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: Trading Bennie the Bus for Canoes

For six days this spring, Mountain Classroom traded Bennie the Bus for canoes, working their way down the Green River through Labyrinth Canyon with guides from Canyonlands Field Institute. Read the complete account from Cortland ’27!

Mountain Classroom: Adjunct Weekend in Moab

After solos and weeks on the road together, Adjunct Weekend brought the chance to reconnect with familiar faces from Proctor, spend time in Moab, and begin planning the long route home.

Mountain Classroom: Chaos Cards, Christmas, and Three Days Alone

Mountain Classroom students spread out near the San Juan River in southeastern Utah for their three-day solo, alone at their sites with their packs of provisions, shelter, diversions of their choice, and their thoughts.

Mountain Classroom: Return to Navajo and Hopi Nations

"The members of the Navajo and Hopi Nations treated us with such hospitality and kindness that it is hard to put into words how grateful we are... I am so glad I got to have this eye-opening experience." Read more from Reagan '26!

Mountain Classroom: Shifting Into “Main Phase”

With “training phase” behind them, Mountain Classroom shifts into “main phase,” and with it, a longer task list, more student leadership and student-led decisions, and a more efficient, high-functioning group. Read more from Christina '26.

Mountain Classroom: Backpacking Big Sur

Mountain Classroom checks in after four days on the Pine Ridge Trail in Big Sur, California. Freya '26 walks us through the rhythm of the trip.

Mountain Classroom: Wilderness Certified in Big Sur

From Joshua Tree, the Spring 2026 Mountain Classroom group traveled to the Pacific and headed north along the California coast.

Mountain Classroom: The Desert is Old and Wise

"I can truly say I trust each one of these people with my life, literally. And it's only day 7.” Click to read more from Annie ’26!

Mountain Classroom: Colorado River Reflections

Mountain Classroom wrapped up their winter term in the Southwest with a four-day canoe trip on the Colorado River. Emily '27 captures the final outing and reflects on the term.