Mountain Classroom | Proctor Academy

Since 1972, Mountain Classroom has stood as a cornerstone of Proctor Academy's commitment to experiential learning. During the winter and spring terms, ten students and two experienced instructors embark on a ten week exploration of the American West, gaining first-hand experience from local activists and guest speakers.

Combining outdoor education and academic inquiry, Mountain Classroom students examine the complex and intricate connections between nature and culture, while providing students the opportunity to learn through applied and integrated education. Through place-based history, literature, and science curriculum, students engage directly with the content they are learning, all while developing outdoor skills ranging from rock climbing, boating, backcountry trekking, and camp craft skills. Mountain Classroom is one of the most rigorous and rewarding educational experiences afforded to Proctor students.

There is no way to truly encapsulate Mountain Classroom. How can I? There are no words to describe how close our little group became: the tears that were shared, the jokes traded back and forth, and the comfort of knowing you have people to depend on. - Chloe

Courses and credits

Students enrolled in Mountain Classroom receive the following course credits:

Ecological Literature and Writing (English Credit)
Western American Issues (Social Science Credit)
Nature and Culture (Science Credit)
Expedition Skills
Group Dynamics

Contact Info:

To learn more about Mountain Classroom, contact Mountain Classroom Director Kayden Will .

Mountain Classroom: 6:00 AM Alarm

The constant exploration, movement, and adaptation that takes place is what makes Mountain Classroom one of a kind. Read more from Liam '25

Mountain Classroom: Being Present, Together

Mountain Classroom students restarted their winter term with the Choctaw Nation, drawing inspiration from their resilience and thoughtfully crafted spaces to approach their own journey with intention and presence. Read Whistler '25's reflections!

Mountain Classroom: 'Twas the Night Before Mountain

In this special holiday edition, Mateo '25 captures the Mountain Classroom experience through a creative poem inspired by a classic Christmas tale.

Mountain Classroom: Jumping In Feet First

From polar plunges to first-time telemark turns, the Mountain Classroom group has been diving into winter adventures and the beginning of their off-campus Mountain Classroom term. These ten students are embracing the challenges of living and learning in community, each bringing their own goals but sharing a goal of approaching the experience with an open mind.

Off-Campus Programs: A Step Beyond Comfort

Off-campus programs at Proctor represent our belief that transformative learning occurs when students exist in that delicate space between comfort and challenge, with one foot firmly planted outside their comfort zone.

Mountain Classroom: The Final Sprint

To live more simply with these two terms of Mountain has been a true honor and a deep lungful of fresh air. No group of students has come close to teaching me so much or making me laugh so deep.

Mountain Classroom: A Glimpse Into the Chaotic Days on MTCLRM

Enjoy this journey entry style update from Mountain Classroom written by Rose '24 & Anja '24. After a week-long excursion on the San Juan River, the group is making their way back across the country for final presentations in Vermont this weekend.

Mountain Classroom: Gila Wilderness and River Crossings

Proctor Academy's Mountain Classroom program emerged from a 10 day backcountry adventure in the Gila Wilderness. Read more from Katy '25 and Noah '25 in their most recent blog post from the field.

Mountain Classroom: Kicking Off the Spring Term

After around a month-long hiatus, the Mountain Classroom blog is back! As the first of four total blog posts, Molly and Niko cover just what has happened during the first two weeks of the program!