Understanding Trauma and Resilience Through Literature: A Study of "Demon Copperhead". This course examines the complex interplay between family dynamics, trauma, resilience, and social systems through the lens of Barbara Kingsolver's acclaimed novel "Demon Copperhead." Students will engage in critical analysis of how family relationships shape individual development while exploring broader societal issues that impact communities across generations.
The curriculum follows four interconnected modules that progressively deepen understanding of personal and systemic challenges: Family Systems and Intergenerational Patterns, Adolescent Trauma and Resilience, Narrative Identity and Healing, Systemic Issues and Social Change. The final module investigates the relationship between individual struggles and systemic social issues. Students will critically examine the balance between personal responsibility and societal factors in addressing problems like addiction and poverty while considering how literature can inspire social action and policy reform. This course combines literary analysis with insights from psychology, sociology, and public policy to foster both critical thinking and a compassionate understanding of human experience. Offered in the 26-27 school year. Semester long.

Firmitas (strength), utilitas (utility), venutas (beauty or delight): Roman architect Vitruvius wrote that every successful building must follow these three principles. This hands-on course will explore the practice of designing spaces. Students will learn how to take measurements, draw in AutoCAD, interview a client, complete basic electrical wiring (in a lamp), and construct using both cardboard and wood. The course will also cover some elements of architectural history using two trips to New York City as opportunities for investigation and comparison. Our work will culminate with a shed design competition; the best drawing will win construction.” Open to V and VI Formers. Prerequisite: successful completion of Algebra II. Yearlong.

This course is designed to serve as an introduction to the major currents of the philosophical tradition. Covering both the ancient and modern worlds, it aims to provide students with the tools for analyzing, reconstructing, and presenting philosophical concepts, with the ultimate goal of inciting students to move beyond mere opinions into a more considered relationship with the world around them. We will read and play in multiple ways with excerpts from such thinkers as Plato, Aristotle, Seneca, Augustine, Descartes, Locke, Kant, Nietzsche & Foucault. Yearlong.

This course is all about exploring the world of film—both as viewers and creators. Students will watch and analyze a variety of films, breaking down how storytelling, cinematography, and editing shape what we see on screen. Along the way, they’ll also get hands-on experience making their own short films, learning the basics of screenwriting, directing, production, and post-production. Through viewing, discussions, projects, and collaboration, students will gain a deeper appreciation for film and develop the skills to bring their own creative ideas to life. Semester long.

This course is all about exploring the world of film—both as viewers and creators. Students will watch and analyze a variety of films, breaking down how storytelling, cinematography, and editing shape what we see on screen. Along the way, they’ll also get hands-on experience making their own short films, learning the basics of screenwriting, directing, production, and post-production. Through viewing, discussions, projects, and collaboration, students will gain a deeper appreciation for film and develop the skills to bring their own creative ideas to life. Semester long.

Get ready to take control of your financial future in this dynamic course designed for upperclassmen eager to master the essential financial skills for the 21st century. Focusing on professionalism, respect, and real-world applications, this course will empower students to navigate college and adulthood with confidence, independence, and informed decision-making. The adventure kicks off with Practical Money Skills, an Achievement in Consumer Education (ACE) award-winning program that teaches students how to set personal goals, create budgets, manage credit, save, invest, and understand banking basics. From there, the excitement continues with The Stock Market Game, an immersive online simulation where students can dive into global capital markets, managing a virtual $100,000 investment portfolio while exploring economics and personal finance. These hands-on, interactive experiences combine financial literacy with critical thinking, teamwork, and decision-making skills—building not only your academic knowledge but also the life skills you’ll need to thrive in the future. Whether you're new to finance or looking to enhance your skills, this course equips you with the essential tools for a successful financial future! Semester long.

Get the inside scoop on campus and in the world around us—and learn how to tell compelling stories through news, feature, opinion, sports, and review writing. In this hands-on course, you’ll help produce The Silo, Millbrook’s student newspaper, both in print and online for the first time ever.

You’ll explore how media—from social platforms to entertainment news—shapes our view of the world, and you’ll dive into real-world journalism skills: researching, interviewing, writing, editing, photography, and design. Want to try podcasting, photojournalism, or writing reviews of local spots or your favorite food or music? Go for it.

We’ll also cover media ethics, the First Amendment, and how to be a responsible, impactful journalist. By the end of the year, you’ll help create a glossy magazine featuring the best of our work.

No experience needed—just curiosity and a story to tell.

Yearlong course. Open to Vth and VIth formers. No pre-requisite.

This year-long half-credit course prepares students to excel both as delegates at collegiate Model United Nations conferences, with specific focus on the Dartmouth College conference in the Spring, and as leaders who will organize and chair a Model UN conference on Millbrook’s campus for middle school students in the fall. The curriculum balances rigorous study of international relations with practical training in parliamentary procedure, diplomatic speech, resolution writing, and conference management. Students will develop critical research, writing, public speaking, and leadership skills while engaging with complex global issues. Open to all students, with III Form entry based on demonstrated interest and commitment.

This course is a 1-semester elective. Rather than approach introductory psychology material in a traditional, topical fashion, the three units of study will focus on essential questions which allow students to experience a wide bredth of introductory topics including behaviorism, cognition, memory, group behavior and persuasion. Students will learn how to identify credible sources, how to read a psychological write-up, and how to write in APA style. This course will be available to Vth and VIth formers.

This course strives to develop an understanding of and an ability to analyze the power of sight. We will do so by exploring who gets captured, how they get captured, where they get captured and where they go after they have been captured. We will consider both the metaphorical and literal capture by considering materials ranging from Nickel and Dimed: On (Not Getting by in America) by Barbara Ehrenreich and Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, to the This American Life Podcast, HBO’s The Wire and various photographic images. Ultimately, the question that arises is why do such things get captured and what responsibility, if any, do we have in connection to the captured? Ultimately, the hope is to have you thinking about how we can all move to exist and be a part of a more just world.

In taking this course, you will engage with the topics of race, war and class in
America, and ultimately will be challenged to think about and reflect upon your place and responsibility as a citizen in this world. Semester long.

The Trevor Zoo veterinary shadowing course is aimed at introducing students to the field of zoological medicine in an AZA accredited facility. This program is geared toward students who have shown an interest in veterinary medicine at the Trevor Zoo and are exploring a career in Animal Health for the future. A student will learn from the Trevor Zoo veterinarian and staff members through real animal cases at the zoo during the semester. Students will also gain knowledge of laboratory techniques, preventative medicine, handling of exotic animals, nutrition, welfare, and other components of the Trevor Zoo Veterinary Care program. This is a hands-on class and students will be using the zoo as a laboratory, at times out in animal exhibits closely interacting with animals and other times in a classroom space. Class size is limited, and students must have the approval of zoo faculty to participate. Required courses of two years of science, including chemistry. Offered in the 26-27 school year. Yearlong.