LEAP

Live. Experience. Advance. Prepare.

At Marianapolis, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. One of our Signature Programs, LEAP invites students to engage with the world in hands-on, meaningful ways that complement traditional academics.

By stepping beyond comfort zones, students begin a lifelong journey of self-discovery and growth. Alongside teachers who model curiosity and the joy of learning, participants build lasting relationships that carry back into daily campus life.

LEAP courses span a wide variety of experiences, including:

-Specialized skills and the arts
-Community service projects
-Scientific field studies
-Cultural immersion programs
-Outdoor challenges

There are several LEAP programs throughout the year: LEAP: Weekend & Weekday Explorations, LEAP Discovery Days, and LEAP: Global. Read more about each program below!

Weekend & Weekday Explorations

Small Adventures, Lasting Impact

The LEAP: Weekday and Weekend Explorations Program brings education beyond the classroom with dynamic weekend and weekday opportunities. Each experience is designed to spark curiosity, nurture lifelong learning, and support social-emotional growth through hands-on, real-world activities. This program is required for all new 9-PG students and the Class of 2028.

Students might embark on an off-campus weekend adventure or take part in a focused weekday workshop - both crafted to build practical skills, expand cultural awareness, and deepen connections with peers and faculty.

-Weekend Explorations offer extended time for discovery, community-building, and personal growth through immersive activities and adventures.

-Weekday Explorations provide accessible, engaging opportunities that complement academics, giving students a creative or reflective break during the school week.

Together, these experiences empower students to live, experience, advance, and prepare for the world beyond campus.

Discovery

Engage, Explore, Discover

LEAP: Discovery is a three-day experiential program held each October, serving as a mini-term course requirement for all students. During this time, groups of students and faculty dive into a specific topic, project, or adventure designed to spark curiosity and expand learning beyond the classroom.

Courses are built around the passions and expertise of our school community and may also feature guest instructors who bring unique skills and perspectives. With each group focused on a single goal or endeavor, students gain not only knowledge, but also valuable lessons in teamwork, interdependence, and shared responsibility.

Program Cost: LEAP: Discovery experiences range from no cost to $700, depending on the course.

Global

New Ideas, New Friends, New Experiences

The 5-Day Experience invites students to venture beyond New England during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or March Break. While typically five days long (ranging from 4–6 days), each trip is designed to balance fun, exploration, adn team building.

Students step away from their daily routines to embrace new settings, develop independence, and strengthen peer connections in a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. By navigating travel logistics, problem-solving, and reflecting together, participants gain both self-awareness and group insight. Unstructured time also helps students build confidence in real-world situations.

Every trip leaves students with lasting memories, valuable lessons in group dynamics, and a deeper sense of community. This program is at the additional cost of each family.

The 10-Day Experience offers Marianapolis students the chance to travel nationally or abroad during Spring Break. Each year, students expand their education through enriching tours that promote cultural discovery and global awareness.

These journeys build character and independence while encouraging students to think critically about their own perspectives and compassionately consider those of others. By engaging with diverse cultures, students develop intercultural competence and a stronger sense of responsible global citizenship. This program is at the additional cost of each family.

Learn more about our LEAP: Global trips here!