Whether it’s hiking around the mall in Washington, DC or to the top of Mount Washington, walking the streets of downtown Boston or downtown Franklin, New Hampshire, the power of Project Period, Proctor’s four day, immersive small group program that kicks off the Spring Term each year, remains the same. While we pride ourselves on an educational model that features academic courses rooted in experiential learning, Project Period provides an opportunity for students and faculty to join together to explore their passions outside of the classroom. 

Decorative Concrete works with Jon Nasvik P'18 in Slocumb Hall

Lucien '17 works with Gordon Bassett '95 in the forge.

This year, more than thirty-five different faculty-sponsored projects range from winter mountaineering in the White Mountains to dog sledding in Northern Maine, to interning at the local elementary/middle school, to decorative concrete, glass blowing, cooking, self-defense, hunter safety, and so much more. 

Top Chef led by Michele Koenig and Jill Jones Grotnes have taken full advantage of the talents of our Dining Services Team!

Nelson '19 returns to Andover Elementary/Middle School as an intern with Brenda Godwin's project!

While the individual goals of projects vary, each seeks to expose students to at least one of four main themes: community service, wilderness exploration, cultural immersion, or a new skill. Proctor’s commitment to open the Spring Term with this immersion learning opportunity dates back decades, and if you were to ask any alum about some of their most memorable experiences, Project Period would certainly come to mind.

Mikala '19 works on water colors with guest artist.

Sam Thompson '92, Dimitri Vlachos '92, and Chad Jackson '89 meet with our entrepreneurship project in Boston!

Project Period affords faculty members the opportunity to dig deep into their passions. Whether it is exploring entrepreneurship with Boston area startup companies, volunteering at Proctor’s on-campus child care facility, or volunteering at an orphanage teaching baseball, when students witness faculty immersing themselves in the projects, the energy is infectious.

Fiona Mills and Karin Clough's Civil Rights and Equality Project Period travel to Washington, DC.

Josh Norris '92 and Jen Summers enjoying Mountain Biking in sunny and warm North Carolina!

When you add alumni and parent involvement to the mix (more than a dozen alumni and parents are involved with projects this year), the expertise, depth of learning, quality of final projects, and, of course, fun present during Proctor’s Project Period make for a wonderful way to start the term!