Whether it’s a for-credit class needed to round out a school schedule or an academic interest you’d like to pursue, Harker’s Summer Institute is the place to be for a seriously smart summer.
Summer Institute Upper School
Summer Institute allows students to choose from a variety of academic options, including rigorous for-credit high school courses and non-credit opportunities for enrichment and growth.
Most courses are open to qualified students enrolled in any accredited high school. Our dedicated faculty, combined with small classes, great facilities and a positive learning environment add up to a great summer experience!
(Course sessions and fees vary by subject)
Upper School For-Credit Courses
These summer academic courses are equivalent to courses offered during the academic year and use the same texts and materials. Classes are small to ensure quality instruction and retention of course materials. Our teachers (many of whom work at Harker year-round) are caring and professional, and dedicated to providing a quality summer learning experience for each student.
At-A-Glance Course ListingIMPORTANT
Students who wish to double-load for-credit courses must go through an approval process. Please contact the upper school Summer Institute (408.345.9652) for information.
Transcripts will reflect participation in a for-credit course for students who remain in the for-credit course beyond the first two weeks of classes.
* Textbook list will be emailed, and books available to purchase through MBS online in May 2024.
- Honors Algebra 1*
- Geometry*
- Honors Geometry *
- Algebra 2/Trigonometry*
- Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry*
Honors Algebra 1*
Enrolled Harker students only
Prerequisites: Must have a 95% or better in Pre-Algebra Honors; department approval.
- Harker middle school students must also have 95% on the March 3 gradebook check.
- Notification of approval status will be sent via email to Harker middle school families by March 7.
June 9-July 18 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $2,180
Important course dates:
Final exams: Fri., June 27 and Fri., July 18
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
Fri., July 18 early dismissal at 10:30 a.m., when finals are completed.
This is an accelerated and intensive introductory course in algebra. The goalsto the course are for students to: manipulate mathematical expressions involving variables, integers and the laws of exponents; solve problems that go beyond manipulative skills; demonstrate mastery in algebraic expressions; solve and graph equations and inequalities; factor polynomials; solve real-world problems involving the quadratic formula and using the graphing calculator. This course is aimed at students who are capable of quickly learning and understanding an advanced treatment of Algebra 1 concepts.
- TI-83/84 calculator required.
* This course includes participation in a textbook lending program.
Course load for summer for-credit math classes:
- A year’s worth of material in 29 class days over six weeks.
- Approximately one week of material each class day.
- Will cover as many as 13 chapters.
- Nightly homework and study time is typically two to four hours.
- Students have tests/quizzes nearly every day.
To earn course credit for this class students must:
- Maintain and earn an overall grade of 83% or better.
○Students with an overall grade of less than 80% or better at the conclusion of the second week may be dropped from the course without refund.
- Have no more than two absences during the six-week session.
- Any late arrival or early departure of 30 minutes or more is a marked absence.
- Students will be dropped from any for-credit course without refund once maximum absences have been taken.
Note: Students who take Honors Algebra 1 in the summer may not take Honors Algebra 2/Trig in a subsequent summer term.
Geometry*
Non-Harker students: Grades 6-12
Harker students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Must have 90% or better in Algebra 1; department approval required.
- Harker middle school students must also have 95% on the March 3 gradebook check.
- Notification of approval status will be sent via email to Harker middle school families by March 7.
June 9-July 18 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $2,180
Important course dates:
Final exams: Fri., June 27 and Fri., July 18
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
Fri., July 18 early dismissal at 10:30 a.m., when finals are completed.
This course in Euclidean geometry aims to present geometry to students as a problem-solving course. It also aims to help students acquire skills in making logical conclusions and developing their visual spatial skills. By the end of the course, students are expected to: write narrative proofs and two-column proofs; solve problems related to geometry; demonstrate skills in using auxiliary figures to solve geometric problems; list properties of special geometric elements such as triangles, parallel lines, circles, quadrilaterals and platonic solids; construct geometric figures using a straight-edge and compass.
- TI83/84 calculator and laptop required (PC or Mac).
Course load for summer for-credit math classes:
- A year’s worth of material in 29 class days over six weeks.
- Approximately one week of material each class day.
- Will cover as many as 13 chapters.
- Nightly homework and study time is typically two to three hours.
- Students have tests/quizzes nearly every day.
To earn course credit for this class students must:
- Maintain and earn an overall grade of 83% or better.
- Students with an overall grade of less than 80% or better at the conclusion of the second week may be dropped from the course without refund.
- Have no more than two absences during the six-week session.
- Students will be dropped from any for-credit course without refund once maximum absences have been taken.
- Any late arrival or early departure of 30 minutes or more is a marked absence.
Honors Geometry *
All students: Grades 6-12
June 9-July 18 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $2,180
Prerequisites
- Grades 6-8 - Must have 95% or better in Honors Algebra1; department approval required.
- Harker middle school students must also have 95% on the March 3 gradebook check.
- Notification of approval status will be sent via email to Harker middle school families by March 7.
- Grades 9-12 - Must have 90% or better in Honors Algebra 1; department approval required.
- Non-Harker students will be contacted about placement testing that will take place in the spring.
Important course dates:
Final exams: Fri., June 27 and Fri., July 18
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
Fri., July 18 early dismissal at 10:30 a.m., when finals are completed.
This is an accelerated and intensive version of the Euclidean geometry course described above and is intended for advanced students only. This course is aimed at students who are capable of a quicker pace and a more advanced treatment of the concepts in geometry.
- TI83/84 calculator and laptop required (PC or Mac).
Course load for summer for-credit math classes:
- A year’s worth of material in 29 class days over six weeks.
- Approximately one week of material each class day.
- Will cover as many as 13 chapters.
- Nightly homework and study time is typically two to three hours.
- Students have tests/quizzes nearly every day.
To earn course credit for this class students must:
- Maintain and earn an overall grade of 83% or better.
- Students with an overall grade of less than 80% or better at the conclusion of the second week may be dropped from the course without refund.
- Have no more than two absences during the six-week session.
- Students will be dropped from any for-credit course without refund once maximum absences have been taken.
- Any late arrival or early departure of 30 minutes or more is a marked absence.
Algebra 2/Trigonometry*
Non-Harker students: Grades 6-12
Harker students: Grades 10-12
June 9-July 18 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $2,180
Prerequisites
- Prerequisites: Must have 90% or better in Geometry and have earned 90% or better in Algebra 1; department approval.
Important course dates:
Final exams: Fri., June 27 and Fri., July 18
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
Fri., July 18 early dismissal at 10:30 a.m., when finals are completed.
This course aims to develop further the analytical skills of students who have shown competence in doing difficult mathematical problems. The goals of the course are for students to: demonstrate mastery in using a TI-83/84 calculator effectively in solving algebraic problems; show skills in proving theorems, making conjectures and establishing the truth and falsity of these conjectures; graph with ease and state the general characteristics of polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions. This course will prepare students for Pre-Calculus.
- TI83/84 calculator and laptop required (PC or Mac).
Course load for summer for-credit math classes:
- A year’s worth of material in 29 class days over six weeks.
- Approximately one week of material each class day.
- Will cover as many as 13 chapters.
- Nightly homework and study time is typically two to three hours.
- Students have tests/quizzes nearly every day.
To earn course credit for this class students must:
- Maintain and earn an overall grade of 83% or better.
- Students with an overall grade of less than 80% or better at the conclusion of the second week may be dropped from the course without refund.
- Have no more than two absences during the six-week session.
- Students will be dropped from any for-credit course without refund once maximum absences have been taken.
- Any late arrival or early departure of 30 minutes or more is a marked absence.
Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry*
All students: Grades 6-12
June 9-July 18 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1-5:30 p.m.
Fee: $2,180
Prerequisites
- Grades 6-9 Must have 95% or better in Honors Geometry; department approval required. Must not have completed Honors Algebra 1 during a summer term. Harker middle school students must also have 95% on the March 3 gradebook check. Notification of approval status will be sent via email to Harker middle school families by March 7.
- Grades 10-12 must have 90% or better in Honors Geometry; department approval required. (Non-Harker students will be contacted about placement testing that will take place in the spring.)
Important course dates:
Final exams: Fri., June 27 and Fri., July 18
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
Morning class Fri., July 18 early dismissal at 10:30 a.m., when finals are completed.
Afternoon class Fri., July 18: early dismissal at 3:30 p.m., when finals are completed.
This is an accelerated and intensive version of the Algebra 2 course described above and is intended for advanced students only. In addition, this course places greater emphasis on mathematical proof and induction, and explores variation, analytic geometry, trigonometric relationships and solving triangles. This course is designed to prepare the student for Honors Pre-Calculus.
- TI83/84 calculator and laptop required (PC or Mac).
Course load for summer for-credit math classes:
- A year’s worth of material in 29 class days over six weeks.
- Approximately one week of material each class day.
- Will cover as many as 13 chapters.
- Nightly homework and study time is typically two to three hours.
- Students have tests/quizzes nearly every day.
To earn course credit for this class students must:
- Maintain and earn an overall grade of 83% or better.
- Students with an overall grade of less than 80% or better at the conclusion of the second week may be dropped from the course without refund.
- Have no more than two absences during the six-week session.
- Students will be dropped from any for-credit course without refund once maximum absences have been taken.
- Any late arrival or early departure of 30 minutes or more is a marked absence.
Economics
All students: Grades 10-12
June 9-June 27 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $1,195
Prerequisites
- World History 1 or World History 1 Honors
Important course dates:
Final exam: Fri., June 27
This course will introduce students to the basic principles of economics, including the theory of supply and demand and market theory. These basic theoretical tools will help students analyze current economic issues and their relevance to society and public policy. Classes will consist primarily of discussion developed from readings, films and student reports.
- Textbook and laptop or tablet required (PC or Mac).
Course load for summer for-credit math classes:
- A year’s worth of material in 14 class days over three weeks.
- Approximately one week of material each class day.
- Will cover as many as 14 chapters.
- Nightly homework and study time is typically two to three hours.
- Students have tests/quizzes two times a week.
To earn course credit for this class students must:
- Maintain and earn an overall grade of 70% or better.
- Have no more than one absence during the three-week session.
- Students will be dropped from any for-credit course without refund once maximum absences have been taken.
- Any late arrival or early departure of 30 minutes or more is a marked absence.
Programming*
All students: Grades 9-12
June 9 -July 17 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-4 p.m.
Fee: $1,695
Prerequisites
- Geometry
Important course dates:
Final exam: Thurs., July 17
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
This course helps entry-level computer science students develop their computational thinking skills by applying the basic steps in algorithmic problem-solving and abstraction. Students are introduced to software design techniques and then develop a program that embodies their solution. Students increase their abstraction skills by analyzing and then decomposing complex problems into smaller more manageable problems. Students store objects in a data structure then manipulate them. Students not only gain an appreciation of elegant solutions but also experience the thrill of obtaining them.
Students explore virtual worlds with robots while learning basic programming and algorithmic thinking skills. At completion, successful students may pursue Advanced Placement Computer Science A (Harker students must also complete Algebra 2/Trigonometry to qualify for AP Computer Science A - please see Course of Study for additional information). Currently, programming concepts are taught using the Java programming language.
- Textbook and laptop required (PC or Mac).
- Harker students entering grade 9: Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry needs to be completed in grade 8 to be eligible for AP Computer Science in grade 9.
Course load for summer for-credit math classes:
- A full semester’s worth of material in 29 class days delivered over four weeks.
- Will cover approximately three weeks of material every week of the summer.
- Includes an abundance of program work daily, and nightly homework and study time is typically one to three hours.
- Students have tests/quizzes two or three times a week.
To earn course credit for this class students must:
- Maintain and earn an overall grade of 70% or better.
- Have no more than two absences during the six-week session.
- Students will be dropped from any for-credit course without refund once maximum absences have been taken.
- Any late arrival or early departure of 30 minutes or more is a marked absence.
Advanced Programming*
All students: Grades 9-12
June 9-July 17 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-4 p.m.
Fee: $1,695
Prerequisites
- Geometry with A- or better or completion of Honors Geometry
Important course dates:
Final exam: Thurs., July 17
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
This course helps students develop their computational thinking skills by applying the basic steps in algorithmic problem-solving and abstraction. Students are introduced to software design techniques and then develop a program that embodies their solution. Students learn to use techniques such as inheritance, methods and recursion to break complex problems down into smaller, more manageable sub-problems. Students not only gain an appreciation of elegant solutions but also experience the thrill of obtaining them.
Students explore virtual worlds (Karel worlds, GridWorld and game boards) while learning object-oriented programming skills such as creating classes, designing and implementing methods, and exploring inheritance. Students expand their programming skills by applying techniques like recursion to solve an adventure puzzle or game.
Advanced Programming is a fast-paced course and is a prerequisite for the student who has an intense interest in computer science and intends to follow up this course with Advanced Placement Computer Science with Data Structures. At completion, successful students may pursue AP Computer Science A (Harker students must also complete Algebra 2/Trigonometry to qualify for AP Computer Science A). Qualification for AP Computer Science with Data Structures requires earning an A or better in the summer Advanced Programming course (please see Course of Study for additional information). Currently, programming concepts are taught using the Java programming language.
- Textbook and laptop required (PC or Mac).
- Harker students entering grade 9: Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry needs to be completed in grade 8 to be eligible for AP Computer Science in grade 9.
Course load for summer for-credit math classes:
- A full semester’s worth of material in 29 class days delivered over four weeks.
- Will cover approximately three weeks of material every week of the summer.
- Includes an abundance of program work daily, and nightly homework and study time is typically one to three hours.
- Students have tests/quizzes two or three times a week.
To earn course credit for this class students must:
- Maintain and earn an overall grade of 70% or better.
- Have no more than two absences during the six-week session.
- Students will be dropped from any for-credit course without refund once maximum absences have been taken.
- Any late arrival or early departure of 30 minutes or more is a marked absence.
Driver Education
Register for this class here through Economic Driving School
**Start this class anytime **
Cost: $68.50
This state-required driver education online course is being offered through Economic Driving School #2430. The driver education course is approved by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.Reading, flash graphics, videos, quizzes and practice tests are part of the course. In addition, the student will be prepared to be a safer driver, bicyclist and pedestrian as well as pass the DMV written test. The course is easy to use. Students can log onto the website, enroll, and begin immediately. When registering, make sure to complete the question that says, “How did you hear about us?” by choosing School: Enter Code: 2510.
June 9-July 18 (Class Sessions Vary by Subject)
Upper School Enrichment Courses
These classes (designed just for high schoolers) provide an opportunity for students to expand their knowledge and interest in a favorite subject area. Our dedicated faculty, combined with small classes, great facilities and a positive learning environment add up to a great summer experience!
At-A-Glance Course ListingSession One: June 9-27
- Geometry Launchpad
- Algebra 2 Launchpad
- Creative Writers Workshop
- Expository Writing and Grammar Review
- Adulting 101: Life Skills for Teens
- Pottery: Form, Function, Form
- Game and Simulation Design
- What Does it all Mean? Introduction to Philosophical Thinking
Geometry Launchpad
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra 1
June 9-27 | 9-11:30 a.m.
Fee: $975
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 and 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.
Algebra 2 Launchpad
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Completion of Geometry
June 9-27 or June 30- July 18 | 9-11:30 a.m.
Fee: $975
Important course dates:
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
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 in the classroom and will be introduced to important new topics and problems that await them in the fall. Algebra 2 Launchpad 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. This is a student-centered course with lessons, activities and explorations that support deeper understanding of important math concepts and improved math confidence.
Creative Writers Workshop
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 9-27 or June 30- July 18 | 1-4 p.m.
Fee: $1,125
Important course dates:
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
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!
Expository Writing and Grammar Review
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 9-27 or June 30- July 18 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $1,285
Important course dates:
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
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.
Laptop or tablet required (PC or Mac).
Adulting 101: Life Skills for Teens
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 9-27 | 1-4 p.m.
Fee: $1,125
Important course dates:
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
Master essential life skills to confidently navigate adulthood, with a focus on practical problem-solving, professional etiquette and financial literacy. Topics include managing personal finances, saving for future goals, understanding insurance and benefits, car maintenance, navigating taxes, and preparing for big life decisions like buying a car, renting an apartment, or planning for retirement. You'll also learn how to handle unexpected situations like flat tires or lost wallets and polish professional skills such as acing job interviews and communicating at work. Each session includes real-world scenarios and student-submitted questions to ensure you're prepared for the challenges of adulting.
Kadar Arbuckle has worked at Harker in various roles (and campuses) over the past 13 years and is currently the upper school's learning specialist. Mr. Arbuckle is passionate about providing students with the tools they will need to leverage the many strengths that they will gain throughout their education. He is also passionate about keeping summer FUN!
Pottery: Form, Function, Form
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 9-27 or June 30-July 18 | 1-4 p.m.
Fee: $1,285
Important course dates:
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
Students will learn the technical and conceptual aspects of working with clay on the potter’s wheel. Fundamental shaping processes, ceramic tools and technologies, and a variety of surface decoration techniques are emphasized throughout the three weeks. Projects will focus specifically on functional objects: mugs/cups, bowls, plates and pouring vessels. No prior experience on the wheel is necessary.
Brian Caponi earned his MFA in ceramics from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in 2013. His work has been shown at galleries and museums internationally in China, Korea, India, Slovenia and Italy, and has exhibited across the United States. As an educator he has taught pottery and sculpture for the past 11 years to both high school and university students. More information on his work and background can be found at www.brian-caponi.com.
Game and Simulation Design
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 9-27 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Fee: $1,125
This course will explore games and simulations as vehicles for storytelling, learning and play. We will learn about theories of game design, engage with and deconstruct games, and design games and simulations of our own. We may tackle questions such as: What are the goals of games and simulations? What makes a game or simulation good? How do games and simulations tell stories or develop characters? How do game systems and mechanics interact with story and character? While computer or video games may be used as occasional examples, our primary focus will be on table-top games and simulations.
Christopher Hurshman brought a varied background to Harker when he began here in 2015. Mr. Hurshman teaches British literature to sophomores and senior electives in Russian literature, creative nonfiction, and literature and film. He has participated in multiple National Endowment for the Humanities summer seminars, including Chaucer and His Age (2006) and Teaching Literature Through Adaptation (2019).
What Does it all Mean? Introduction to Philosophical Thinking
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 9-27 | 1-4 p.m.
Fee: $1,125
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 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? Emphasis will be on cultivating clear expression and careful thinking.
Christopher Hurshman brought a varied background to Harker when he began here in 2015. Mr. Hurshman teaches British literature to sophomores and senior electives in Russian literature, creative nonfiction, and literature and film. He has participated in multiple National Endowment for the Humanities summer seminars, including Chaucer and His Age (2006) and Teaching Literature Through Adaptation (2019).
Session Two: June 30-July 18
- Algebra 2 Launchpad
- Pre-Calculus Launchpad
- Creative Writers Workshop
- Expository Writing and Grammar Review
- The Chef’s Institute
- Pottery: Form, Function, Form
- AI Scholars: A Project-Based Artificial Intelligence Program for High School Students
- Understanding Comics: From the Panel to the Page
Algebra 2 Launchpad
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Completion of Geometry
June 9-27 or June 30- July 18 | 9-11:30 a.m.
Fee: $975
Important course dates:
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
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 in the classroom and will be introduced to important new topics and problems that await them in the fall. Algebra 2 Launchpad 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. This is a student-centered course with lessons, activities and explorations that support deeper understanding of important math concepts and improved math confidence.
Pre-Calculus Launchpad
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra 2
June 30- July 18 | 9-11:30 a.m.
Fee: $975
Important course dates:
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
This course is designed to help students strengthen their existing algebra and geometry skills prior to entering Pre-Calculus in the fall. Mastery of concepts related to functions and trigonometry often eludes students as they progress through two years of algebra and a year of geometry. Giving students a focused review of these topics provides them with the best opportunity to feel confident and prepared as they enter Pre-Calculus. Homework is not assigned but students will be given opportunities for practice.
Creative Writers Workshop
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 9-27 or June 30- July 18 | 1-4 p.m.
Fee: $1,125
Important course dates:
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
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!
Expository Writing and Grammar Review
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 9-27 or June 30- July 18 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $1,285
Important course dates:
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
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.
Laptop or tablet required (PC or Mac).
The Chef’s Institute
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 30- July 18 | 8-11:30 a.m.
Fee: $1,495
Important course dates:
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
Join us as we spend three weeks together cooking menus centered around breakfast, lunch and dinner. Students will master knife skills, discover varied preparation techniques (braising, brining, sautéing, baking 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!
PLEASE NOTE: This course will deal with recipes which may include meat, seafood (no shellfish), dairy, gluten and nuts. Allergies will be accommodated but high sensitivities must be reported to minimize exposure. Although there will be some dishes that are vegetarian/vegan, this class is designed with an omnivore perspective.
Pottery: Form, Function, Form
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 9-27 or June 30-July 18 | 1-4 p.m.
Fee: $1,285
Important course dates:
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
Students will learn the technical and conceptual aspects of working with clay on the potter’s wheel. Fundamental shaping processes, ceramic tools and technologies, and a variety of surface decoration techniques are emphasized throughout the three weeks. Projects will focus specifically on functional objects: mugs/cups, bowls, plates and pouring vessels. No prior experience on the wheel is necessary.
Brian Caponi earned his MFA in ceramics from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in 2013. His work has been shown at galleries and museums internationally in China, Korea, India, Slovenia and Italy, and has exhibited across the United States. As an educator he has taught pottery and sculpture for the past 11 years to both high school and university students. More information on his work and background can be found at www.brian-caponi.com.
AI Scholars: A Project-Based Artificial Intelligence Program for High School Students
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 30-July 18 | 1-3:30 p.m.
Fee: $975
Important course dates:
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
What do self-driving cars, Alexa, iPhone's face recognition technology and ChatGPT have in common? They are driven by modern advances in artificial intelligence. Whether you’re interested in law, healthcare, art or economics, AI is poised to transform every discipline and industry in the future. AI is already all around us today, and by the end of the program, students will understand the underlying concepts and motivations behind technology such as computer vision, natural language processing and neural networks.
In this course, we will explore the foundations of machine learning and explore different applications of machine learning models. In the first half of the course, students learn AI’s core technologies including applications, foundational concepts and programming tools through live lectures and coding labs. Students will not only learn about different types of machine learning models, but also apply those models to real data sets. In the second half of the course, students will complete an instructor-led group project applying AI to the discipline of their choice (e.g., music, healthcare, astrophysics, finance, etc.), utilizing the programming skills they developed in the first half.
About Inspirit AI
Inspirit AI offers an interdisciplinary, project-based artificial intelligence education taught by Stanford, MIT and Ivy League alumni and graduate students. Inspirit's pedagogy and curriculum introduces high school students to fundamental artificial intelligence concepts to build socially impactful projects such as fake news detection, ethical chatbot engineering, art-generation, self-driving car simulation, and more. Students receive a personalized, interdisciplinary learning experience in small-group classrooms. No programming experience is required, and advanced cohorts are available.
Understanding Comics: From the Panel to the Page
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 30-July 18 | 9am-12 p.m.
Fee: $1,125
Important course dates:
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
For three weeks, students will immerse themselves in the medium of comics and how they relate to the wider world of literature. We will examine the design choices — from panel shapes to word bubbles to even character design — that make comics tick. We will study all kinds of comics, including superhero comics, newspaper strips and even manga, to see how different authors and illustrators bring their stories to life. The class will culminate in each student creating their own short, 1- to 2-page comic, using methods and ideas we’ve discussed in class. No drawing experience required.
Lilia Gonzales ’19 graduated from Harvard with a B.A. in English and a minor in visual art. In her studies, she focused a lot on the medium of comics, a fusion of her two main academic interests. She has worked at Harker’s Upper School Summer Institute for the past five years and is currently working as an English teacher at a local middle school.
Harker Supplemental Coursework (For current Harker Students only)
AP Biology and AP Chemistry are invitational courses. Invites will be sent via email to qualified students.
AP Biology*
NOTE: This course is by invitation only and for HARKER STUDENTS only. You will be immediately dropped from this course if you are not pre-approved.
Enrolled incoming Harker juniors only
June 16-July 11 | 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Fee: $1,975
Prerequisites: Earned a first semester Honors Chemistry grade of 90% or higher (including the weighting of the semester exam) or a first semester AP Chemistry grade of 87% or higher (including the weighting of the semester exam). See below for further clarification.
Important course dates:
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
Course Content
This course will cover approximately 30% of the AP Biology curriculum, with the remaining 70% covered during the academic year. Topics will include biochemistry, cell structure and function, membranes, enzymes, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, cellular communication and ecology. Students will complete several of the required college-level labs including studies of diffusion and osmosis, enzyme activity, cellular respiration, photosynthesis and ecosystem productivity. Successful completion of the course (83% or better) and instructor approval are required to continue in AP Biology as a junior during the academic year. The AP Biology exam will be taken in May of the junior year.
- Textbook required.
Rising juniors (via Honors Chemistry): To qualify for AP Biology, a student will have completed semester 1 of Honors Chemistry with an overall grade of A- (90%) or higher, including the weighting of the semester exam. Final approval for AP Biology will be based on maintaining strong academic performance and classroom behavior throughout semester 2.
Rising juniors (via AP Chemistry): To qualify for AP Biology, a student will have completed semester 1 of AP Chemistry with an overall grade of B+ (87%) or higher, including the weighting of the semester exam. Final approval for AP Biology will be based on maintaining strong academic performance and classroom behavior throughout semester 2.
Course load for summer for-credit AP Biology classes:
- A semester’s worth of material in 19 class days over four weeks.
- Will cover approximately one week of material each class day.
- Will cover as many as 14 chapters.
- Five major AP labs, small labs, and accompanying write-ups.
- Nightly homework and study time is typically two to three hours.
- Students have tests/quizzes two to three times a week.
To earn course credit for this class students must:
- Maintain and earn an overall grade of 70% or better.
- Have no more than one absence during the four-week session.
- Any late arrival or early departure of 30 minutes or more is a marked absence.
- Students will be dropped from the course without refund once maximum absences have been taken.
AP Chemistry*
NOTE: This course is by invitation only and for HARKER STUDENTS only. You will be immediately dropped from this course if you are not pre-approved.
Enrolled incoming Harker sophomores only
June 16-July 11 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. or 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. (later course includes lunch break)
Fee: $1,975
Prerequisites: Earned a first semester Honors Physics grade of 93% or higher (including the weighting of the semester exam). See below for further clarification.
Important course dates:
Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
Course Content
This course will cover approximately the first 25% of the AP Chemistry curriculum including scientific method, atomic theory, stoichiometry, reaction types and the first law of thermodynamics. In addition, laboratory safety and laboratory techniques will be emphasized with college-level labs that reinforce the material being covered in class. Successful completion is required for permission to enroll in AP Chemistry as a sophomore. The AP Chemistry exam will be taken at the end of the sophomore year.
- Textbook required.
Grade 10: Students who qualify for AP Chemistry will have completed semester 1 of Honors Physics with an overall grade of A (or higher). Final approval for AP Chemistry will be based on maintaining strong academic performance and classroom behavior throughout semester 2.
Rising juniors (via AP Chemistry): To qualify for AP Biology, a student will have completed semester 1 of AP Chemistry with an overall grade of B+ (87%) or higher, including the weighting of the semester exam. Final approval for AP Biology will be based on maintaining strong academic performance and classroom behavior throughout semester 2.
Course load for summer for-credit AP Biology classes:
- A semester’s worth of material in 19 class days over four weeks.
- Will cover approximately one week of material each class day.
- Will cover seven full chapters and portions of others.
- Daily lab work with accompanying write-ups.
- Nightly homework and study time is typically two to three hours.
- Students have tests/quizzes every third day.
To earn course credit for this class students must:
- Maintain and earn an overall grade of 70% or better.
- Have no more than one absence during the four-week session.
- Any late arrival or early departure of 30 minutes or more is a marked absence.
- Students will be dropped from the course without refund once maximum absences have been taken.
Summer Lunch
Regular and vegetarian entrees are offered each day and menus are designed to provide healthy, nutritious options.
Eligibility
Students entering grades 9-12 in fall are eligible. Most courses are open to qualified students enrolled in any accredited high school; some require prerequisites. High school options include both enrichment and for-credit courses. Students enrolled in for-credit courses should be prepared for rigorous instruction and two to three hours of homework each day. Attendance is crucial and students may miss no more than two days to qualify for credit. Students who miss more than one class period of a three-week course, or more than two class periods of a six-week course, will not be eligible for credit.
Summer Staff
Outstanding faculty and staff are one of the hallmarks of The Harker School. All staff are carefully selected to provide a positive experience for the students.
Campus & Facilities
Harker’s spacious upper school campus provides students with a state-of-the-art learning environment.