Spend your afternoons getting hooked on the art and science of fly fishing in the beautiful Connecticut River Valley . This course will introduce you to the fundamentals of fly-tying, casting, and reading the water in diverse ecosystems, from streams to lakes. You’ll also gain insight into conservation and ecology, learning how these vibrant waterways support life.

Perfect for students passionate about science, conservation, or the outdoors, this course fosters patience, problem-solving, and a deeper connection with nature. Whether you’re casting for trout or bass or studying the rhythms of a river, each lesson offers a new challenge and a deeper understanding of our natural world and ourselves.

Session 1 or Session 2.
Periods 3 and 4.

See Tuition page for additional fees.

Navigate the great outdoors, conquering new heights as you rock climb, canoe or raft New England rivers, or mountain bike through forests and woodland trails. A partnership with local outdoor experts and Wild Med Adventures, LEAD will plunge you into nature, teaching you hands-on wilderness survival skills and first aid. From crafting shelters and foraging for edible plants to mastering the art of fire-making, stone-tool crafting, and wood carving, you'll emerge not just as an adventurer, but as a more experienced, resilient leader with the confidence and tools to survive and thrive in nature and beyond. 

Prerequisites: Students must be ready for physical exertion and able to understand and willing to follow safety instructions. Students must be able to swim at least 50 meters unaided. For health and safety reasons, international students must have an intermediate level of English or TOEFL B1 level or above (writing: 15; reading: 15; speaking:16-20; listening: 17-21).

Sesion 1 or Session 2.
Periods 3 and 4.

See Tuition page for additional fees.

Have you ever gazed up at the sky and wondered what’s out there? How was the Earth created? How big is the universe? What is a black hole? You’ll explore these questions and many more and we consider the vastness of space. 

NMH’s observatory is a wonderful location for viewing clear night skies and studying stars and planets, thanks to the minimal amount of “light pollution” in our pristine, rural area. The course includes a daily classroom component as well as two evening viewing/stargazing sessions every week. 

Two- or four-week course.
Session 1 only

Get creative with clay! You’ll learn the hand-building techniques of pinching, coiling, and slab building as well as how to throw simple functional pottery, such as cups and bowls, on the pottery wheel. In addition to learning about form, space, texture, and function, you will be introduced to alternative firing techniques and options for surface decoration. 

Session 1 or Session 2. Period 4

Get involved in the community! In this course, you’ll learn about local and global needs while working with nearby support and service organizations. Discussions, fundraising efforts, and other activities will focus on issues such as homelessness and housing, food insecurity, health care, education, and children’s welfare.

Session 1 or Session 2

Roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of classic culinary favorites! In this introductory cooking course, you’ll explore the science and art behind preparing delicious entrées, such as spaghetti carbonara, chicken parmesan, tacos with homemade salsa, stir-fried vegetables, grilled salmon, and roasted chicken. 

From mastering safe knife skills to building confidence in the kitchen, this course is for students eager to learn foundational cooking techniques while experimenting with fresh ingredients and combining classic flavors. Each session will focus on a new recipe, offering a chance to learn the basics of seasoning, sautéing, and plating with style. By the end of the two weeks, you’ll be able to prepare several signature dishes with the confidence of a pro.

Session 1
Period 4

See Tuition page for additional fees.

In this high-energy class, you’ll get creative with your peers as you learn and practice dance fundamentals in addition to basic choreography. You’ll also reinforce good habits of stretching during warm-ups and cool-downs.

Session 1 or Session 2.
Grades 7 to 12.

Dive into the art of photography and explore both digital and darkroom skills to bring your creative vision to life! You’ll learn camera fundamentals — from shutter speed to aperture and depth of field — and get behind the lens to capture landscapes, portraits, close-ups, and even sports action. Experiment with digital editing techniques, then step into the darkroom to develop your own black-and-white prints, discovering the magic of bringing images to life in real time. Perfect for anyone passionate about visual storytelling, social media, or the arts, this course equips you with skills for high school projects, college portfolios, and beyond.

Note: You must bring your own digital SLR camera.

Session 1 only.
Period 4.

Overcome stage fright forever and prepare yourself for class and public presentations in high school and college. You’ll learn the principles of effective public speaking and practice, practice, practice as you prepare and present various forms of public address, from brief improvisational talks to formal speeches. In the process, you’ll improve your skills and confidence through ongoing, constructive feedback.

Session 1 or Session 2.
Period 4.

Hone your study techniques and executive functions and become a more efficient, productive learner. You’ll learn how to plan and organize and will build skills such as test-taking, memorization, note-taking, skim-reading, and writing citations and bibliographies. You’ll also learn how to organize and present your work and practice with PowerPoint, Google, and Excel.

Session 1 only
Period 4.

Bring your laptop and your curiosity and explore the limitless possibilities of hands-on design in our dynamic MAKE! course in the cutting-edge makerspace in NMH’s Gilder Center. 

You’ll explore design-thinking and fabrication, combining analog and digital techniques in a safe, collaborative, and fun environment that celebrates risk-taking and emphasizes support. Our “high-tech to no-tech” approach incorporates a wide range of materials and tools, allowing us to meet you where you are as you develop competency and confidence. You’ll dive into projects in drawing, 3-D modeling and printing, laser-cutting, woodworking, small-motor robotics, and digital design using a Glowforge laser cutter.

No prior experience required.

Session 1 or Session 2
Period 4.

See Tuition page for additional fees.

Share your love of music with like-minded peers as you collaborate and create with your voices. You’ll learn songs and practice together with music selections based on your collective interests. No experience is necessary, and the ability to read music is not required. All levels of vocalists — from shower singers to choir members — are encouraged to join and to lift your voices together in song.

Session 1 or Session 2.
Grades 7 to 12.

Ever wonder what the Dow Jones Industrial Index actually is? Or how the stock market operates? In this course, you'll look broadly at simple economic principles and approaches to responsible personal financial management. You’ll gain an understanding of financial and economic topics and key insights that will help you throughout your life.

Session 1 only.
Period 4.

Investigate! Design! Solve problems! And, yes, create a robot! You’ll begin with the history of robotics, then learn the basic components of a robotic system. You’ll experiment with the various methods that make robots move, with sensors and with programming. 

Note: You must provide your own Chromebook or Windows-based Mac laptop.

Session 1 only.
Period 4.

Discover the world of drone technology and take your photography and videography skills to new heights in this high-flying course! You’ll dive into the science of flight as you learn how to operate unmanned aircraft systems, with a special focus on mastering the DJI Mini 4K drone. From understanding federal and local regulations to ensuring safe flying practices, this course covers all the essentials for responsible drone piloting. Once you’ve nailed the basics, you’ll explore the art of capturing stunning aerial footage, developing skills that are both fun and future-focused. Whether you’re passionate about STEM, aviation, or creative media, this course offers the perfect balance of technical expertise and artistic exploration. Ready to launch? Bring your drone and get ready to soar!

Session 1. Period 4.