May Experiential Learning Program (MELP)
"MELP" is Rectory's signature program that takes place one week in May during the spring term. Students eagerly anticipate MELP throughout the year for exploring a topic in-depth through hands-on experiences, sometimes off campus and out of town.
The program encourages alternative learning styles, creativity, and problem solving.
“MELP really helped me to understand and appreciate the value in seeing things firsthand. I realized that learning on location makes absorbing what we are being taught so much easier. Every year I think that the next year won't possibly be any cooler than what I have just experienced--but it has. I think we are so lucky to be able to travel off campus and explore together. I only wish it was longer than a week!"
Samir M., Student
MELP 2023 Offerings
- A Taste of New England
- Arts in the Berkshires
- Behind the Scenes
- Charm of Charleston
- Charter Philly
- Flavors and Foodie Finds of New England
- Fun, Food, and Fitness
- Inside New England Sports
- It's Time to Be Outdoors
- Museum Madness!
- Nantahala by Bike, Boat, and Bipeds
- Over the Hills We Ride!
- Puerto Rico: Island of the Natural Wonders
- San Diego: Land, Air, and Sea
- Tex Mex: Culture and Cuisine
- The World Around Us
- Westward Bound! Discovering the Beauty and Wonder of the West!
A Taste of New England
This MELP is open to grades 6 and 7 and is an on-campus-based program.
Arts in the Berkshires
This MELP is open to grades: 7, 8, 9 and is an off-campus-based program.
Behind the Scenes
This MELP is open to grades: 5, 6, 7 and is an on-campus-based program.
Charm of Charleston
This MELP is open to grades: 7, 8, 9 and is an off-campus-based program.
Charter Philly
This MELP is open to grades: 8, 9 and is an off-campus-based program.
Flavors and Foodie Finds of New England
This MELP is open to grades: 7, 8 and is an on-campus-based program.
Fun, Food, and Fitness
This MELP is open to grades: 6, 7 and is an on-campus-based program.
Inside New England Sports
This MELP is open to grades: 7, 8 and is an on-campus-based program.
It's Time to Be Outdoors
This MELP is open to grades: 5, 6 and is an on-campus-based program.
Museum Madness!
This MELP is open to grades: 6, 7 and is an on-campus-based program.
Nantahala by Bike, Boat, and Bipeds
This MELP is open to grades: 8, 9 and is an off-campus-based program.
Over the Hills We Ride!
This MELP is open to grades: 8 and is an on-campus-based program.
Puerto Rico: Island of the Natural Wonders
This MELP is open to grades: 9 and is an off-campus-based program.
San Diego: Land, Air, and Sea
This MELP is open to grades: 9 and is an off-campus-based program.
Tex Mex: Culture and Cuisine
This MELP is open to grades: 8 and is an on-campus-based program.
The World Around Us
This MELP is open to grades: 5, 6 and is an on campus-based program.
Westward Bound! Discovering the Beauty and Wonder of the West!
This MELP is open to grades: 8, 9 and is an off-campus-based program.