Summer Courses for Grades 6-8

In this summer course, students will begin to develop critical literacy skills through reading, analyzing, and responding in writing to contemporary texts, short stories, poetry selections as well as begin to explore Shakespeare. Writing and discussion topics will focus on the theme of identity; specifically, content will center on the components that make up selfhood, including race, gender, and culture. Students can expect to recognize author’s purpose, as they closely examine a text to identify tone and to articulate the author’s intent. Enhanced by lessons on grammar, mechanics, and vocabulary, this course will offer opportunities for students to build their syntax and diction through crafting memoir, research, and argumentative writing. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

Building on the skills developed in English 7, students in this summer course will reinforce key literacy skills, improve comprehension, and hone their critical thinking and writing abilities. With engaging readings and lively, relevant discussions, students can expect to understand the fundamentals of organization, style, and content in both contemporary and classic texts. Enhanced by lessons on grammar, mechanics, and vocabulary, students also work on strengthening their own writing skills and their ability to translate their thoughts into cohesive written work. Furthermore, this course will also help students draw connections between their own lives and the texts through regular journaling and personalized creative projects. Honors section available.

(1 credit)

This summer introductory course to Algebra will introduce students to abstract mathematics concepts and thinking, and enable them to begin developing an understanding of pro-numeration concepts. By applying mathematical expressions, equations, and graphs to a variety of real-life examples, students will begin to see how algebraic concepts show up in their daily lives. They can expect to learn graphing, order of operations, linear equations and inequalities, logic, rational and irrational numbers, radicals, proportions, application of percentages, and more, and they’ll be given ample and varied opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge. Departmental permission required.

(1 credit)

Introducing students to the elementary rules of mathematics is the core of our rigorous Algebra I course in which students build a strong foundation for future mathematics. Through explorations into solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, as well as simplifying exponential, radical, and polynomial expressions, students will discover the awe-inspiring theories behind math, and can expect to master concepts like quadratic and radical equations. During the summer, students will get the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge through collaborative work, unit exams, and investigations. Departmental permission required.

(1 credit)

In this summer course, students will focus on the theorems of Euclid and the exploration of formal proofs as they strive to not just understand their concepts and properties, but to connect them to the application of numerical and problem-solving solutions. Students will progress through the study of triangle properties and into the three basic trigonometric ratios, working on problems involving two- and three-dimensional objects and the calculation of area, surface area, and volume. The Honors section of Geometry takes a deeper look into these concepts and offers more challenging assignments and projects. Departmental permission required.

(1 credit)

In this summer overview of the four basic elements of the Earth system -- atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere -- students will be introduced to a range of Earth science concepts, including geology, meteorology, oceanography, climatology, environmental science and astronomy. They can expect to develop an understanding of the physical world in which we live, including applications of how the earth sciences have had a direct effect on our lives, and the ways humans impact the environment.

(1 credit)

By exploring matter and energy through chemistry and physics topics, students in this summer course will conduct labs and simulations, analyze their findings, and develop an appreciation for the world of science. Students can expect to dive in to topics like atoms and molecules, the periodic table of elements, chemical reactions, motion and gravity, forms of energy, and much more, supplemented by engaging class discussions and independent work.

(1 credit)

A look at the beginnings of the United States through to its present-day positioning forms the core of this summer course for middle schoolers. Students can expect to better understand a variety of compelling historical questions, including the role the new environment played in establishing societies in America, the effect the first settlers had on Native American communities and cultures, the Constitutional Convention and the compromises it required among parties, and the U.S.’s role in world affairs, both past and present. Exploring patterns of population, uses and abuses of power, spiritual life and moral codes, science, technology, and the environment, and much more, students will develop the historical thinking skills to prepare them for future studies in history and related subjects.

(1 credit)

From understanding humans’ earliest ancestors to the eventual emergence of cities, societies, and empires, topics covered in this introductory study of world history help students explore how civilizations were established and how the past can serve as a platform for modern-day understanding. Students can expect compelling discussions and readings on social classes, belief systems, trade, the causes and consequences of cities’ developments and collapses, and how natural disasters and political failures play a role in a city’s longevity.

(1 credit)