Interim Term 2025: Expanding Horizons Through Exploration and Discovery

Each year, upper school students at Second Baptist School venture beyond the traditional classroom into experiences designed to broaden their perspectives, challenge their thinking, and engage their interests in hands-on ways. A valued SBS tradition since 1988, Interim Term provides a unique opportunity for students to serve in the local community, explore career paths through internships, or travel across the country and around the world. Through these experiences, they gain a broader understanding of themselves, others, and their place in the world, all while deepening their intellectual and spiritual growth.

“Interim Term enriches both the lives of our students and the curriculum of our school,” said Interim Head of School John Card. “This special term enables students to explore personal interests, integrate disciplines, and expand their minds in ways that aren’t available in a regular classroom setting.”

An Academic Experience That Extends Beyond the Classroom
Interim Term complements and enhances Second Baptist School’s academic program by giving students opportunities to apply knowledge in real-world contexts. Some deepen their understanding of subjects they already love, while others step into areas they may not have explored before. Whether exploring WWII battlefields and historical sites in Europe, building homes in Central America, honing leadership skills in the Arkansas wilderness, or tackling hands-on projects in Houston, students experience learning in a dynamic and practical way.

For some, the greatest impact came not just from the work they did, but from the people they met along the way.

"The hardest part wasn’t the work—it was leaving. Leaving the families we helped, and the families we couldn’t. It gave me a deep motivation to return and to share their stories. I’ll never forget Kenny crying into my shoulder as we said goodbye, William’s tears as he thanked our group, or the way Jesus moved in my heart. The biggest impact came from stepping outside my comfort zone, embracing the unfamiliar, and realizing just how easy it is to take my life for granted. Being my first time out of the country, this experience changed me forever." – Mady Schmidt '26

From off-campus trips that emphasize culture, history and service to on-campus courses that sharpen critical thinking and practical skills, Interim Term offers meaningful educational opportunities. These experiences are intentionally designed to foster curiosity, encourage deeper thinking, and help students see how their learning connects to their faith, future goals, and calling. Through service, leadership development and academic exploration, students are encouraged to recognize God’s work in their lives and consider how they are called to serve others. 

A Commitment to Excellence in Education
Interim Term is made possible through the leadership of Upper School Student Life Coordinator Jennifer Daniels and our upper school faculty, who thoughtfully design courses and trips that provide enriching educational opportunities. These experiences encourage students to think beyond the classroom, gain hands-on knowledge, and grow as lifelong learners.

As students transition back into their regular coursework, they do so with a renewed perspective, a greater sense of curiosity, and a clearer understanding of how their education equips them to impact the world for Christ.

Interim Term 2025: Course Offerings

Off-Campus Experiences

• Alaska: The Last Frontier - Wilderness Exploration & Adventure
• Wild at Heart – Men’s Outdoor Leadership & Spiritual Growth in Arkansas
• Building Homes in Costa Rica & Guatemala
• WWII Historical Sites Tour
• A Journey Through Croatia & Slovenia: Adriatic & Alpine Wonders
• Paris: Art, Culture & History in the City of Light
• Texas College Tours

On-Campus Courses

• Research in the Age of Misinformation
• Archetypal Analysis—Orphan? Hero? Warrior?
• Imagination, Improv, and Impact
• Introduction to Logic: It's Elementary, My Dear Watson
• Introduction to Sewing and Design
• Asian Cultures Through Film
• Smart Sparks: Intro to Arduino Programming
• The Physics of Legos & Design
• Pottery: On the Wheel
• Self-Defense: Empower & Protect: Practical Self-Defense Techniques
• Script to Screen: From Page to Production, The Art of Filmmaking
• Strength + Conditioning: Theory and Application
• The Gospel According to Disney
• Theology of Tolkien, Lewis & Bunyan
• College Dorm Room Cooking
• Houston Day Trips + Houston Museum Tours
• Internships: Professional Pathways + Real-World Career Experience
• Serve Houston - Community Service
• Performing Arts - Theatre in Action, A Study of Live Performance
• How to Become a Kung Fu Master
• Pilates: Strength, Stability & Movement
• The World of Fragrance

View Interim Term Photos Here