January Term at Chatham Hall: Learning Driven by Curiosity

1/9/2026

Jan Term 2026 kicks off!

January Term (Jan Term) at Chatham Hall is a purposeful pause in the academic year, one that invites students to step beyond the traditional semester curriculum and into learning shaped by curiosity, creativity, and personal growth. Designed to broaden intellectual horizons while supporting graduation requirements and co-curricular engagement, Jan Term gives students the freedom to explore what truly excites them.

From January 6 through January 22, faculty and students gather around immersive courses inspired by shared interests and emerging ideas. Alumnae and guest experts enrich the experience with real-world perspectives, creating a learning environment that feels both expansive and deeply personal. Students take ownership of their time and learning, culminating the term in a vibrant expo where each course shares its discoveries and celebrates innovation, collaboration, and joyful inquiry.

A Day in the Life of January Term

Each day of January Term is thoughtfully structured to support students holistically, mind, body, and spirit, balancing academic exploration with wellness, movement, and connection.

Mornings may include Teamships, Internships, Deliberation, or SPARK Sessions, allowing students to pursue professional experiences, collaborative problem-solving, or passion-driven projects. New internship opportunities for juniors and seniors extend learning beyond campus into the surrounding community, offering hands-on exposure to fields ranging from healthcare and education to government, arts, and marketing.

A daily wellness activity block encourages students to unplug and be fully present through options such as yoga, fitness training, outdoor walking, free play in the gym, journaling and reading, or creative art-making. Afternoons are dedicated to January Term courses, followed by winter athletics and activities that build teamwork, resilience, and physical well-being.

Evenings provide space to relax and connect through informal programming like movie nights, deli runs, and community gatherings.

January Term 2026 Course Highlights

January Term courses reflect the breadth and creativity of a Chatham Hall education, blending academic inquiry, hands-on learning, and cultural exploration:

Bread of Life – Explore global cultures through bread baking while examining its role in literature, media, and community.
FCR Robotics – Hands-on robotics work with the TuTu Turtles team, including field setup, robot building, and marketing strategy.
Chemistry in the Kitchen – Discover the science behind cooking through chemical reactions and physical transformations in food.
Badminton – Develop competitive skills, strategy, and court knowledge for all experience levels.
Introduction to Ceramics: Using Clay for Community Impact – Create ceramic works that support charitable causes.
WEC Horse Show & Equine Science – Gain hands-on experience while studying equine ethics, care, and land stewardship.
Entrepreneurship (Taylor’s Version) – Analyze Taylor Swift’s entrepreneurial impact through business and sociological lenses.
Beyond Baguettes and Berets – Immerse yourself in French culture through food, fashion, art, and storytelling.
Pipes and Pedals: Exploring Bagpipes and the Organ – Study the history and cultural impact of these powerful instruments.
Indigenous Cultures and Mythology – Examine Native American beading traditions, mythology, and cultural identity.

January Term exemplifies Chatham Hall’s commitment to innovative, student-centered learning, an experience where curiosity leads, creativity flourishes, and students often discover new passions in unexpected places.

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