Lakeside Upper School students have the option of studying off campus during one or two semesters of their junior year. Independence, new perspectives, language fluency, greater understanding of cultural identity and difference, new and/or deeper academic interest, and appreciation of family are some of the positive results returning students mention about their experience.

While students who decide to study off campus represent a diverse group, what they have in common is a desire to experience a new and different environment, and engage in meaningful learning and living in a particular setting, whether it is in the heart of Washington, D.C. or a small town in France.

Lakeside School collaborates with a range of study-away programs, which are pre-approved based on the rigor of the curriculum, quality of student support services, financial aid availability (merit and need), and risk-management protocols.

School Year Abroad with campuses in China, Italy, France, and Spain (www.sya.org).
The Mountain School in rural Vermont (www.mountainschool.org).
The Chewonki Semester School in coastal Maine (www.chewonki.org).
The School for Ethics and Global Leadership in Washington, D.C. and Johannesburg, South Africa (schoolforethics.org).
High Mountain Institute in the mountains of Colorado (www.hminet.org).
Alzar School in Idaho and Patagonia (www.alzarschool.org)

Current Lakeside families with questions about study away can contact Bryan Smith, Director of Experiential Education.

Study Away 2023/2024 Information:

Leave of Absence Request Form - Due January 9, 2023

More detailed information can be found in the Study Away FAQ

Important Dates:
Nov. 16, 2022: Representatives from all pre-approved programs meet with sophomores during a class meeting.
Dec. 2022: Interested students meet with the study-away advisor (Bryan Smith).
Jan. 9, 2023: Leave of absence form is due.
Jan. 20, 2023: Students receive email notification about leave of absence.
Feb. 2023: Program applications are due (students are responsible for checking specific program deadlines).
March 2023: Students are notified about acceptance, waitlist, and rejection.
April 2023: Student informs study-away advisor about decision to attend program or not.

Info presentations from partner programs:

School Year Abroad
The Mountain School
The Chewonki Semester School
The School for Ethics and Global Leadership
High Mountain Institute
Alzar School