Independent Studies

One of the most vital parts of the Renaissance curriculum is the Independent Study Program during the junior and senior years.

In the first two years of high school, students take required courses in nine academic disciplines across the arts, humanities, and sciences. With an interdisciplinary focus as the guiding principle, faculty work together to integrate subject matter and help students make critical connections.

By junior year, students are prepared to take on their first level of independent research. Working closely with an academic advisor, students select a topic of interest and prepare a proposal of study for the year. Work involves research, interviews, writing, and class performance, all leading to a detailed presentation before the entire school community at year’s end.

Seniors take their independent research one step further in the Renaissance “Senior Thesis” program. Students may elect to continue their research in the same field of study chosen as juniors, or perhaps a new spark leads them down another path. Whatever the course of study, they must prepare a detailed proposal of research for the year’s work, ultimately preparing for the culminating academic experience of Renaissance School: the preparation and presentation of a Senior Thesis. The Senior Thesis is given as both a research paper to faculty and “oral defense” to the entire school community.

The goals of the Independent Study Program include:
• fostering a sense of academic curiosity and independence
• engaging in interdisciplinary study (i.e., viewing topic through different lenses, historical, scientific, and via the arts)
• learning responsibility and self discipline
• seeking academic opportunities outside the boundaries of the Renaissance School walls and the established Renaissance School curriculum

Students have worked in a variety of fields during their independent study projects, including: study of green architecture, culinary arts and local agriculture, art and practice of skydiving, evolution of drums since the 1800’s, winemaking and wine history, construction of a guitar, film acting technique, designing and engineering roller coasters, photography, and the history and practice of martial arts.

The Independent Study Program is a hallmark of a Renaissance education and students feel an enormous accomplishment at its conclusion. Many have commented that “this was the best thing they ever did in school”. Undertaking serious independent research, described as “college level work” by parents, and presenting results to the school community has numerous benefits, and may contribute to the Renaissance reputation for stellar performance during college interviews.