School by the Sea

Marine Science

Our location and marine science facilities are unrivaled at the secondary school and most collegiate levels. Tabor's core science curriculum is enhanced with seven courses devoted to the study and care of the ocean. Students explore the interdisciplinary study between chemistry, physics, and biodiversity through class labs and projects, often collaborating with engineering, and the Tabor MakerLab, as well as local and national scientists. Read about our students' week-long adventure at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA.

Nautical Science

Designated as a Naval Honor School in 1941, Tabor’s nautical science electives allow students to test their knowledge and apply their skills in real-life situations -- and earn a Naval Honor certificate upon graduation. As one of just two Naval Honor Schools in the country, we have the privilege to nominate applicants directly to each of our nation's service academies.

SSV Tabor Boy

Part sail training vessel, part classroom, and part research vessel, the 92-foot, gaff-rigged, two-masted schooner SSV Tabor Boy is a unique educational asset at Tabor Academy. Manned by our Captain and student crew, Tabor Boy provides powerful leadership lessons as students take real responsibility for the safety of the crew, passengers, and the vessel. Read about our entry in an offshore sailing race using only celestial navigation.  Take a virtual tour of SSV Tabor Boy here.

R.E.E.F. (Research & Environmental Education Focus) 

Every few years, since the early 2000s, Tabor students have traveled to the Virgin Islands to conduct field research in collaboration with several government agencies on a long-term study of coral reef ecology, using the SSV Tabor Boy as home-base and a floating laboratory. In March 2019, a new land-based opportunity was created at the Gerace Research Centre in San Salvador, Bahamas, to continue our coral reef research, and help to repopulate decimated reefs by building a coral reef nursery. We now travel to Gerace twice a year in December in March with student researchers.

Oyster Farm & Aquaculture

Students gain hands-on experience in the growing aquaculture industry while supporting the Town of Marion’s shellfish propagation program by raising oysters from seed to replenish shellfish beds and provide environmental benefits to Sippican Harbor. Students also design and build aquaponic systems, growing sustainable food!