January Term allows students to explore courses that are not currently part of our semester curricula and offers ample opportunity for co-curricular engagement, meeting graduation requirements, and/or undertaking courses for personal growth.
January Term at Chatham Hall is a transformative time when learning is driven by curiosity, passion, and exploration. For consecutive weeks in early January, faculty and students delve into unique topics inspired by their shared interests, fostering creativity and deeper engagement. The experience is enriched by connections with alumnae and guest experts who bring real-world insights to the classroom.
Students take charge of their time during January Term, diving into subjects that ignite their passions. The term culminates in an exciting expo where each class showcases their discoveries, celebrating creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
-
Daily Schedule
List of 6 items.
Wellness Programs
Each morning, students begin with programming designed with education and foundational skills necessary for holistic wellness.
Rotating Programming
At Chatham Hall, each day offers a unique opportunity for students to connect, reflect, and recharge with Assembly (M), Chapel (T), Cookie Break & Advisory, a free period, and Chapel (F).
Wellness Experience
Students participate in yoga, physical education training, and other dynamic educational activities, all with hands-on guidance to foster growth, wellness, and skill development.
Afternoon Courses
Students are matched with courses that align with their interests and availability, ensuring a tailored and engaging educational experience. See course offerings below.
Winter Athletics & Afternoon Activities
Students actively participate in winter sports each afternoon throughout January Term, fostering teamwork, discipline, and physical well-being.
Evening Programming
Each evening offers students a chance to unwind and connect through activities like deli runs, movie nights, and other enjoyable experiences that foster relaxation and connection.
2026 Courses
Bread of Life – Learn to bake breads from various cultures while exploring their significance in literature, media, and community.
FCR Robotics – Hands-on robotics work for students interested in the TuTu Turtles team, including field setup, robot building, and marketing skills.
Chemistry in the Kitchen – Discover the science behind cooking by exploring chemical reactions, molecular interactions, and physical transformations in food.
Whoosh! – African-Americans in Sport – Study the achievements of Black athletes across sports, including lesser-known figures and contributions in underrepresented arenas.
Badminton – Learn competitive badminton skills, including serving, smashing, strategy, and court rules, for beginners and experienced players alike.
Introduction to Ceramics: Using Clay for Community Impact – Explore hand-building and wheel-throwing ceramics while creating pieces to support charitable causes.
WEC Horse Show & Equine Science – Gain hands-on experience at a horse show and study equine ethics, care, and land stewardship.
Entrepreneurship (Taylor’s Version) – Analyze Taylor Swift’s entrepreneurial success through business functions, marketing strategies, and sociological lenses.
Codes and Crypts – Learn historical and modern techniques of encryption and decryption, including ciphers, frequency analysis, and the Enigma machine.
Beyond Baguettes and Berets – Explore French culture through cooking, fashion, art, theater, music, and guest presentations about life in France.
Pipes and Pedals: Exploring Bagpipes and the Organ – Study the history, music, and cultural impact of bagpipes and pipe organs with hands-on experience.
Indigenous Cultures and Mythology – Examine Native American beading traditions and mythology, exploring cultural identity, storytelling, and spiritual perspectives.
Beyond the classroom, January Term perfectly balances academics and enrichment. Athletic practices and weekend activities continue as usual, complementing special evening programming. Each grade also engages in workshops on essential life skills such as personal health, finance, citizenship, sustaining healthy relationships, and practical life administration, equipping students with tools for success both now and in the future.
January Term isn’t just about learning—it’s about growing, connecting, and thriving.