Can all students join Mini-Term?

Unfortunately, no. Mini-Term is only available for Upper School students at Bentley. The reason is that these trips and courses often require a level of independence that lower and middle school students may not have. Another reason is that these courses are too advanced and may not be appropriate for younger students in the developmental stage. The relative maturity of Upper School students makes them ready for such engaging activities without faculty and staff worrying about their safety. By focusing on the Upper School students, Bentley ensures that these students are exposed to such learning opportunities and thus preparing them for their futures, such as college.

Do other schools have programs like Mini-Term?

Yes but not quite like Bentley’s Mini-Term. Some schools have experiential trips or service learning trips, but not as in-depth or comprehensive as the week-long Mini-Term. Bentley’s Mini-Term stands out because it fully integrates hands-on, real-world learning into its academic philosophy, which is heavily built on constructivism. The program is also unique for providing a broad spectrum of opportunities, from scientific research and creative expression to historical exploration. Each year the venue and activities change and a whole new field of interest can be explored. All of this makes Bentley’s Mini-Term a truly transformative learning experience unlike any other. How are Mini-Term courses selected?

What activities are offered during Mini-Term?

Mini-Term offers a diverse range of hands-on activities that allow students to explore new interests beyond the classroom. Outdoor adventures include backcountry skiing, biking, and climbing, while creative experiences feature photography, painting, and music instrument design. Academic explorations involve astronomy, marine biology, and museum studies, while cultural and social programs include the Civil Rights Tour, social justice retreats, and international study trips. Leadership and life skills are also emphasized through mentoring programs and independent living courses. With fresh experiences each year, Mini-Term encourages students to engage deeply, think critically, and apply their learning in real-world settings.

Mini-Term: Why All Schools Should Follow Bentley School

Schools often boast about their “progressive” education and commitment to more modern principles of learning. And yet, these are often limited in the taglines of their website. Bentley School, however, doesn’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk. Their academic philosophy and principles, such as constructivism, build on each other and complement their institution’s structure in a way most schools only dream of. The most unique and purposeful development of this foundation is the fabled “Mini-Term.”

What is Bentley School’s Mini-Term?

This is going to sound a little radical for all the instructors reading this right now, but what if, for one week, classes stopped? What if for one week students were immersed in an area of interest and learned through doing? That’s Mini-Term. The purpose of such a drastic approach to learning is for students to expand their worlds! Imagine keeping bright young minds cooped up in a room. This kind of approach lends itself to the idea that authentic learning is best, especially now, where most of our time is spent staring into our devices.

What Do Students Actually Do During Mini-Term?

Every year and every Mini-Term, the week’s activities are entirely different from the last! Students engage in immersive experiences across the Bay Area, which allows them to apply what they learned from classes to the real world. Students will also commit to service learning at outreach programs. If you think that’s boring, then take a look at the past Mini-Term courses:

Snow Camping and Backcountry Skiing in the Sierra
Climbing, Photography, and Painting in Bishop, CA
Astronomy in the American Southwest
Design, Build, and Play Musical Instruments
Animal Photography in Zoological Facilities

With each Mini-Term offering fresh, hands-on experiences, students have the chance to step outside the classroom and challenge themselves in new ways.

What are the Benefits of Having a Mini-Term?

Experiential Learning Enhances Engagement and Retention

The hands-on learning that Mini-Term provides is exactly the type of approach that aligns with Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory and Dewey’s Progressive Education Theory. These theories point towards “true learning,” which happens when students are engaged in the real world, where abstract concepts and ideas can be applied as opposed to passively teaching students. An example is the Civil Rights Tour of the American South, where students visit historic sites like the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Instead of reading about history, they engage with activists and historians, applying abstract concepts to real-world issues!

Offers a Break from Routine

Classes are, of course, still very important, however, a break from the routine can refresh a student’s interest in learning, especially in late stages of the school year. It’s important to distinguish here that mini-term isn’t a week-long vacation; students are still graded like normal classes, but what it does differently from normal classes is actually challenge students in a more exciting way.

Csikszentmihalyi’s Flow Theory (1990) explains that when students are challenged in a meaningful way they enter a state of “flow,” which is characterized by a deep focus and intrinsic motivation. By immersing students in service learning, Mini-Term allows students to get into the flow and learn meaningfully.

Cultivates Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

Mini-Term gives students the freedom to step outside their comfort zones and grow in a way that classrooms can’t facilitate. This aligns with Deci and Ryan’s Self-Determination Theory (1985), which emphasizes autonomy, competence, and relatedness as the three key drivers of a student’s motivation. By letting the students take charge of their own learning, they are pushed to become self-aware and take responsibility for their education. This leads to confidence and a deep sense of connection with the topic. In most cases, Mini-Term cements students’ interests to such a point where they are confident in what they want to do after high school.

Need Help? Cardinal Education Can Lend a Hand!

The independent admissions consultants at Cardinal Education can offer expert guidance on private school admissions, prepare for interviews and tests, and, of course, refine your personal statement. With academic coaching, test prep, and private school admissions support, we ensure students present themselves as top candidates.

For expert insights on maximizing your child’s chances of admission to Bentley School, contact us today and let our experts guide you through the process!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can all students join Mini-Term?
Unfortunately, no. Mini-Term is only available for Upper School students at Bentley. The reason is that these trips and courses often require a level of independence that lower and middle school students may not have. Another reason is that these courses are too advanced and may not be appropriate for younger students in the developmental stage. The relative maturity of Upper School students makes them ready for such engaging activities without faculty and staff worrying about their safety. By focusing on the Upper School students, Bentley ensures that these students are exposed to such learning opportunities and thus preparing them for their futures, such as college.
Do other schools have programs like Mini-Term?
Yes but not quite like Bentley’s Mini-Term. Some schools have experiential trips or service learning trips, but not as in-depth or comprehensive as the week-long Mini-Term. Bentley’s Mini-Term stands out because it fully integrates hands-on, real-world learning into its academic philosophy, which is heavily built on constructivism. The program is also unique for providing a broad spectrum of opportunities, from scientific research and creative expression to historical exploration. Each year the venue and activities change and a whole new field of interest can be explored. All of this makes Bentley’s Mini-Term a truly transformative learning experience unlike any other.

How are Mini-Term courses selected?
What activities are offered during Mini-Term?
Mini-Term offers a diverse range of hands-on activities that allow students to explore new interests beyond the classroom. Outdoor adventures include backcountry skiing, biking, and climbing, while creative experiences feature photography, painting, and music instrument design. Academic explorations involve astronomy, marine biology, and museum studies, while cultural and social programs include the Civil Rights Tour, social justice retreats, and international study trips. Leadership and life skills are also emphasized through mentoring programs and independent living courses. With fresh experiences each year, Mini-Term encourages students to engage deeply, think critically, and apply their learning in real-world settings.