Independent Projects

University School students are encouraged to pursue a course of study in a variety of disciplines and to continue in those disciplines beyond the minimum requirements of the school. In addition to AP courses, independent research options are available in all disciplines through fellowship programs and internships.

Strnad Fellowship

University School's Strnad Fellowship Program was established by Mr. and Mrs. James J. Strnad in 1968 to stimulate and recognize creative inquiry. The program enables juniors and seniors with an outstanding ability and passionate interest in a particular area to pursue advanced independent projects. Students have worked in biomedical engineering, medical research, and built a hydroelectric generator. They have designed furniture, created jewelry, composed music, produced films, and pursued countless other projects.

Anderson Scholars Program

The Anderson Scholars Program (Humanities, Science Research, and Entrepreneurship) enables a student to pursue his passion with structure, rigor, and depth throughout his high school career. With guidance from an advisor, an Anderson Scholar participates in an individualized program that connects course work with significant experiences outside the walls of the school.

In his sophomore year, an interested student submits an application and is interviewed. If he is selected as an Anderson Scholar candidate, he will pursue an individualized program for the remainder of his high school years. These immersion programs are designed to give additional context and substance to University School curricular requirements.

Byrnes Scholar Program

Through the new Byrnes Scholar Program, students will develop ideas to solve social problems, learn from nonprofits and organizations working on related issues, and gain hands-on knowledge through internships and start-up experiences.

The Byrnes Scholars Program in Social Entrepreneurship & Civic Engagement enables students to pursue a passion for finding creative solutions that address social issues with structure, rigor, and depth throughout their high school career. With guidance from an advisor, Byrnes Scholars pursue an individualized program that connects course work with significant experiences outside the walls of the school.

Davey Fellowship in Creative Writing

Thanks to an endowment in the name of Hugh Davey’64, the Davey Fellowship in Creative Writing provides juniors and seniors who have demonstrated a strong interest in creative writing with the opportunity to pursue their interest beyond the curricular offerings of the school. Over a two-year period, students work with a faculty advisor to complete a collection of literary works in a particular genre of creative writing, ranging from poetry or fiction to personal essay or journalism. Senior Davey Fellows read selections from their creative writing in a special assembly in the spring.

Junior Research Fellowship

Through the Junior Research Fellowship program, individuals or groups of students in grades 5-8 who have a passionate interest, are performing well in the classroom, and show task-commitment capabilities may pursue high-level research on a chosen topic.

Each student Fellow, partnered with a faculty advisor/project consultant, takes on the role of a primary investigator—thinking, exploring, and problem-solving like a professional in the field. Research topics may build on current coursework, delve into related subjects not covered in the Middle School curriculum, or emerge from a student’s own curiosity and initiative. Every project will challenge the student to explore new ground and lead him to a new realm of learning.