Interim Term 2026 | Learning Beyond the Classroom

Each spring, Interim Term invites upper school students at Second Baptist School to step outside of the traditional classroom and engage in meaningful learning opportunities across the country and around the world. Whether practicing new cooking skills, experiencing professional theater at Houston’s Hobby Center or swimming with sea turtles in the Galapagos Islands, Interim Term broadens students’ perspectives through hands-on learning experiences.

Through local courses, students serve, create and form connections with peers and teachers that stay with them long after the week is over. Students learn practical skills through classes like College Dorm Cooking, which teaches students to prepare meals using only appliances found in a college dorm room. Other courses, like Serve Houston, immerse students in the community as they spend the week serving local organizations such as the Houston Food Bank and Kids’ Meals. For the second year in a row, Second Baptist School was recognized as a Top 50 Onsite Volunteer Group by Kids’ Meals, a testament to the character of these students and their genuine heart for service.

In addition to local course offerings, Interim Term’s diverse travel opportunities challenge students to step out of their comfort zones and explore new parts of the world. One group of students traveled to Boston, where they explored one of America’s oldest cities and relived history on the Freedom Trail. Other students traveled to Guatemala and spent the week building houses for families in a mountainside village. Lizzie Baker ‘27 reflected on how this trip showed her “the joy that so many people are able to have in difficult circumstances,” reminding her that true joy can only be found in the Lord.

Whether students travel or stay local, Interim Term reflects Second Baptist School’s commitment to helping students grow academically, spiritually and socially. Upper School Student Life Coordinator Jennifer Daniels emphasizes that, whether through travel, service or experiential learning, “Interim Term creates opportunities for students to grow in independence, deepen relationships and see how their learning connects to real life.”

From on-campus courses to international travel, Interim Term enriches the curriculum at Second Baptist School as students apply the knowledge they’ve gained in a practical way, deepening their understanding of themselves and the purpose God has for them.

Interim Term 2026: Course Offerings

Off-Campus Experiences:

• Boston
• Cayman Islands
• Galapagos Islands
• Guatemala
• Ireland
• Southern College Tour
• Texas College Tour

On-Campus Courses:

• College Dorm Cooking
• Crochet 101
• Houston Day Trips
• Internships
• Jane Austen
• Kung Fu Master
• Paint & Print with a Purpose
• Performing Arts at Night
• Personal Finance
• Powerlifting
• Script to Screen
• Serve Houston
• Yearbook