School Absence

If your daughter or son had the chance to go to the moon for a month while school was in session, their school would likely grant them an excused absence. One would hope that a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join an expedition to Antarctica would be met with the same enthusiasm by school officials. But don’t count on it. You may need to do some persuasive footwork to help school administrators understand the educational value of this experience.

Fortunately, there are several strategies that have worked well for students in the past. Some Scouts are choosing to take a gap semester, stepping away from formal academics to fully engage with the expedition. Others are maintaining their enrollment but working with teachers to complete assignments before, during, or after the voyage. We’ve arranged for complimentary internet access onboard, making it easier for participants to stay on top of schoolwork and submit assignments on time.

Several students are also incorporating the expedition into individualized study plans, especially those in homeschooling programs. A number of participants are designing independent research projects connected to the trip, allowing them to align their academic interests with this hands-on learning opportunity. We’re also in the process of expanding college credit options: three credit hours have already been approved through the University of Mississippi, and we are working toward a potential 12-credit offering.

Beyond traditional coursework, the expedition itself is a rich academic experience. Each day includes lectures and discussions led by staff, guides, and leaders — many of whom hold Ph.D.s and most with advanced degrees. The learning is immersive, cross-disciplinary, and grounded in real-world challenges. We’re committed to supporting every Scout’s academic path and are happy to work with families and schools to find flexible solutions that make participation possible.