Academics
Third Semester
In addition to rigorous, college-preparatory coursework, St. Augustine Prep students participate in a variety of unique programs that complement their academic studies and prepare them to be contributory members of their world.
St. Augustine’s Third Semester program is an innovative academic experience that fosters empathy and global engagement. All freshmen, sophomore, and junior students are required to participate annually in one of these unique courses that complement their academic studies and prepare them to be contributory members of their world. These courses offer Prep students an opportunity to study in an immersive environment which may include foreign and domestic travel, practical or professional study, social work, or intense academic research.
Currently, for international travel, vaccinations are not required for Australia, France, Spain, and Costa Rica. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to decide whether recommended vaccinations are in the best interest of their son.
For both international and domestic travel, our travel partners provide policies to maintain students’ health and well-being in keeping with the policies of the governments of the destinations. St. Augustine Prep will follow the policies communicated by our travel partners, which may be subject to changes that are outside of our control.
Per the U.S. State Department passports must have 6 months of validity remaining on them beyond the exit date from the U.S. to use for travel. Therefore, if a passport is set to expire at any point in 2025, it must be renewed prior to travel through Third Semester courses in May and June of 2025.
**Renewal dates are subject to your particular trip, but our travel partners generally require passport information 110 days before departure.
Students traveling on international or domestic courses through EF Tours, ACIS, and WorldStrides will be provided information regarding each travel partner’s cancellation/refund policy. Basic travel insurance is included with options to upgrade private trip insurance. Lead Faculty for these courses will provide additional information.
Students traveling on courses not managed by one of our travel partners will be required to purchase private trip insurance. Information will be provided by the Lead Faculty of these particular courses.
Please note: Course changes and cancellations will be addressed on a per-case basis.
EF Domestic Traveler Support phone number (to enroll by phone or for all outstanding questions that aren’t answered in the parent guide): 1-888-333-9756 (Mon-Fri 9-5)
EF International Traveler Support phone number (to enroll by phone or for all outstanding questions that aren’t answered in the parent guide): 1-800-665-5364 (Mon-Fri 9-5)
Contact information for ACIS and WorldStrides will be provided once courses are confirmed to go forward.
All courses are only open to freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Seniors may not register for these courses.
Third Semester trips are for students only, parents are not permitted to accompany any of the courses listed.
Click the tabs below to view all Third Semester course offerings for Academic Year 2024/25
Please note: ALL EF Tours require a $95 registration fee via their course link
Unless otherwise noted in the description, course fees are to be paid-in-full at the time of registration.
All students are placed on a waiting list to ensure that there are enough participants to run the course. Students will be notified once Third Semester registrations have been completed.
Please note: All EF Tours are PRIVATE; the minimum traveler requirement is 20 for international courses and 20 for domestic courses.
(Course closed/At Capacity as of 10/3)
Price: $7119 ($95 deposit required directly via EF Tours link)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Course Minimum: 20 Students required for course to move forward
Dates: 12-Day Tour, Travel Window May 27 – June 13, 2025
Registration:
Description:Whether exploring Australia by land or at sea, you’ll soon realize life here is interconnected—and it all traces back to the Great Barrier Reef. As the world’s largest living organism, the reef is the foundation of Australia’s coastal ecosystems. And Townsville, which will serve as your base of operations for this tour, is the world-renowned epicenter of scientific reef research and conservation. You’ll see the reef up close while also witnessing the abundant Australian biodiversity that relies on it. Take a koala hike, snorkel alongside the reef, and meet local Aborigines who have been guardians of these precious natural resources for millennia.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math shape communities across the globe. Students will apply STEM principles by participating in project-based learning that goes well beyond theory. Students will explore some of the most biodiverse regions in the world and collaborate with real-world scientists as they learn about the Great Barrier Reef.
Click Here to View Sample Itinerary – Australia-Reef Regeneration & Conservation
EF International Traveler Support phone number (to enroll by phone or for all outstanding questions that aren’t answered in the parent guide): 1-800-665-5364 (Mon-Fri 9:00 am -5:30 pm). A chat option is available via the following link: https://www.eftours.com/#travelersupport
(Note – 10/4 This course is not likely to move forward due to low student response)
Price: $5129 ($95 deposit required directly via EF Tours link)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Course Minimum: 20 Students required for course to move forward
Dates: 9-Day Tour, Travel Window May 31 – June 16, 2025
Registration: www.eftours.com/2677479JR
Description: What’s the difference between a grand palais in Paris and a breathtaking château in the French countryside? It’s a careful distinction made by the French language, one of the many nuances that become clear when you traverse the country’s rich culture and history—from the galleries of the (Palais du) Louvre to the awe-inspiring châteaux at Amboise and Chenonceau deep in the Loire Valley.
Travel to the Normandy region. Here, on June 6, 1944 (the date now known as D-Day), Allied troops landed on the beaches, launching the campaign that eventually liberated mainland Europe from the Nazis. – On your visit to the D-Day beaches of Normandy, you’ll witness remnants of the floating roadways and piers built to create an instant port at Arromanches. Visit the Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument commemorating the special forces who scaled a 100–foot cliff to seize German artillery. See the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial established—out of necessity—just two days after the invasion.
Click Here to View Sample Itinerary – France~ Paris & The Chateaux
EF International Traveler Support phone number (to enroll by phone or for all outstanding questions that aren’t answered in the parent guide): 1-800-665-5364 (Mon-Fri 9:00 am -5:30 pm) https://www.eftours.com/#travelersupport
(Course closed/At Capacity as of 9/30)
Price: $5131 ($200 deposit at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Course Minimum: 20 Students required for course to move forward
Dates: (Tentative) June 1 – June 9, 2024
Registration: 8-Day Tour, Travel Expected May 26 – June 2, 2025
Description: The students will explore the southern parts of Spain with a focus on the cities with the most Arabic influence, visiting the world famous Alhambra in Granada. This 8-day tour visits the cities of Sevilla and Arco de la frontera in the Costa del sol. The final day we spend in Tangier, Morocco.
This tour highlights the Arabic architecture and history of the arabic influence in Spain. It gives students of Arabic and Spanish an opportunity to practice the language and be immersed in the culture and art as well.
A lively flamenco lesson and Spanish fan painting workshop are on the itinerary.
Click Here to View Sample Itinerary – Andalucia~El Sol y El Sur
ACIS Traveler Support contact information will be provided.
Price: $4411 ($200 deposit at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Course Minimum: 15 Students required for course to move forward
Dates: 8-Day Tour, Travel Expected May 26 – June 2, 2025
Registration: Link will follow for registration & payment scheduling with ACIS
Description: Costa Rica is a rugged, rainforested Central American country with coastlines on the Caribbean and Pacific. Though its capital, San Jose, is home to cultural institutions, Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes, and biodiversity. Roughly a quarter of its area is made up of protected jungle, teeming with wildlife including spider monkeys and quetzal birds.
This course is a leadership opportunity of a lifetime and a remarkable resume item in a beautiful place on our planet. Exchange ideas with local leaders in conservation and sustainability during workshops. Meet with global exchange students and facilitators in a unique setting. Tour Monteverde Cloud Forest Canopy. The highlight of the course – a home-hosted “Blue Zone” lunch.
Click Here to View Sample Itinerary – Costa Rica~Youth Leadership
ACIS Traveler Support contact information will be provided.
Price: $4,200 ($200 deposit due at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: 8-Day Tour, Travel Between May 26 – June 6, 2025
Registration: Link will follow for registration/payment scheduling with WorldStrides
Description: Explore the majestic Canadian Rockies! Visit Jasper National Park home to lakes, canyons, waterfalls and glaciers. Take a snowcoach ride to the Athabasca Glacier and visit the glacier up close. Walk the glacier. Travel to Banff and ride a Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Hike in Johnston Canyon and horseback ride through Bow River. Tour Calgary and the Olympic Plaza.
This course offers out-of-the ordinary and physical outdoor activities in a breathtaking setting. Share the experience with your Hermit Brothers!
Click to View Sample Itinerary – CANADIAN ROCKIES
WorldStrides/Explorica Traveler Support contact information will be provided.
Price:$2,600 ($500 deposit due at registration)
Student Eligibility: Freshmen & Sophomores Only (No Juniors or Seniors)
Dates: Travel between May 26 – June 6, 2025
Registration: TBA
Description: This course is designed to give the students an inside and in-depth look into the world of imagination at the Magical World of Disney. They will experience how to navigate the parks, the how and why behind rides and attractions designs, and why many strategies are implemented into the parks.
Students will investigate what skills and habits are necessary to evolve as an independent thinker and as a great leader as Disney was, while capitalizing on, and developing, advancements in technology based in the fundamentals of physics .
Disney’s Leadership Excellence: “Technology of Disney Parks”
Students will get an inside look at how Disney Imagineers dream, design and use technology and engineering to immerse Guests in our stories. From Audio-Animatronics to light and sound effects and more, students will learn why technology is the most valuable as well as the most challenging tool used in theme park operations every day.
Disney’s Imagination Campus: “Physics of Disney Parks”
From thrilling attractions to iconic entertainment, Disney Parks are dynamic real-world laboratories unlike any other. Students explore the physics Disney Imagineers use to create new and classic Disney theme park attractions
Roundtrip Airfare (PHL to MCO)
5-Day Park Hopper
Early & Late Access
3 Meals Per Day (Can be used at all Disney Parks & Disney Springs)
Resort: Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
Price: $2,890 ($200 deposit due at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Course Minimum: 18 Students required for course to move forward
Dates: May 26 – June 1, 2025
Registration: Link will follow for registration/payment scheduling with WorldStrides
Description: Come along for the ride! Learn about the history and social impact of various sports, the teams and individual athletes as we tour the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, the Hockey Hall in Toronto and the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. Along the way we’ll visit PNC Park in Pittsburg, Progressive Field in Cleveland, the Robert’s Center, home of the Toronto Blue Jays and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as well as a tour of Niagra Falls on the Canadian Side – PASSPORTS WILL BE REQUIRED!
Students will gain deeper insights into the rich history of several sports and their influence on American culture. They will have hands-on opportunities to experience aspects of sports history and culture.
WorldStrides/Explorica Traveler Support contact information will be provided.
Price: $2,600 ($500 deposit due at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Course Minimum: Pricing based on 25 student travelers
Dates: Travel between May 27 – June 1, 2025
Registration: TBA
Description:Are marine science and conservation an interest of yours?
Nestled in the heart of the Florida Keys is the private island of Pigeon Key. Students will travel and stay in bunk houses on the island. Experiences in marine science will include: snorkeling, invertebrate biodiversity, creating a touch tank, squid biology and dissection, shark biology and dissection, reef fish identification, Pigeon Key history and beach clean up and conservation. Additional excursions will include kayaking in the mangroves, sea turtle hospital and a dolphin research center.
Come explore and learn!
Price: $1,000 ($300 deposit due at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: Travel between May 27 – June 1, 2025
Registration: TBA
Description: Boston is a city of great historical significance to American History and our trip is action-packed in such a way as to allow students a complete experience. Students will tour Fenway Park, visit the JFK Memorial Museum, enjoy a Duck Boat ride, head sailing on Gloucester Bay, walk the Freedom Trail, and much more! While away, we will stay just outside Boston at Merrimack College, where the local Augustinians will celebrate Mass and offer a tour of campus.
This course conveys the great historical significance of the city of Boston (primarily regarding the American Revolution, but not exclusively); prepares students to work in groups, practice journaling skills, and public speaking; grows their Augustinian understanding of education as a holistic experience – especially one that includes experiential learning outside the classroom.
(Course closed/At Capacity as of 10/3)
Price: $5,500 ($500 deposit due at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: 7-Day Cruise, June 1 – June 9, 2025
Registration: TBA
Description: Our 49th state and an adventure of a lifetime! Embark on an unforgettable journey through the majestic wilderness of Alaska aboard a cruise ship. Over the course of seven days, you’ll immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife that make Alaska a true natural wonder. Starting in Seattle we will board a cruise ship and visit Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria.
You will take part in a glacier hike, dog sledding, zip lining, and more!
Price: $2,500 ($500 deposit due at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: Travel between May 26 – June 6, 2024
Registration: TBA
Description: The objective of this course is for students to use this Third Semester trip to visit the Tampa area colleges and gain a deeper understanding of the need for conservation worldwide. Tampa is a robust area with many different universities and some of the best conservation resources in the South. On this trip, we would visit the University of Tampa, the University of South Florida, and St. Leo University. In addition to visiting the schools, we would spend a day at Busch Gardens, where we would get a behind-the-scenes tour of their conservation efforts and animal welfare. There would also be opportunities for visiting The Florida Aquarium, Zoo Tampa, and Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Join us in the Sunshine State!
Price: $800 ($300 deposit due at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: January 16-19, 2025 (Thursday-Sunday)
(Tailored to accommodate students who cannot participate in spring/early summer)
Registration: TBA
Description: “Get Down in Naptown” is the trip dreams are made of. Get it? Join us for four days in the REAL Naptown. . . Annapolis, Maryland! This winter course will offer you a new (or more sophisticated) appreciation of ALL THE THINGS including: Chesapeake Bay conservation efforts, United States Naval Academy and maritime history, African-American history and culture, legendary restaurants, and Brotherhood.
Our activities, visits, and tours will include any/all of the following:
| Banneker-Douglass Museum | Walking Ghost Tour |
| US Naval Academy | Third Eye Comics & Gaming |
| Sailing or Schooner Tour | Chick and Ruth’s Delly |
| Annapolis Scavenger Hunt | City Dock |
| Annapolis Maritime Museum | Cantler’s Riverside Inn |
| Kayaking/Paddleboarding on the Chesapeake Bay |
Price: $300 ($150 deposit at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: May 27 – June 6, 2025
Registration: TBA
Description: To better understand the similarities and differences among the world’s religions enriches our global awareness! This course will allow students to learn about different cultures through religions right “in their backyard”. Students will explore religious influence on traditions, food, and spirituality. Time will be spent reflecting on what we experienced in traveling during week one and working on our final projects.
Plans to visit:
NJ State Museum (Native American History) – Trenton, NJ
NJ Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center – Princeton, NJ
Weizman National American Jewish History Museum – Philadelphia, PA
Holy Trinity Orthodox Greek Church – Egg Harbor Twp, NJ
St. Peters Basilica – Philadelphia, PA
Price: $200 (Paid in Full)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: May 27 – June 6, 2025
Registration: TBA
Description: Investigate and experience a varied account of what is or may be considered art and history.
The arts (and in some cases, the collection of a discipline) are a medium for humanity’s communication. Experiencing this through artistic mediums and collections that are not as ‘famous”, as mainstream and immersive, creates an excellent avenue for exploring ideals in the world and in ourselves.
Visit four to five unique museums in our area:
Mutter Museum: Philadelphia. Historical medical museum. Oddities and objects from the world of medicine and doctoring.
Grounds for Sculpture: An immersive park filled with art installations and areas of artistic discovery.
Princeton University Art Museum: See the school’s collection and walk the campus while being informed of its history and luminaries.
Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University, New Brunswick
Price: $1,000 ($300 deposit due at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: May 28 – June 10, 2025
Registration: TBA
Description: This is a Third Semester course designed for lovers of theater of all genres. In this course, we will first take a look at a list of upcoming productions in Philadelphia and New York City, selecting two from each city featuring a different style of performance. We will then work in groups to research our chosen productions, and perform selected scenes in small groups. This will then culminate in two trips: one to New York City, and one to Philadelphia, where we will see a matinee and night performance, with a reflection afterwards.
Students will gain an appreciation for the art of theater, and learn how to approach it critically through research and analysis. They will learn not only what types of performance they enjoy, but also how to explain why they enjoy it. They will also learn the basics of performance, with the added option of exploring musical notation.
Price: $1,300 ($500 deposit due at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: May 27 – June 6, 2025
Registration: TBA
Description: This course is designed to teach you how to navigate comfortably in a kitchen and gain skills for life! You will learn culinary arts from outstanding, experienced teaching chefs at the Atlantic Cape Community College Culinary Institution. Take this culinary world tour of fantastic international recipes. This course is a hands-on learning experience where you cook what you eat every day, culminated by a banquet luncheon you prepare for your parents and invited guests. You will learn proper nutrition and sanitation methods as well as techniques you can use at home or in the dorm. Join the fun in the kitchen!
Price: $650 ($300 deposit due at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: Second Semester, January-April, 2025 -TBA (Tailored to accommodate students who cannot participate in spring/early summer; 1 or 2 Saturdays may be included)
Registration: TBA
Description: Working with clay is fun! Bring your inspiration and patience to this beginners’ course. Students will learn methods of hand-building clay forms and pottery wheel basics. Ceramics is a creative and meditative process. This course will allow students to have the time to create multiple clay forms over the duration of the course – drying and firing times vary and work may be picked up after the course ends. The Clay College of Rowan University is the venue for much of the class.
A special portion of this course is the glassblowing experience at Salem County Community College where people travel from all over the country to observe and learn from renowned artisans. You a
Price: No Cost
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: May 27 – June 6, 2024
Registration: TBA
Description: Students participating in this course will help children and young people through service at Camp Merrywood, the YMCA’s 68-acre outdoor campground in Elmer, and Camp Edge in Alloway. They will help prepare the camp and activities for pre-teen and teen social development. They will experience fun and learning through outdoor activities such as kayaking, zip-lining, archery, arts & crafts, science activities, and more.
Service to the local community by helping with activities that encourage the positive development of local youths is the focus of the course. Students will develop life skills that focus on communication, social and emotional development, and dedication and commitment to improving their community.
Price: $350 ($150 deposit due at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: Second Semester, January-April, 2025 -TBA (Tailored to accommodate students who cannot participate in spring/early summer; 1 or 2 Saturdays may be included)
Registration: TBA
Description: Students will create a 5 to 7-minute portrait film, defining a character/protagonist through story, cinematography, and soundscape. The audience should fully understand everything there is to know about this character, without the use of dialogue — only what is onscreen. Students will learn the common techniques and approaches used to create interesting and engaging images and music, and how they impact the overall story that is being told.
Watch and assess films. Pitch a script as a group. An introduction to shot composition, storyboarding, filming and editing are the focus of this hands-on course.
Price: No Cost
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: *Saturday in early December 2024, **Saturday and Sunday in mid-May 2025 and days between May 27 – June 4, 2025
Registration: TBA
Description: Every day will be a different experience in which students will be of service to their neighbors. Students will get to know their surrounding communities, gain a sense of purpose, and perhaps enable the discovery of a new passion or interest. This course fosters Augustinian values and creates a greater sense of citizenship among the students. This program is designed to live out the Prep’s mission of being men to serve from Philadelphia to Atlantic City. Past popular activities have included the South Philadelphia Italian Festival, Catholic Charities Atlantic City, and the Vineland Veterans Home.
Students will arrive and depart from the Prep on a daily basis.
(Course closed/At Capacity as of 10/3)
Price: $650 ($300 deposit due at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: May 27 – June 6, 2025, excursion dates TBA
Registration: TBA
Description: Think hospitality entrepreneurship!
In this course, students will learn the many aspects of managing a country club. This includes all aspects of food and beverage, events management, course maintenance, and golf management. Students will learn how to develop a menu, prepare food for a banquet event, how greens keepers keep their courses looking great, the financial aspects of pricing for a golf course and its upkeep, as well as other financial aspects of running a country club. This will include guest speakers from various country club General Managers, Greenskeepers, and Food and Beverage Managers.
The topic of the art of business on a golf course will be discussed. There is really no other sport with a significant amount of quiet time between shots that allow for wide-ranging conversations and common interests to be discovered. That, for business people, is gold.
A few rounds of golf are a highlight of the week.
Price: No Cost
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: May 27 – June 6, 2025
Registration: TBA
Description: Take a Look Back…The year 1968 was one of the most tumultuous in American history. The Vietnam War, assassinations, riots and nationwide campus unrest, all culminating in a watershed presidential election – fractured a nation and made people fear that “the center cannot hold.” This Third Semester course will be a multimedia examination of one of the most pivotal years in US History…Explore the impact those moments in time had on our country.
Price: No Cost
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: May 27 – June 6, 2025
Registration: TBA
Description: Are you a fan of suspenseful Films? Novels? Do have a list of must-see films and must-read novels? This course is set to focus on classic Stephen King novels and films that dive into psychological themes. We will be exploring the method of development and depth of the stories that King produced. The course will provide the tools necessary to analyze King’s plots, character motives and use of local color, slang and dialect. Learn to utilize critical thinking in ways that interest you!
Novel and Film options to be explored: Misery, Delores Claiborne, The Green Mile, The Shining, Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption
Price: No Cost
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: May 27 – June 6, 2025
Registration: TBA
Description: Do you have ideas for new products and services that will meet our society’s needs, or are you curious about expanding upon or improving existing ones? If you are interested in exploring how to turn an idea into a marketable solution, and/or starting and scaling your own business, then you have an entrepreneurial spirit!
The Entrepreneurship course introduces students to the area of new business and innovation through a combination of basic business concepts, real-world case studies, and immersive group simulations focusing on business fundamentals and entrepreneurial thinking. The student experience is augmented with a variety of dynamic guest speakers from the Hermits immediate and extended communities who share their entrepreneurial experiences in order to provide practical knowledge, perspective, and motivation to the next generation of innovators and leaders.
Signature Programs at St. Augustine
8th Grade Program
The eighth-grade program at St. Augustine Prep offers a holistic and dynamic educational experience focused on academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement. Through small class sizes, students benefit from close guidance as they engage in interdisciplinary projects, experiential learning, and community service, all fostering a strong sense of brotherhood. A unique third-semester program provides opportunities for real-world learning, preparing students for future success both academically and personally.
Unitas Mentorship Program
At St. Augustine, strong teacher-student bonds spark curiosity and a love for learning. In the Unitas program, students and families are paired with faculty advisors for guidance over four years. The Habitudes: Growing Leaders Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum teaches life skills through imagery, stories, and activities, building self-discipline, time management, and personal growth for a confident self-image.
Third Semester
The Third Semester program at St. Augustine transforms learning by immersing Prep students in real-world experiences. Through international travel, hands-on professional work, social impact projects, or focused academic research, students go beyond the classroom to gain global perspectives and practical skills. This program inspires students to expand their understanding of the world and uncover their potential to make a meaningful impact.