Comenius Independent Study Program Launches for the 2025–26 School Year

The Comenius Independent Study Program is an opportunity for Moravian Academy sophomores, juniors, and seniors to design, propose, and complete independent projects in areas of personal interest and passion. 

The Comenius Independent Study Program is named for John Amos Comenius, the 17th Century Moravian educator, philosopher, and writer who is often called “the father of modern education.” The program is designed to support students who choose to pursue an area of study that goes beyond our school curriculum.

Through Comenius, students have the opportunity to explore topics beyond the classroom, develop as independent scholars, and share their intellectual curiosity with the Moravian community. Many students choose to build on past projects, while others take on brand-new areas of study they’ve been eager to explore.

Students interested in participating are encouraged to join the Comenius 2025–26 Google Classroom, where detailed guidance, updates, and announcements will be shared throughout the year. Joining Google Classroom is not a commitment to complete a project, but rather an opportunity to learn more and consider taking part. 

The Comenius Project Handbook contains the information needed to create a strong proposal. Students are also encouraged to connect with a faculty mentor as early as possible in the process. A key step in the process is finding a faculty mentor who can help shape and guide each project. With the wide range of expertise across Moravian’s faculty, students are encouraged to connect early with potential mentors to spark new ideas and collaborations.

Whether continuing a passion or exploring something entirely new, students are invited to embrace this chance to challenge themselves, showcase their creativity, and grow as scholars.

For more information about the Comenius Independent Study Program, please contact Brian Crowe at bcrowe@mamail.net. 

Important Dates for 2025-26: 

September 11–17, 2025: Accept the invite to the Comenius 2025-26 Google Classroom (or ask Dr. Crowe to add you). Essential information will be shared through the Google Classroom moving forward. 

September 26: Provide a draft proposal to your mentor on or before this date.

October 10: Submission of final proposal and signatures page. 

The proposal must be uploaded to the Comenius Google Classroom.

The signatures page must be uploaded to the Classroom and e-mailed to Dr. Crowe (bcrowe@mamail.net) as a PDF.

October 2025–March 2026: Meet with mentor(s) at least once every 10 to 15 school days.

December 1–12, 2025: Pre-Winter Break Status Update Check-ins

March 2-6, 2026: Pre-Spring Break Status Update Check-ins

Wednesday, March 25: Drafts of products and presentation due to mentor(s) for critique and direction

Thursday, April 2: Revised products and presentation due to mentor(s) and ready for public display (students wishing to be considered for special recognition during the Comenius Dinner must have all materials ready for committee review by this date)

Tuesday, April 21: Comenius Dinner and Exposition (ALL final project products are to be ready for public display no later than 4 p.m. on the date of the Exposition.)