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Chesapeake Watershed Semester

The Chesapeake Watershed Semester (CWS) is a fully accredited, single-semester academic program designed for high school juniors and seniors seeking an immersive, field-based educational experience. 

Situated on the shores of the Corsica River, CWS uses the vast and diverse Chesapeake Bay ecosystem as a living laboratory to explore the complex intersections of environmental science, public policy, culture, and regional sustainability. Through extensive field expeditions, authentic scientific research, and direct engagement with regional policy experts, community leaders, and environmental stewards, CWS scholars examine critical local and global ecological challenges firsthand.

Spend a semester exploring some of the world’s most complex environmental challenges!

  • For Gunston Students: CWS fulfills your core academic requirements for the semester while allowing you to remain seamlessly on track for graduation. You retain your standing as a Gunston student while participating in an unparalleled field-study experience.
     
  • For External Applicants: CWS welcomes motivated high school juniors and seniors from across the region and country. Credits earned during the semester transfer directly back to your sending school.
The image depicts a stylized illustration of the Chesapeake watershed, featuring a river flowing through a landscape with a capitol building in the background and a small airplane silhouette in the foreground.

Ready to Explore the Chesapeake Watershed Semester?

Detailed course syllabi, expedition logs, student blogs, photo galleries, and application guidelines are hosted on the official program portal:

Director of the Chesapeake Watershed Semester

Mel Skirkanich
mskirkanich@gunston.org
410-758-0620 ext. 5203 

Study and engage in real-world scenarios that build your understanding of environmental science and public policy.
Travel on five diverse and memorable overnight expeditions, as well as a variety of single day trips.
Meet and talk with high-profile regional and national environmental and political leaders. 
Conduct authentic scientific research, including in a world-class research lab.
Complete a fully-accredited semester of college-preparatory academics, including courses with AP options.
Make lifelong friends with a cohort of like-minded students, led by dynamic faculty.

15

Week Program
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5

Field Expeditions
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13

Class Size
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4

Core Program Courses