The Advanced Independent Project Program

Exploring trades outside the classroom

The Advanced Independent Project program established in 2016, is for students showing exceptional skill in a niche area such as (but not limited to): photography, videography, journalism,architecture, engineering, creative writing, community service, scientific research, art history, sculpture, finance, law, fashion, music production, athletic training, medicine, and much more.

Following an application/review process, students who are accepted for an established AIP internship work under the expertise of professionals both on and off campus to expand their own knowledge and skills to excel, or design and complete a significant project of their own. Each student is required to present what he learned to the entire student body at the end of the time allotted. Given the space to experience a trade with the guidance of trained and proven adults, students build their resume and gain invaluable experience as they seek specialized education.

Click Here to View A List Of Completed AIPs

Meet the Program Director

Student Opportunities

How To Apply

Who Can Apply

The Application Process

An application by the student includes a google form that requires summary of project, initial goals and objectives, and requires two references from teachers who will confirm and comment on a student's character and academic/creative work. The project will take place during the afternoons of the fall, winter or spring season. The weekly time commitment must be at least 10 hours, a minimum of 2 hours daily Mon-Fri, though additional work likely.

Upon completion of application, student proposals will go through first screening through AIP Coordinator (Pinton) and those selected will be presented to the AIP committee ideally 1 week before the season begins. Presenters should have visual evidence or information to support their proposals, ie power point, physical examples, etc. Proposal results will undoubtedly change of the course of the experience, but committee’s purpose is to see evidence that the AIP applicant is prepared and motivated with clear and measurable objectives. Initial goals and objectives should be layed out with help of specific AIP Advisor (not necessarily student’s academic advisor).

2 weeks into AIP, student will present AIP committee with evidence of progress and a clearer, more detailed program/calendar of weekly or daily goals and final objectives. These should be created alongside the advisor and AIP Coordinator. These manageable, measurable and appropriately challenging goals will be used to judge the AIP upon completion.

Final Presentation

Final presentations or products can take many forms, most will commence in a public performance, presentation, demonstration or exhibition of work/experience at season end. AIP presentations must be documented and shared via Google drive, including a presentation/summary of the experience or internship using photographs, journal, narrative and support documents to communicate the value of the experience. Failure to meet commitments, advisor meetings or the presentation of a final project will result in termination of project.

Upon successful completion of an AIP, the committee will grant approval to a certain select number of projects to be considered for a year-end award. These AIP’s will be meet goals of project set out with the help of advisor and AIP Coordinator, and include a valuable final presentation.

Mentor Responsibilities

Origins of the AIP Program

In 2016, Cristina Pinton watched a group of talented juniors struggle with the limited amount of time they had during the typical AOF day to get the most from their AP drawing portfolios. From the extra minutes during enrichment in the evening, to trudging to “the far end of campus” through the snow, to weekend visits in between mall runs and early dinner, Pinton decided to officially ask former Head of School, Ken LaRocque, to allow them the opportunity to trade in a season of sports for a season of art portfolio development. LaRocque approved, the program began, and dozens of boys have since gained invaluable experience. The Advanced Independent Project Program, has expanded beyond the walls of the art studio to students who have dreams and passions wider and deeper than what the typical AOF day could support.

Given the boys’ eagerness to connect with their passions in a meaningful manner, this program truly needs your help. We are currently looking to expand our network of opportunities for the upperclassmen by strengthening the connection between alumni and current students. If you are interested in collaborating with us, the following are the basic requirements to establish an AIP we present to the boys.

In-Person Mentorship

Ability to offer an internship, shadowing, or other experience for a student on-site in a professional business or location near Avon Old Farms (within a 20 minute drive).
A general weekly curriculum (provided before the AIP begins) is necessary to give structure to the experience that clarifies goals, interactions, and objectives. Meetings and on-site visits should be valuable real-world experiences, and projects can also be assigned to the student to supplement their time during the week when not on-site.
Students are expected to work every day independently for a minimum of 10 hours weekly. The school day allows boys to work only from 3–5 p.m. Mon, Tues, Thur, Friday and 1–5 p.m. on Wednesdays. Mentors are able to offer the opportunity/internship/mentorship/proposal for one of three seasons. Start dates are: early September, early December, beginning of March. Each AIP is approximately 8–10 weeks.

Online Mentorship

In connection with your profession and given your talents, offer a general project goal or proposal for a student that can be done online via weekly meetings on Zoom. Please understand the school day allows boys to work only from 3–5 p.m. Mon, Tues, Thur, Friday and 1–5 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Be able to present the opportunity/internship/mentorship/proposal for one of three seasons. Start dates are: early September, early December, beginning of March. Each AIP is approximately 8–10 weeks.
Ability to meet 1–2 times a week online for a total of 2–3 hours weekly face-time. A weekly curriculum is necessary to give structure to the experience that clarifies goals, interactions, and objectives. Virtual meetings are to present ideas/content, discuss real-world situations, and direct projects that can be assigned to students outside of face-time (with follow up of said project). Students are then expected to work every day independently, with a mentor's direction (could be research, music recording, writing, interviewing, etc.) for a minimum of 10 hours weekly.

The AIP Program is Where I...

"Because of my AIP, I was able to pursue my passion for filmmaking and it was my first time creating a film entirely. I learned many skills about planning and organizing that I still use today. Thinking back to my time at AOF, the AIP stands out as an influential part of my experience, as well as helping my future career as a filmmaker."

-Alvaro de la Cruz ’17 AIP in filmmaking with artist Robert Abbot