Throughout its history, NCSSM has attempted to provide significant opportunities for students to engage in unique educational experiences outside of the regular school curriculum. Along with such innovative programs as Mentorship and summer research grants, our annual Mini-Term is a means to provide new and exciting academic experiences for our entire student body beyond the traditional classroom context.

During Mini-Term, in place of regular classes our students have two stimulating academic options, either participate in one of the specialized mini-courses arranged by one or more NCSSM faculty members, or conduct an approved educational project of the student's own design with the sponsorship of an adult member of the NCSSM community. The goal is to support our students in a rigorous exploration of a subject area of great interest to them in a way that will contribute to their academic and personal growth and serve them well in their future academic endeavors.