Meeting each and every student’s needs

When the Hun School of Princeton was founded in 1914 by university math professor, Dr. John Gale Hun, he believed he could teach such complex equations to any student so long as he got to know them on a personal level. Over a century later, that philosophy hasn’t changed. Hun is a private boarding and day school that fosters academic excellence as much as it does joy.

Opportunities are as enriching as they are boundless. From unexpectedly slipping into the role of student technical director for a musical, running lighting and sound cues, to travelling to Yale University and participating in the largest national Latin competition that’s Jeopardy-style. From taking the state championship title for girls’ volleyball, to giving back to New Jersey by packing a total of 305,000 meals for vulnerable communities through a non-profit. 

The world is big, the future complicated – and Hun is rising to the occasion.

At Hun’s Upper School, learning goes against tradition. Class structures are designed to put students front and centre of learning. Humanities courses take place around a Harkness table to conduct riveting discussions, while all STEM classes emphasize hands-on, experiential learning. Through Hun’s Skills-Based Learning (method), students gain the tools to confidently tackle challenges beyond the classroom, applying their knowledge to real-world problems. They learn to ask critical questions, analyse complex issues, and propose thoughtful, practical solutions.

Prepare for the future with the Upper School

The Upper School curriculum builds on topics learned in middle school, with over 200 classes and electives for students to explore their areas of interest. They can pursue subjects in departments like Computer Technology and Engineering, History and Global Studies, Science, Performing Arts, Health and Wellness, and more. The school also offers AP and honours-level courses, as well as a robust Scholars Programme for those interested.

Spanning three weeks of project-based, immersive work, the NextTerm semester allows students in grades nine through eleven to pursue their passions, curiosities, and interests. There are more than 20 courses available, with some even including a travel component. They cover a wide range of real-world topics, from how gender equity shapes the quality of life in Scandinavia to observing the science and art of birdlife with the Wild Birds Research Group. In fact, in the latter, students pursuing the course this year would even go on to participate in Mercer County’s first-ever birding competition.

Other courses ask students to confront real-world challenges: how to prepare for and respond to medical emergencies and natural disasters; how natural fibres such as linen, cotton, and silk might inform a more sustainable, minimalist future. The emphasis is less on exposure and more on application — learning that extends beyond the classroom and into lived experience.

Experience a three-week mini semester

The best part about Hun is that students have an entire support system. Should they need extra clarification on a particular topic or assistance with homework and projects, they are free to visit their teachers during the two Extra Help periods. Each student is assigned an advisor with whom they will remain until graduation. Advisory groups often form close bonds with one another throughout the Upper School, alongside the faculty in question.

All forms of support

This is typically the first line of support for students: advisors are present throughout every step of their journey, from class selection to general questions about Hun to connecting with parents when needed. Advisories would meet every day, though not for long periods — those 15 minutes could make a big difference to a student’s well-being.

Then there is the Grade Level Dean, separate from the advisor, who looks out for their academic, social, and emotional well-being, acting as a liaison between the student, parents and teachers. There is also the Counselling and Wellness team, which has counsellors dedicated to Upper School, Middle School, and international students.

Boarding at Hun is where students experience what it’s like to live independently, though always with a safety net. For many students, dorm life opens doors to the greater world: they get to meet and interact with students from diverse cultures, become engaged community members through fun student activities, and spend their downtime exploring cities like New York City and Philadelphia, both of which are only a short drive away.

Expanding with a new residence hall

Adding to their repertoire of cosy, yet lively residence halls is a new US$18 million, three-story, 41,000 square foot building named 1992 Hall — accommodating 114 students and 12 faculty families. Its stucco and limestone exterior houses a modern interior that mimics a small village with its interconnected in-hall houses. It has eight lounges, six kitchenettes, and three outdoor courtyards, alongside a state-of-the-art air handling system for prime air quality.

Hear from students