SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
Oldfields Externship Program
Our Externship Program invites you to learn beyond the classroom every Wednesday through two immersive tracks: Arts and Equine Science.
THE ARTS at MANOR MILL
Students in the Arts track spend their days at Manor Mill, a historic arts community just four miles from campus. They engage in hands-on classes ranging from stained glass and woodworking to fiber arts and floral design. A wellness component introduces nutrition and the practice of Qigong. The program offers a unique opportunity to learn new techniques, create meaningful work, and collaborate with a vibrant community of professional artists.
EQUINE SCIENCE
The Equine Science track sits within our Equine Science Concentration, yet it’s open to any student with a passion for learning in the field. Each Wednesday morning, students learn alongside veterinarians, farriers, nutritionists, breeders, and other respected professionals in the industry. Students also have the opportunity to foxhunt across neighboring countryside with the Elkridge-Harford Fox-Chasing Club.
Afternoons shift to Equine Science Concentration micro-credentialing classes, where students dive into equine anatomy, grooming, farrier science, small-business math, stable management, and more. The purpose is simple: to develop practical skills, build confidence, and form connections that lead to future pathways.
Wednesdays are a highlight of life at Oldfields.
Equine Science Concentration
The Equine Science Concentration (ESC) is for students who are passionate about horse care and horsemanship, interested in studying equine or veterinary science in college, and/or want to work in the horse industry. It combines traditional academic classes with hands-on education in the barn and individualized experiential learning opportunities. See more on our Equine Science Concentration Page.
May Program
A two-week, immersive learning experience that builds on our academic foundation, the May Program is one of Oldfields’ most transformative traditions. Launched in 1971, it offers students a wide selection of faculty-led opportunities ranging from local adventures to international excursions. Each experience opens doors, stretches comfort zones, and inspires deeper curiosity. With faculty sharing passions beyond the traditional curriculum, the learning feels personal, lively, and memorable.
Seniors may also design an independent May Program to pursue a personal passion tied to their interests, future studies, or career goals. Past independent experiences have included supporting a congressional campaign, assisting in elementary classrooms, shadowing veterinarians, and working in surgical pathology at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
The May Program remains a cornerstone of the Oldfields journey—an opportunity for every student to explore, discover, and grow.
Riding Program
For riders looking to elevate their skills, Oldfields offers a comprehensive program integrated into the daily schedule. Students receive personalized instruction in hunter/jumper, dressage, or eventing disciplines. With access to talented school horses, expert instructors, competitive opportunities at all levels, and visits from top-tier clinicians, each rider is challenged to refine their abilities in a supportive, professional environment.
The program also builds community and teamwork through participation in Middle and High School Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) teams, where students gain valuable experience in competition and sportsmanship. A key focus on sports psychology and strength and conditioning further develops both mental and physical resilience, helping riders grow in skill, confidence, and endurance.
Our campus features a beautiful courtyard barn that houses up to 25 horses, a state-of-the-art indoor arena, two outdoor arenas, a grass arena, and cross-country fields.
