What is Surf Term’s learning philosophy and educational model?

Surf Term focuses on three primary areas of mastery (self/physical/academic) – that path is built with new habits of health (both physical and mental), learning new ways of self-direction, time-management, project execution, leveraging adaptive learning platforms, and gaining new leadership skills. In order to begin a journey of mastery in these areas Surf Term uses adaptive learning platforms, physical training, and cross-discipline projects. 

Surf term has developed its own curriculum that’s based upon Socratic-style learning. We include core skill educational tools like Khan Academy, Lexia, No Red Ink, as well as our own project-based learning experiences that we’ve developed.

Students have time in their schedule when they can continue their self-paced foreign language coursework they have brought from their school back home. Surf Term does not offer its own foreign language coursework. 

Do I need approval from my current school to attend?

You need approval from your current school if you’re planning on your child returning to their current school for the remainder of that semester, at the conclusion of the Surf Term. You may also want to get approval from your school to confirm that they will allow your child to advance to the following grade level upon returning from Surf Term if they don’t go back to attend their school for the remainder of the year. 

Does Surf Term offer academic credit?

No, Surf Term does not offer direct academic credit as the program is not officially accredited by any organization. However, some schools will accept Surf Term coursework for school credit if presented with our course descriptions and Program Guide. Surf Term recommends if course credit is needed to request pre-approval from your school before attending. 

Are cell phones and other devices allowed?

Outside of self-driven academic courses, Surf Term students are completely unplugged. This unique experience is designed to offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step away from the distractions of digital life—no infinite scrolling or constant digital documentation. The goal is to create intentional moments that encourage students to be fully present—physically, mentally, and emotionally. While not every moment is serious or academic, we aim to balance time for downtime, socializing, and personal rest. However this does mean that all personal electronics use other than intentional computer time during specified academic times are prohibited during Surf Term. 

Students may bring cell phones for communication purposes during travel, however, Students will NOT have access to their cell phone during Surf Term. Staff will collect all cell phones at the beginning of the term and store them in a secure location until they’re used for calling home on the predetermined dates.

Can students access support services, like teachers, tutors, or therapists, from back home during the program?

Discover Term does not provide consistent or unplanned access to teachers, tutors, therapists etc. during their programs. If necessary, some arrangements can be made, ahead of time, to support unique needs of students so long as they do not conflict with the experience of other students or staff schedules.

Who are the Surf Term staff members?

The Surf Term staff will be made up of the Program Director, Educational Guides, Surf Counselors & Junior Counselors, Campus Chef, and surf support from Safari Surf School Guides. Additionally, the Surf Term founding team will be rotating on campus throughout the term. 

Do I need any surf experience or physical readiness? 

No, you do not need any surf experience. Yes, you should be physically fit to spend a few hours each day surfing. In order to come prepared, the child should be spending at least 30 minutes per day in rigorous activity, for a month leading up to Surf Term. 

Surf Term participants must come with their own swim gear and ocean apparel that is detailed in the student packing list they receive before attending. Surf Term will provide access to an appropriately sized surfboard.

What is your refund policy?

Full tuition is due upon a student’s acceptance to Discover Term in order to reserve their spot for the upcoming program/term. 50% of this tuition is non-refundable. 50% of this tuition is refundable up to 60 days before the start of the program begins. There are no refunds within 60 days of the start of the program. We encourage you to purchase travel insurance to cover any emergency travel or loss of funds due to injury.

May I speak to someone at Discover Term?

We understand the magnitude of making this decision for your child. Please fill out our “Request Information” form and a member of our team will reach out to you.