Chesapeake Bay Studies

Chesapeake Bay Studies is Gunston’s signature environmental and experiential learning program. By using the dynamic Chesapeake Bay watershed as a living classroom, this week-long, immersive program allows students to step away from traditional classes to explore the region’s history, ecology, economics, and culture.Partnering with premier organizations like Outward Bound, Echo Hill, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the Sultana Foundation, our faculty guides students through hands-on field trips, lab work, primary source analysis, and outdoor adventure.

Program Logistics & Expectations

• Graduation Requirement: Participation is mandatory. Students earn .25 academic credit each year, and all students must complete at least one climate-science focused Bay Studies course before graduation.
• Academic Coursework: Traditional classes do not meet during Bay Studies week, and no standard homework is assigned. (Note: Teachers may assign long-term projects before the week begins that are due afterward).
• Transportation: Daily bus and van transportation runs on normal school schedules. Gunston provides all transportation for off-campus and overnight travel.
• Weather Policy: Rain or shine! Students are expected to dress appropriately for changing weather. In the event of severe or dangerous weather, the school will initiate preemptive safety measures (delayed starts, location changes, or early dismissal).

Course Rating Systems

To help families choose the right Bay Studies experience for their student, each workshop is rated on a 1–5 scale for physical difficulty and accommodation comfort.