Special Programs and Electives

At the heart of Harkness Institute lies our distinct set of special programs and electives designed to both challenge and empower our students. These offerings not only foster academic excellence, but they also provide an opportunity to cultivate practical skills needed for future success. Our commitment extends beyond academic achievement; our goal is to cultivate individuals who are prepared to be active participants in the global community, ready to make meaningful contributions. Through a combination of academic rigor and holistic development, we prepare our students to navigate the complexities of the world with confidence, competence and integrity. 

Special Programs in the Curriculum


Our Special Programs are unique educational offerings that set us apart from other schools. These classes underscore our belief in equipping students with essential skills and knowledge crucial for real-world success and a competitive edge in their future academic and professional pursuits. Rooted in our mission of providing a holistic, academically rigorous education, these classes emphasize service to the community, leadership development, a global perspective, and real-world preparation. Additionally, these classes are part of our school’s intentional efforts to guide our students in identifying and cultivating a sense of purpose behind their academic and professional efforts. By embedding these classes into our curriculum, we ensure that every student benefits from a comprehensive educational experience that goes beyond traditional learning paradigms, preparing them to excel in an increasingly complex and dynamic world.

 

Advisory Program

Our advisory program was born out of our commitment to supporting our students' psychosocial development and to help their academic and professional pursuits be purpose-driven. This is a three-year program made up of three sequential courses which are designed by our psychopedagogical department. These courses aim to provide tools and guidance according to our students’ developmental stage and some of the challenges that they face around these times. During one hour each week, students work hand in hand with their group adviser on hands-on exercises and discussions to support their educational process and planning for the future.

Educational Guidance:

This course is specifically designed for sophomores. It aims to promote the development of critical thinking skills by providing them with tools and engaging activities that enable them to analyze, evaluate, and reflect on various aspects of their environment and educational process. Through exercises such as the critical analysis of news, complex problem-solving challenges, and reflective exercises to identify personal biases, we foster students' capacity for analysis and critical reflection, stimulating creativity and originality in problem-solving, and encouraging autonomy and informed decision-making.

Vocational and Professional Guidance:

This course aims to guide junior students through the process of exploration and decision-making related to their academic and professional futures. Through a comprehensive approach, the class  provides students with the tools and knowledge necessary to understand their interests, skills, values, and personal goals, with the purpose of making informed decisions aligned with their identity and aspirations.

Professional Guidance and Career Development:

This course aims to provide senior students with the necessary tools and knowledge to make informed and successful decisions regarding their professional future. Through a combination of theory and practice, students explore various areas related to career development and learn to plan and manage their professional trajectory effectively.

Electives 

During their junior and senior year, students can select amongst a variety of workshops offered by our faculty. The options usually vary from semester to semester, so students have the opportunity to collect a wide range of experiences and skills. Here are some of the workshops we have offered in the past:

  • Robotics
  • Scientific Communication
  • Innovative Arts
  • Organic Agriculture
  • Select Topics in Physics 
  • Law 
  • Architecture
  • Psychology
  • Photography
  • Art Conceptualization
  • Japanese
  • French

Maths Academy

The Math Academy is a special afterschool program that prepares students for mathematics competitions. This free course gathers students in a small group to work on theories and practice exercises that equip them to compete and stand out in mathematical competitions at a local, state, and national levels.

Special Programs (More Information)

Leadership: Our flagship Leadership course prepares and empowers students to effect meaningful transformation in their communities and beyond. Students engage in reading, reflective exercises, and class discussions where they learn to explore theories and techniques behind effective leadership.  We encourage students to find their unique leadership styles and strengths in order to to harness their potential and make a lasting impact in the world. Click to return.

Public Speaking: This course equips students with the tool of public speaking.  Specifically, students learn how to develop and present persuasive talks.  They learn how great leaders inspire everyone to take action by discussing a carefully selected series of readings. The capstone project of this course is a 10-12 minute speech that demonstrates their understanding of the key elements of public speaking. Click to return.

Life Skills: This class highlights a variety of skills they will need as they reach adulthood: goal setting, wellness, interpersonal relationships, consumer economics, and beyond. For example, students might work on a project where they learn to work with a hypothetical budget over an extended period of time, with unexpected events that require them to adjust. They may also learn about basic nutrition and meal planning, how to research a university, or even how to read a contract or understand credit scores! Click to return.

College Counseling: College Counseling offers students the opportunity to prepare and apply to college during their regular class schedule. During this class, students receive information and resources to support them in their application to both domestic and international universities. Whether it is workshopping an essay, preparing for interviews, understanding what university aligns with their goals, or applying for financial aid, this course aims to prepare our students for college admission’s process. Click to return.

Service Project: During their senior year, students design and execute a project that is focused on serving the community. It is a genuine opportunity for students to merge their various interests, passions, and curiosities with the community and their academic lives.  The project is a vehicle for seniors to demonstrate autonomy, complexity, and awareness. Click to return.

Writing:

  • Tutorials: Writing Tutorials is an intensive writing course that takes our students through a survey of various writing styles. We instruct our students in the process of writing as both a craft and skill. 
  • Journals: In this course, we empower our students to explore techniques to develop creative writing skills and to use them as a tool of self-discovery. We focus on the therapeutic value of writing in a non-judgmental format while creating authentic, meaningful material. We use techniques such as free-writing, journaling, and gratitude practice to encourage the development of our students’ personal voice. Click to return.

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