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.
* Textbooks will be available to purchase through Harker Eagle Store as of May 14, 2021.
- Honors Algebra 1*
- Geometry*
- Honors Geometry *
- Algebra 2/Trigonometry*
- Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry*
Honors Algebra 1*
All Students: Grades 7-9
Prerequisites: Must have a 95% or better in Pre-Algebra Honors; department approval. Non-Harker students will be contacted about placement testing that will take place in the spring.
June 13-July 22 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $1,950
Final Exam Dates: Friday, July 1 and Friday, July 22
Monday, July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
This is an accelerated and intensive introductory course in algebra. The goal of the course is 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.
Note: Textbook and TI83/84 calculator required.
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
- 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 a grade less than 80% by 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.
Geometry*
Non-Harker Students: Grades 6-12
Harker Students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Must have an 90% or better in Algebra 1; department approval.
June 13-July 22 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $1,950
Final Exam Dates: Friday, July 1 and Friday, July 22
Monday, July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
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.
Note: Textbook, TI83/84 calculator, and laptop (PC or MAC) required.
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
- 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 80% or better.
- Students with a grade less than 80% by 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.
Honors Geometry *
All Students: Grades 6-12
Prerequisites: Grades 6-8 Must have a 95% or better in Algebra 1 Honors; department approval. Grades 9-12 must have a 90% or better in Algebra 1 Honors; department approval. Non-Harker students will be contacted about placement testing that will take place in the spring.
June 13-July 22 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $1,950
Final Exam Dates: Friday, July 1 and Friday, July 22
Monday, July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.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.
Note: Textbook, TI83/84 calculator, and laptop (PC or MAC) required.
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
- 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 a grade less than 80% by 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.
Algebra 2/Trigonometry*
Non-Harker Students: Grades 6-12
Harker Students: Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Must have an 87% or better in Geometry; department approval.
June 13-July 22 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $1,950
Final Exam Dates: Friday, July 1 and Friday, July 22
Monday, July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.This course aims to further develop 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.
Note: Textbook and TI83/84 calculator required.
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 80% or better.
- Students with a grade less than 80% by 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.
Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry*
All Students: Grades 6-12
Prerequisites: Grades 6-8 must have a 95% or better in Geometry Honors; department approval. Grades 9-12 must have a 90% or better in Geometry Honors; department approval. Non-Harker students will be contacted about placement testing that will take place in the spring.
June 13-July 22 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $1,950
Final Exam Dates: Friday, July 1 and Friday, July 22
Monday, July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.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.
Note: Textbook and TI83/84 calculator required.
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 a grade less than 80% by the conclusion of the second week may be dropped from the course without refund.
- Have no more than 2 absences during the 6 week session
- Students will be dropped from any for-credit course without refund once maximum absences have been taken.
Economics
All Students: Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: World History 1 or World History 1 Honors
June 13-July 1 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $1,050
Final Exam Date: Friday July 1
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.
Note: Textbook and laptop or tablet required (PC or MAC).
Course load for summer for-credit economics classes:
- A semester’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.
Programming*
All Students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Geometry
June 13-July 22 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-4 p.m.
Fee: $1,450
Final Exam Date: Friday, July 22 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. for all students not enrolled in a Harker morning math course
Monday, 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 are qualified to pursue Advanced Placement Computer Science A. Currently, programming concepts are taught using the Java programming language.
Note: Textbook and laptop required (PC or MAC).
Harker Students: Algebra 2/Trigonometry needs to be completed in grade 8 to be eligible for AP Computer Science.
Course load for summer for-credit programming / advanced programming 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.
Advanced Programming*
All Students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Geometry with A- or better
June 13-July 22 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-4 p.m.
Fee: $1,450
Final Exam Date: Friday, July 23 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. for all students not enrolled in a Harker morning math course
Monday, 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. They 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.
Note: Textbook and laptop required (PC or MAC).
- Harker students entering grade 9: Algebra 2/Trigonometry needs to be completed in grade 8 to be eligible for AP Computer Science in freshman year.
Course load for summer for-credit programming / advanced programming 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.
Driver Education
**Start this class anytime **
Fee: $68.50
Register for this class through Economic Driving School #2430
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. You simply log into the website, enroll, and you can begin immediately! When registering make sure to complete the question that says: How did you hear about us by choosing School: Enter Code: 2510. Register at: www.economicdrivingschool.com/online
June 13-July 22 (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 Listing- Getting Ready for Geometry
- Getting Ready for Algebra 2: Connecting the Concrete with the Abstract
- Creative Writers Workshop*
- Expository Writing and Grammar Review
- The Chef’s Institute
- American Popular Culture
- Science Communication
- What Does it all Mean? Introduction to Philosophical Thinking
- Getting Ready for Business & Entrepreneurship
- Red Heels to the Little Black Dress: An introduction to Costume History
- Adulting 101: Life Skills for Teens
- Introduction to Project Management
Getting Ready for Geometry
All Students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra 1
June 13-July 1 | 8:30-11 a.m.
Fee: $825
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.
Getting Ready for Algebra 2: Connecting the Concrete with the Abstract
All Students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Completion of Geometry
June 13-July 1 or July 5-July 22| 8:30-11 a.m.
Fee: $825
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.
Creative Writers Workshop*
All Students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 13-July 1 or July 5-July 22 | 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Fee: $950
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 13-July 1 or July 5-July 22 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $1,090
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, and punctuation usage. This course will prepare students for the grade 9 English course at Harker's upper school.
Note: Laptop or tablet required (PC or MAC).
The Chef’s Institute
All Students: Grades 9-12
June 13-17| 1:30-4:30 p.m. Breakfast
June 20-24| 1:30-4:30 p.m. Lunch
June 27- July 1| 1:30-4:30 p.m. Dinner
Fee: $350
The Chef’s Institute: Breakfast
Spend the week discovering how to make all manner of delightful breakfast fare. Highlights will include scratch-made bagels, apple sage breakfast sausage, curing and smoking our own bacon, eggs (so many ways!), juices, yogurt, granola, and an assortment of baked goodies, including scones, biscuits and croissants.
The Chef’s Institute: Lunch
We will delve into making tasty lunch fare, with units on bread making, sandwiches, soups and chilis, pasta and fruit salads, pizza (both baked and grilled), great picnic-friendly foods, and a variety of cookies and dessert bars.
The Chef’s Institute: Dinner
What’s for dinner? So many things! We will explore a variety of dinner preparations including fresh-made pastas and sauces, roasted chicken with some amazing side dishes, enchiladas, a killer steak, hand-made pot stickers, cedar-planked salmon on the grill, and a variety of amazing dessert options (a variety of cakes and ice cream).
PLEASE NOTE: These courses 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.
American Popular Culture
All Students: Grades 9-12
July 5-22| 1:00-3:30 p.m.Fee: $825
This course is for students who feel like they’ve learned a lot about the ancient past, but don’t know much about the recent past; feel like there’s an entire world of popular music, movies, fashion, consumer culture and television they know little about; feel like their teachers make jokes that they don’t get! Students will take a step toward being culturally literate. This course 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.
Science Communication
All Students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 13-24 or June 27-July 8 or July 11-22 | 1:00-3:30p.m.
Fee: $550
Science Communication is for students who are fascinated by the world around them and want to tell everyone how amazing science is, whether they want to be a publishing academic scientist, or the next Bill Nye. 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 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.
Note: Laptop or tablet required (PC or MAC).
What Does it all Mean? Introduction to Philosophical Thinking
All Students: Grades 9-12
June 13-July 1 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Fee: $950
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? The class’ emphasis will be on cultivating clear expression and careful thinking.
Getting Ready for Business & Entrepreneurship
All Students: Grades 9-12
June 13-24 or June 27-July 8 or July 11-22 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $950
This course is designed to provide students with the foundations necessary to be successful in future business courses, competitions and business endeavors. No matter what career choice students make, they will be able to apply this summer course to enhance their potential and maximize their contribution. The class is designed for and will take a project-based, learn-by-doing approach. The course consists of lectures on business topics accompanied by hands-on activities, case studies, group challenges, and a capstone project. Additionally, the course draws from DECA curriculum to help prepare students for DECA competitions in the year ahead. Active participation, group collaboration, and anchoring curriculum with project assignments will surely help prepare students to become emerging leaders, future business professionals, and successful entrepreneurs.
Red Heels to the Little Black Dress: An introduction to Costume History
All Students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
July 5-22 | 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Fee: $950
This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to explore a combination of history, theater, art and fashion. It will be broken into epochs based on a Western point of view starting from the prehistory to the late Elizabethan period, with an emphasis on textile, silhouettes based on constructions and primary sources in sculpture, to painting, frescos and photography. Conversations with students will also address the socio-politics surrounding dress and classism that are inherently a function of fashion. Framework and structures will be created to describe costume history from non-Western cultures to create a new understanding of the non-traditional societies and cultures in history.
Applications to theater design and character development are bound to take place. Activities will include design, illustration and color theory. Within the discussions, source material will include movies, photography and other media. The instructor, Brent Tyler Sjodin, has extensive experience as a freelance designer and wardrobe master and holds an MFA in technical theater. Mr. Sjodin has worked for theater and opera companies such as Utah Festival Opera, where he designed “The Desert Song,” directed by Dottie Danner and “Die Fledermaus,” directed by Jack Shouse. Other design credits include “Oleanna” by David Mamet, “The Winter’s Tale” by William Shakespeare, and the tour design of “Sun Yet Sen: In the Mouth of the Dragon” by Edward Emmanuel for the Taiwanese Educational Ministry in summer 2000.
Adulting 101: Life Skills for Teens
All Students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 13-24 | 1:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Fee: $550
This course teaches many of the life skills that aren’t typically taught in academic programs. Adulting doesn’t have to be tough. Learn from others who have adulted before you. Here are just a few of the topics that we will explore in this course:
- What will I do if I get a flat tire on the interstate during a rainstorm?
- How much money am I going to need salary-wise to have what I really want in life?
- How do I save up for big vacations, gifts for family, more education, etc.?
- What the heck is insurance? Why do I need it?
- Why doesn’t my insurance cover everything I own?
- How am I supposed to know how to do my taxes if I’ve never done them before?
- How do I know when to get new tires on my vehicle?
- What if I travel to another country and lose my wallet?
- How do I explain the car issue I’m having to a mechanic?
- I’ll only be 21-ish when I graduate from college. Why would I need to start saving for retirement now, if I can just have a larger paycheck instead?
- I put a security deposit on an apartment. Now what?
- I have a job interview and it’s at a formal restaurant with a group of potential colleagues. What should I do and not do?
- I got the job, and now I have to pick the benefits I want to pay for. What are all these benefits and what do they potentially do?
- What are the human resources dos and don’ts for communicating professionally at my job?
- How do I buy a car and know I’m getting the best deal?
- I’ve never done laundry, and I dropped coffee all over my favorite shirt. What do I do?
These are just a few of the conundrums that will be mastered in this course. Each day, we will also cover questions that are anonymously created by our students and, as a group, figure out how to handle those questions as well.
This course is taught by upper school library team member Kelley McCoy.
Introduction to Project Management
All Students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
July 5-22 | 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Fee: $950
This course will help students learn how to work in groups and manage time to complete a large project. The upper school library will be the “client” – students are to create a hypothetical community-inspired art installation that will be in the library for the next three years. Students will learn how projects are managed, from brainstorming to outcome evaluation; how to negotiate; how to communicate with clients; and how to inspire a team. They will also learn group work techniques that will help empower the others in the group to do amazing work – skills which students will be able to utilize no matter what career they pursue.
Do you love to create art? Are you excited to get your hands on new books when they hit the library? Are you a dreamer who likes to inspire others? Does the thought of doing a group project always feel daunting? During this 3-week project, you will learn the ins and outs of making group work more fun, much easier, and way more efficient. Gone will be the days when you feel like you have to take the biggest chunk of work to get the project done on time.
After earning her Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Kelley McCoy worked in the corporate world, earning national awards while specializing in large-scale case management, as well as contract negotiations and conflict resolution. Before joining Harker’s Upper School Library team in 2021, Kelley McCoy worked in public libraries, both rural and urban. All of these experiences led Kelley to do what she really wanted – to be surrounded by books and people that are passionate about learning.
Harker Supplemental Coursework (For current Harker Students only)
AP Biology and AP Chemistry are invitational courses. Invites will be sent via email to qualifying students.
AP Biology*
Enrolled incoming Harker juniors only
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.
June 20-July 15 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Monday, July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
Fee: $1,680
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.
Note: Textbook and laptop required (PC or MAC).
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 over 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
AP Chemistry*
Enrolled incoming Harker sophomores only
Prerequisites: Earned a first semester Honors Physics grade of 93% or higher (including the weighting of the semester exam). See below for further clarification.
June 13-July 8 | 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Monday, July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
Fee: $1,470
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.
Note: Textbook and laptop required (PC or MAC).
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.
Course load for summer for-credit AP Chemistry 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
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. International students must complete an additional recommendation form and may participate in institute programs if they have strong English skills and meet the class prerequisites.
.jpg)
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.