Summer Institute Upper School

All Students: Grades 9-12

Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra 1

June 14-July 2 or July 6-July 23 | 8:30-11 a.m.

Fee: $670

This course is designed to help students strengthen their existing algebra and geometry skills prior to entering Geometry in the fall. Mastery of concepts related to functions and trigonometry often eludes students as they progress through two years of algebra. Providing students with a focused review of these topics gives them the best opportunity to feel confident and prepared as they enter Geometry.

This class covers geometry basics, logic and proofs, parallel & perpendicular lines, congruent triangles, polygons, circles and volume and surface area.

Homework is not assigned but students will be given opportunities for practice.

The goal is to have examples of all types of formulas and problems students will encounter, culminating with a comprehensive review guide for students to use when they take Geometry in the school year.

All Students: Grades 9-12

Prerequisites: Completion of Geometry

June 14-July 2 or July 6-July 23| 8:30-11 a.m.

Fee: $670

This survey course is designed to help students solidify the concepts and skills learned in Algebra 1 and look ahead to their upcoming Algebra 2 class. Students will practice and review their understanding of past skills and be introduced to important new topics and problems that await them in the fall. Getting Ready for Algebra 2 covers a variety of topics including: graphs, systems of equations, powers and roots, quadratic and logarithmic functions, complex numbers, probability, coordinate geometry, and matrices. Some trigonometry concepts will also be covered towards the end of the session. Lessons, activities and explorations will support deeper understanding of important math concepts and improved math confidence.

All Students: Grades 9-12

Prerequisites: None

June 14-July 2 or July 6-July 23 | 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Fee: $695

The Creative Writers Workshop is for students who are eager to spend three intensive weeks stretching their talents in writing fiction and poetry. In these weeks, students will become better at reflecting on the world around them, and will learn strategies for bringing these reflections brightly to life on the page. Students will feed their imaginations by exploring several prompts each day and developing poetry, short stories, scenes and drama. Students will also read and discuss a range of writers and types of writing. The class is run in a supportive, workshop atmosphere, with students sharing and critiquing one another's drafts along with the instructor. By the end of the session, students will be more confident and knowledgeable writers – and will probably have built some meaningful friendships as well! Note: Textbook required.

All Students: Grades 9-12

Prerequisites: None

June 14-July 2 or July 6-July 23 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Fee: $1,045

This course will introduce students to basic rhetorical modes. Using model essays, students will learn to identify effective patterns of writing and to apply those patterns in their own writing. Students will practice paragraph composition using narrative, descriptive and comparative structures. Writing and revision will be emphasized. The course will cover the following grammatical topics: parts of speech, types of clauses, verb forms, verb tense consistency, active and passive voice, subject and verb agreement, pronoun case and agreement, phrases and verbals, dangling and misplaced modifiers, subordination and coordination, punctuation usage. This course will prepare students for the grade 9 English course at Harker's upper school.

All Students: Grades 9-12

June 14-July 2 or July 6-July 23 | 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Fee: $945

Science Communication is for students who are fascinated by the world around them and want to tell everyone how amazing science is! Whether you want to be a publishing, academic scientist, or you want to be the next Bill Nye, this is the class for you. In this three-week session, students will push their ability to communicate scientific concepts by learning how to read and interpret scientific articles, how to make sense of science news, and how to communicate to different audiences. Each three-hour class features a lesson taught by science video producer Patrick Kelly, followed by a workshop where students apply the skills presented in class. By the end of the session, students will have produced a portfolio of blog posts, podcasts, videos, and social media posts.

All Students: Grades 11

Prerequisites: Students enrolled in AP U.S. History in fall

July 12-23 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Fee: $945

This two-week course will serve as a “bootcamp” of sorts to prepare students for the rigors of AP U.S. History, also known as A-PUSH. Students will learn specific strategies for reading and reviewing course material, analyzing primary source documents, and writing in the formats required for the AP exam. By the end of the session, students will have a robust toolbox of strategies, techniques and resources to help them succeed in AP U.S. History!

Taught by Ms. Katy Rees - Biography

All Students: Grades 9-12

June 14-July 2 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Fee: $945

Taught by Mr. Christopher Hurshman - Biography

We often take for granted our basic ideas about ourselves and the world, and we therefore wander aimlessly, with little sense of what is true, what is good, and what is valuable. This course introduces the methods of philosophical inquiry in order to explore some of the discipline’s fundamental questions: What does it mean to be human? What is consciousness? How do we know the truth? What makes communication with others possible? What is freedom and should we pursue it? Does life mean anything? The class’s emphasis will be on cultivating clear expression and careful thinking.

All Students: Grades 9-12

June 21-July 2 | 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Fee: $420

Ever feel like you learned a lot about the ancient past, but don’t know much about the recent past? Ever feel like there’s an entire world of popular music, movies, fashion, consumer culture and television you know little about? Do you feel like your teachers make jokes that you don’t get? Take a step toward being culturally literate. In this course you will take a look at pop culture from the 1960s to the 2000s, from Chuck Berry and the Beatles to Michael Jackson and Beyonce, from Alfred Hitchcock to Pixar, Atari to Xbox, “I Love Lucy” to “Friends.” Bring your Pet Rock and some Uncrustables.

Taught by Mr. Mark Janda - Biography

All Students: Grades 9-12

June 14-25| 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Fee: $425

You like to sing, but you also would like to sing better! This class will introduce you to the basics of singing better: posture, the singing breath, your “sound team” (jaw, tongue, larynx, soft palate, pharynx), and resonance. This is a technique class for singers who have not had technical vocal training.

Taught by Ms. Susan Nace- Biography

All Students: Grades 9-12

July 12-23| 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Fee: $630

Join us as we spend two weeks exploring a wide variety of cuisine and techniques in the kitchen. Students will master knife skills, discover varied preparation techniques (braising, brining, grilling, sous vide and more), explore cultural connections to food (where cuisines intersect and cross over) and prepare foods to enjoy and bring home to share. Come curious and hungry and prepare to learn and savor! This course will deal with recipes which may include meat, dairy, gluten and nuts. Allergies will be accommodated but high sensitivities must be reported to minimize exposure.

Taught by Mr. Brian Larsen - Biography

All Students: Grades 6-12

Prerequisites: Must be enrolled in a morning class.

By Session option (Monday-Friday) | 1-4:30 p.m.

Parents, enjoy a worry free environment to keep your child engaged and supervised during the Afternoon Club Café. Students are encouraged to work on homework, get social with a board game, head outside to get some air, but still have the freedom to relax and self-select what they would like to do. A light snack will be offered, and Club Café doors open at 12:30 p.m., with attendance being taken at 1 p.m. Dismissal is at 4:30 p.m., with campus pick up by 5 p.m.