Surf Term:
Unleash
Now enrolling class of 2024
20 teens.
Zero smartphones.
One life-changing adventure.
Surf Term is a fully immersive, non-traditional learning experience that empowers 6th-9th graders to stretch their limits in every way imaginable. For five weeks, students trade mind-numbing lectures for accelerated academics, smartphones for expert surfing instruction, and everyday pressures for unforgettable adventures in the rainforests and warm Pacific waters of Costa Rica.
Program Dates
The 2024 experience will run from November 2 through December 7, 2024. Space is limited for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, so apply today! You’re also welcome to apply for a future session as long as the participant will be in their 6th-, 7th-, 8th-, or 9th- grade school year during the desired term.
Location
Our campus is located in the village of Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. In stark contrast to the standard American experience, this lush jungle wonderland moves at a slower pace and with singular purpose: Pura Vida — pure & simple living.
Living Accommodations
When they’re not out catching waves, students spend most of their time at the Nosara Beach Hostel, which we have entirely to ourselves for the duration of the program.
The hostel is nestled at the edge of the rainforest, just a two-minute walk from open skies and pristine beaches. A breezy, open-air vibe keeps students connected to nature as they enjoy classes and meals. And rustic, dorm-style living fosters independence and self-reliance while forging deep friendships that last a lifetime.
Phone-Free Philosophy
Between old-school classrooms, new-school screen addictions, and the constant pressure of social media, teens today have little opportunity to stretch their limits. They need more space to explore who they really are, what they really care about, and what they’re really capable of.
That's why outside of self-driven academic courses, Surf Term students are completely unplugged. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live free from the burden of infinite scrolling.
A Day in the ST Life
On a typical day, Surf Term students wake up with the sun to the sounds of monkeys and birds in the trees above their heads. They enjoy a healthy breakfast and instructional morning surf session before diving into self-paced academic essentials.
After lunch, some rest, and free time, students work on environmental learning projects, then suit up again for the evening’s free-surf session. They wind down with community chores, a hearty dinner, group discussion, and more free time before 9 PM lights out.
Lunch and dinner meals focus on authentic, healthy Costa Rican cuisine prepared by a local on-site chef. And on Free Days, students take a breather from their rigorous weekday schedules to hang out, play games, and enjoy supervised activities like tree planting, zip lining, and visiting the local wildlife refuge.
Academics
Every student is capable of academic excellence if given the right mix of challenge and agency to suit their individual needs. We embrace hybrid courses that combine the latest self-paced, adaptive learning platforms and Socratic, discussion-style education.
We also create authentic, real-world learning experiences that allow students to see the value of their skills and knowledge in action. It all comes together in a program focused on six key courses developed by expert educators:
Intensive core Math via Khan Academy
Intensive core English via NoRedInk and Lexia
Hands-on, project-based Science & Social Studies
An 12-session group Leadership Course
A six session course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist, Garrett Weber-Gale
Surf Program
A healthy mind and body elevate each other—and we believe the two are equally important. Our rigorous surf program gets teens off the couch and into the great outdoors for an invigorating and unforgettable experience, including:
Intensive ocean life-saving course
20 coached surf sessions with world-class, expert instructors from Safari Surf School
Lessons tailored to any level of proficiency, from beginner to competitive
40 uncoached free-surf sessions
Best of all, participants get a chance to explore and expand their physical and mental limits as they experience the deep fulfillment that comes from pursuing mastery of a single skill.
The Dads Behind Surf Term
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Jamie Matthews
Jamie and his wife of over 20 years, Mary Clare, have three awesome kids, two of whom attended a study abroad program called “The Winter Term” in Switzerland. This program—and the life-changing experiences it imparted—became the inspiration for Surf Term.
Jamie has a long history of creating organizations dedicated to helping kids thrive. He co-founded Explore Austin, a six-year mentoring and outdoor leadership program for 6th-12th graders, as well as The Pond Hockey Club, which employs USA Hockey’s American Development Model for kids ages 5-15.
Jamie also taught at the Acton School of Business from 2005 to 2020 and is a volunteer Pilot for The Angel Flight South Central and Pilots N Paws.
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Garrett Weber-Gale
Garrett is a dedicated husband and father of two utterly delightful children. He’s spent much of his life as an elite, competitive swimmer, earning two Olympic Gold medals, four world records, eight American records, and an ESPY award for Best Moment in 2008.
Garrett has spoken about physical fitness and nutrition at The White House and TEDxYouth, and he’s helped thousands of kids at swim clinics across the country learn how to develop the habits and mindset needed to realize their dreams.
Garrett started his first business at the age of 12 and is a former CEO of the Acton School of Business—rated #1 Best Administered MBA Program and #1 Most Competitive MBA in the USA by Princeton Review.
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Justin Moss
With two fun kids and one fun wife, Justin is thrilled to be part of an all around fun family. As our Director of Education, he believes learning should be hyper-contextual, application-based, and—you guessed it—fun!
Justin’s primary career goal is to improve others’ quality of life. To that end, he’s led a team in creating, editing, and publishing over 10,000 pages of unique, project-based school curriculum. He also leads learning and experience design initiatives for an international network of K-12 schools, as well as change management initiatives focused on customer experience and design at Fortune 500 companies.
Justin has also designed two strategic board games and written and produced a full-length music album.
Questions?
We understand that you may have questions about sending your child on this epic adventure. Let’s discuss them together.
From Sea to Slopes
Looking for more opportunities like Surf Term? We also offer a skiing program called Powder Term—an educational adventure experience where 6-9th graders have the opportunity to live, learn, and ski in the rugged, magical mountains of southwest Colorado.
We run Powder Term using the same nature-driven, phones-down, self-reliant philosophy as Surf Term—and we’re now accepting applications for our 2023 session! Visit powderterm.com to learn more and apply.
Our Purpose
We believe greatness lies within every human being. Surf Term empowers teens at critical growth stages to awaken their senses, activate their untapped potential, and ignite their passion for life, learning, & adventure.