Cardinal Education Journal

May 13, 2025

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 […]

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May 13, 2025

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 […]

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May 13, 2025

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, […]

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