“In your life, you will not be given discrete chemistry, English, and history problems,” said Upper School Director John Schafer as he kicked off a sophomore class meeting. “You’ll be given challenges that draw on all those different skills and disciplines and perspectives, and you’ll work with each other, and you’ll be out in the world.” He asked students to imagine what would happen if their learning was measured not by a final exam but by the questions they asked, the solutions they proposed, and the prototypes they imagined.

Mr. Schafer was setting the stage for the launch of an exciting new program for rising juniors in the 2024-25 school year: Catalyst: Menlo’s Applied Leadership Semester. Designed to prepare students for leadership in a complex, evolving world, this immersive educational experience is poised to transform how students think, learn, and lead.

“Preparing kids for the world that they’re going to find is the basic premise of the school, so we need to constantly evolve,” said Head of School Than Healy. “And we’re looking for students who are going to be pioneers for a program that I know is going to become central to who this school is.”

What Is Catalyst?
The goal of Catalyst is to develop purpose-driven leaders equipped to tackle global challenges with empathy, tenacity, and integrity. The program embodies Menlo’s commitment to fostering transformative learning experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. “We’ve designed this experiential and immersive academic program for students who want to impact the future; who care about how things work in the real world; who love to build, innovate and experience new things; and who are courageous, collaborative and kind,” said Maren Wolf, Director of Academic Innovation.

At its core, Catalyst blends rigorous academics with real-world applications, offering students a chance to explore multidisciplinary solutions to complex social issues. Through innovative courses, hands-on experiences, and mentorship from leading thinkers, students will cultivate the skills necessary for dynamic, systemic problem-solving.

Program Highlights

• Interconnected, Multidisciplinary Courses
  Catalyst courses, many of which offer honors options, are centered on a complex social issue. Students will investigate the issue from multiple angles, encouraging them to see challenges holistically, and fostering intellectual curiosity and entrepreneurial thinking.
• Leadership Development
  Through a distinctive Leadership Seminar, students will analyze real-world case studies, receive mentorship from Menlo alumni, and build a toolkit of leadership strategies, empowering them to lead confidently in uncertain, multifaceted situations.
• Real-World Experiences
  Students will engage in off-campus learning, connecting directly with innovators, policymakers, and thought leaders piloting solutions in real time, offering an unparalleled opportunity to learn from those at the forefront of change.

Learning Beyond Confines

“One of the most exciting opportunities we have with Catalyst is to think beyond the block schedule so we can respond to students’ curiosities,” says Ms. Wolf. This flexibility reflects a commitment to personalized, experiential learning, while at the same time Catalyst students remain fully engaged in Menlo traditions and extracurricular activities, from Spirit Week to arts and athletics. Menlo’s academic rigor remains a hallmark of the program, ensuring students stay on track for college while distinguishing themselves as forward-thinking, motivated, intellectually curious applicants.

Dr. Bridgett Longust, Dean of Teaching and Learning had this message for students, “As much as you’re learning about the world, one of the areas of study through the leadership seminar is you. So in that way, you are part of the curriculum.”

Transformative Education

The dilemmas of today’s world demand a new kind of leader—one who thinks systemically, collaborates across perspectives, and approaches challenges dynamically. Catalyst represents Menlo School’s dedication to empowering students as future leaders, inspiring confidence, agency, and optimism along the way.

“What I most want for them is that sense of hope,” said Mr. Healy.

Learn more here.