All classes during the fall and spring semesters are scheduled on two evenings per week. Students in the Eastern Classics program have more class meetings per week, and full-time work is not recommended. Although some students who attend the Graduate Institute are considering further graduate or professional study, and although the college is pleased with the recognition that its graduate programs have gained in university circles, the primary intention of the Institute is not to prepare students for scholarly work. Students in the Liberal Arts program must complete four of the five segments offered. They may do so by starting in any semester, and following a number of patterns.
Many students attend fall and spring semesters for two years.
Many primary and secondary school teachers attend only during the summers, completing the program over four years. While the Liberal Arts program does not require the study of a foreign language, both campuses make it possible for students to study ancient Greek while enrolled. In Annapolis, a Greek language preceptorial and a follow-up translation preceptorial are regularly offered. In Santa Fe, interested students may participate in the ongoing, non-credit study group or summer Greek Language Institute. The Eastern Classics program requires the study of either Sanskrit or Classical Chinese.