark on a journey of craftsmanship and earn the satisfaction of creating something truly unique and useful!

Cost: $200 - $250 Instructors: Mr. Johnson and Volunteers from Small Boat Builders

Marine Biology & Conservation Adventure in La Paz, Mexico Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Sea of Cortez! Snorkel vibrant coral and rocky reefs, swim with playful sea lions, and explore marine habitats. Engage in hands-on conservation projects like coral restoration and fish surveys. Kayak along rugged coastlines, hike pristine desert trails, and spot dolphins and whales daily.

Stay on Espiritu Santo Island, a World Heritage Site, where you’ll ‘glamp’ under the stars. Students will visit marine protected areas, including Cabo Pulmo, while conducting research and sharing discoveries. Don’t miss the chance to snorkel with majestic whale sharks (seasonal). This is the ultimate educational adventure for young explorers! Passport required.

Cost: $4,200-$4,600 Not included: • Trip cancellation insurance (upgrade to Student Essentials Plus or their own choice) Instructors: Mrs. Schafer and Mr. Friedman Travel Dates: January 7-13

Cooking Past & Future Join us on a culinary exploration to find joy with food!

We will learn and honor heritage, playfully create a multitude of foods, and investigate a variety of cooking techniques. This experience will incorporate culinary experts from The Prairie School family as well as the wider community and sprinkle in food-related field trips. Get ready to cook and eat! You will have the opportunity to create a personal cooking journal, and explore, research, and present about a self-chosen, food-related area. Every level of cooking experience is welcome. Come with a love of food and an empty stomach!

Cost: $150 Instructors: Dr. Wheeler and Mrs. Grobschmidt

Vietnam vibes Explore, Eat, Experience!

Experience the wonders of Vietnam on this immersive journey! Begin in Ho Chi Minh City, exploring iconic landmarks like the Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Notre-Dame Basilica. Stroll through vibrant Chinatown, visit sacred pagodas, and discover traditional lacquerware craftsmanship. Fly to Da Nang, stopping at the Marble Mountains and China Beach, before exploring Hoi An’s historic charm. Continue to Hue, visiting imperial mausoleums and cruising the Huong River. In Hanoi, explore the city’s cultural gems before a breathtaking HaLong Bay cruise. Conclude your adventure with a final stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake before heading home. Passport required.

Travel Dates: January 5-15 Cost: $4,900 - $5,300 (lunches not included) Instructors: Ms. Robinson and Sr. Oliveras

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Me Encanta Madrid!

Spanish Travel Course Madrid is a cultural hub of the world and now is your chance to explore it! We’ll do it all! From cultural touchstones like Flamenco shows and a tour of the Real Madrid soccer stadium, to everyday fun like eating churros and roaming the cobblestone streets! We will even explore Roman ruins in the medieval city of Segovia. Spain will amaze you — but more importantly, you will amaze yourself with your ability to interact with others in Spanish, including three days living with a Spanish family. This will give you an authentic Spain experience that not many get! ¡Aventura awaits!

Passport required.

Note: The Spanish language travel course will not be offered again until 2028. Open to any students enrolled during 2025-2026 in Spanish 4, AP Spanish, or Heritage Spanish 1.

Cost: $4,379 - $4,829 (All inclusive) Instructors: Sra. Lane and Dr. Sattler Travel Dates: January 4–12

Bicycling Big Bend National Park Explore the natural wonders of the American Southwest by bike and foot! We’ll get our first taste of adventure by going underground in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM and then shuttle to the southern tip of Texas to Big Bend National Park. Outfitted with mountain bikes and camping gear, we will pedal our way into the Texas backcountry for sensational scenery, amazing vistas and wildly diverse flora. Evenings will be spent camping under the Milky Way. Our guides will carry our camping gear and set up lunch spots. Participants should expect to ride for 3-4 hours each day, to climb for extended periods, to sleep in possibly chilly conditions, and to take part in camping and cooking duties. So, pack your sense of adventure, and create memories that will last forever!

Cost: $3,200 - $3,600 (travel day meals not included; travel insurance not included) Instructors: Dr. Weaver and Mr. Perez Travel Dates: January 6 - 13

Prairie project runway Learn to Sew! Back for a third year, this popular course will teach you the lifelong skill of sewing basics- from reattaching buttons, hemming pants, and mending holes, to cutting patterns and using a sewing machine, to adding embellishments and embroidery to garments. The benefits of mending, upcycling used clothing, and making your own clothing are endless! Students will initially complete small projects (scrunchies, headbands, pencil cases, etc.) followed by a community service project for a local animal shelter. They will learn to sew cozy pajama pants before selecting their own clothing pattern to cut and construct and students will deconstruct, reconstruct, and redesign clothing items from home and local thrift stores. This workshop will culminate in a showcase where students will display three unique designs.

Cost: $200 Instructor: Mrs. Gilbertson

Pixel Pioneers Create, Build, Imagine Want to master the fundamentals of building in Minecraft? In this hands-on course, you’ll progress from basic structures to advanced architectural designs while exploring block palettes, redstone mechanics, and landscaping techniques to create immersive environments. This course is guided by Prairie Alum, Mason Santalucia ’22, who is a Senior at Miami University with a major in Game Design & Simulation. Together, you will develop essential skills in project planning, resource management, and aesthetic detailing.

Whether constructing medieval castles, modern cities, or fantasy landscapes, you will build a strong foundation in Minecraft construction, empowering you to bring your creative visions to life.

Students will need to have a Minecraft Java account ($30 to purchase). Mobile and console versions will not work for the class, but if you already have a Java account, you are good to go!

Instagram: minecraft.mason Cost: $0 (unless need to purchase a Minecraft Java account) Instructors: Mrs. Santalucia and Mason Santalucia ’22

Midwest Arts Odyssey “Why do the arts persist?” To answer this question, students will embark on an immersive journey through the rich cultural landscapes of Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis. Students will experience world-class theater, explore renowned art museums, and engage with the vibrant music scenes of these dynamic cities.

Through guided tours and live performances, students will gain a deeper understanding of the Midwest’s artistic contributions and the role of the arts in shaping cultural identity. Whether watching a groundbreaking play, analyzing masterpieces in a gallery, or enjoying live music in an iconic venue, participants will leave with a broader appreciation of the performing and visual arts.

Cost: $1,200 - $1,500 (lunches not included when travelling) Instructors: Mrs. Schmitz and Mrs. Roncone Travel Dates: January 6-8 Chicago; January 13-16 Minneapolis

Throwing and Glowing Clay, Glass, and Lighting Experience a slice of what makes Prairie arts so unique.

Students will make original, one-of-a-kind lamps and lighted sculptures by throwing clay on the potter’s wheel and blowing glass in the Dave Drewek Glass Studio with Ms. Wolf-Mattick. Students will then engineer their own lighted art project with Prairie’s artist-inresidence Bill Reid ’73 to create beautifully designed lamps and sculptures for their living space. Think like a designer, craft like an artist, construct like an engineer – all in this one-of-a-kind Prairie experience.

Cost: $150-250 Instructors: Mrs. Wolf-Mattick and Mr. Reid ’73

Bonjour Quebec!

Imagine a winter wonderland that includes a hotel made of ice and the largest winter amusement park in the world. These modern entertainments are nestled amongst some of the oldest real estate in North America – Montreal and Quebec City. We will visit the historical and cultural delights of both cities – learning about the early French colonists and experiencing the story of newcomers by visiting one of North America’s oldest Chinatowns. While there is no requirement to speak French, this trip is a great opportunity to practice amongst the bilingual Quebecois. Bonjour Quebec! is both a celebration of history and culture - and winter in Canada! This trip is not for those who prefer a warm, more sedentary project. There will be a lot of walking in challenging weather and a whole day outdoors skating and sledding. We will sample new foods such as poutine and “meat sandwich,” take in an evening of hockey and/or theater, and make use of the brilliant public transportation system. So if you’re ready to try new things, experience a new culture, and freeze your “bout” off - this adventure is for you! Passport required.

Cost: $2,400 - $2,700 (lunches not included) Instructors: Mrs. Berkey and Mr. Shannon Travel Dates: January 7 - 13

Press Play Making an Album Press Play is an immersive J-Term course where students will write, record, and produce an original album— culminating in a professionally produced LP. Through a mix of hands-on creative time, listening activities, and lessons on the music industry, students will develop their songwriting skills, explore different recording techniques, and gain insight into the business side of music. A highlight of the course includes a visit to a professional recording studio, where students will experience a highend production environment with a pro sound engineer.

Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, this course will take you from idea to finished record, offering a deep dive into the artistry and technical craft behind album-making.

Cost: $250 Instructor: Mr. Breiwick

Reaching new heights Model Rocketry Workshop This hands-on course introduces students to the fundamentals of rocketry, including propulsion, aerodynamics, and design principles. Participants will engage in interactive lessons exploring the science behind successful launches. They will then apply their knowledge by designing and building their own custom model rockets. Through teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking, students will design their rockets to achieve optimal flight performance. The grand finale?

Launching their rockets and watching their hard work take to the skies!

Cost: $350 - $400 Instructor: Mrs. Jensen

Musical Theatre Workshop The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee In this fast-paced, hilarious musical, students will bring to life the quirky competitors of a middle school spelling bee. Over two weeks, participants will dive into character development and vocal performance while collaborating on a full-scale production. With a minimal set and an emphasis on storytelling, this intensive experience will challenge students to hone their acting, singing, and improvisational skills. The course culminates in a live performance, showcasing the students’ hard work and creativity. Perfect for those eager to explore musical theatre in a fun, supportive environment! Eight of nine cast members will be featured in multiple solo singing moments, making this an ideal opportunity for confident vocal performers ready to take center stage.

Cost: $300 - $350 Instructor: Mr. Paulsen Performance Date: January 16

Laughing Together The Art of Improv!

Description: Ever forgotten to do your homework? Have you ever Zip Zap Zopped? Then this improv course is for you! We will work with MKE’s premier improv troupe ComedySportz – training on their stage in MKE during the day, attending a ComedySportz show on Friday night, improv-ing our skills with their pros in the Prairie theater, and putting on our own show—maybe even on the ComedySportz Stage! Over 24 hours of direct instruction, improv games, and total hilarity. If you want to have fun and learn how to make people laugh, then get your friends and sign up for improv!

Cost: $375 - $500 Instructors: Mr. Peterson - and an Instructor from ComedySportz MKE

Professional Science-Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Writing Workshop Do the stories you love include dragons, starships, and things from eldritch dimensions that suck out the eyeballs of the innocent? English departments teach students to read and analyze literature, but they don’t usually embrace science-fiction, fantasy and horror.

And they never explain how it gets written and sold. This course, taught by a published, award-winning author will teach the basics of writing, proofreading, editing, and preparing a manuscript to sell in the modern genre fiction marketplace. Students will compose and market their own work of short fiction and submit it to a professional venue for publication. Students will come to the course with an already-completed (as far as they are able) short story which will be critiqued by all members of the workshop.

Cost: $0 Instructor: Mr. Huggins

Wisconsin Wonders Exploring our Home Discover the undiscovered treasures of southeastern Wisconsin through hands-on activities, local history, and outdoor adventures! From making cheese and sampling delicious frozen custard to hiking the Ice Age Trail, students will get to know the history, culture, and local industries that shape our state. Indoor activities may include the Harley-Davidson and the Milwaukee Art Museum, mansion and historical site tours, and even fish frys and polka dancing lessons. Our outdoor days, on the other hand, will feature snowshoeing, ice skating, and a ghost tour. This course is sure to offer a mix of learning and fun that will give students a fresh look at the place we call home.

Cost: $250 - $350 Instructors: Dr. Matz ’06 and Mr. Bayer

From Journalism to JomBoy A Deep Dive Into Sports Media The evolution of technology has transformed how we follow sports. While traditional media like radio and print remain, today’s landscape includes blogs, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. Yet, one thing remains constant—great sports media professionals are exceptional storytellers. Over two weeks, students will explore the industry’s evolution, create content in various formats, and engage with professionals, from veteran journalists to social media managers and radio producers. Whether using a pen, microphone, or app, this class is perfect for aspiring sports storytellers eager to shape the future of sports media.

Cost: $0 Instructors: Mr. O’Brien and Mr. Stout

J-Term 2025 Highlights