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 2023.
- Honors Algebra 1*
- Geometry*
- Honors Geometry *
- Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry*
- Algebra 2/Trigonometry*
Honors Algebra 1*
Enrolled Harker students only
Prerequisites: Must have a 95% or better in Pre-Algebra Honors; department approval.
June 12-July 21 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $2,085
Final Exam Dates: Fri., June 30; Fri., July 21
Tues., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.
This is an accelerated and intensive introductory course in algebra. The goals of 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.
- Textbook and TI-83/84 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 an overall grade 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.
Geometry*
Non-Harker students: Grades 6-12
Harker students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Must have a 90% or better in Algebra 1; department approval.
June 12-July 21 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $2,085
Final Exam Dates: Fri., June 30; Fri., July 21
Tues., 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.
- Textbook, 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 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.
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 12-July 21 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $2,085
Final Exam Dates: Fri., June 30; Fri., July 21
Tues., 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.
- Textbook, 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 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.
Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry*
All students: Grades 6-12
Prerequisites: Grades 6-8 must have a 95% or better in Honors Geometry; department approval. Grades 9-12 must have a 90% or better in Honors Geometry; department approval.
June 12-July 21 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 12-4:30 p.m.
Fee: $2,085
Final Exam Dates: Fri., June 30; Fri., July 21
Tues., 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.
- Textbook and TI-83/84 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 an overall grade 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.
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 12-July 21 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $2,085
Final Exam Dates: Fri., June 30; Fri., July 21
Tues., 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.
- Textbook and TI-83/84 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 an overall grade 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.
Economics
All students: Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: World History 1 or World History 1 Honors
June 12-June 30 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $1,120
Final Exam Date: Fri., June 30
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 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 12-July 21 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-4 p.m.
Fee: $1,550
Final Exam Date: Fri., July 21 from 9-11 a.m. for all students not enrolled in a Harker AM course
Tues., 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: 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 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 12-July 21 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-4 p.m.
Fee: $1,550
Final Exam Date: Fri., July 21 from 9-11 a.m. for all students not enrolled in a Harker AM course
Tues., 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: 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 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 12-July 21 (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
- Getting Ready for Precalculus
- Creative Writers Workshop*
- Expository Writing and Grammar Review
- The Chef’s Institute
- Adulting 101: Life Skills for Teens
- Logic & Problem-Solving
- Pottery: Form, Function, Form
- Latin American History, 1500 to the Present
- American Popular Culture
- Costume History: Design and Construction
- Game and Simulation Design
Getting Ready for Geometry
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra 1
June 12-June 30 | 9-11:30 a.m.
Fee: $880
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 12-June 30 or July 3-July 21 | 9-11:30 a.m.
Fee: $880
Tuesday, 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. 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. This is a student-centered course with lessons, activities and explorations that support deeper understanding of important math concepts and improved math confidence.
Getting Ready for Precalculus
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra 2
July 3-July 21| 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Fee: $880
Tues., 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 12-June 30 or July 3-July 21| 1-4 p.m.
Fee: $1,015
Tues., 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!
- Textbook required.
Expository Writing and Grammar Review
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 12-June 30 or July 3-July 21| 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $1,165
Tues., 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
July 3-July 21| 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Fee: $1,365
Tues., July 4 is a holiday, no classes will be held.
Join us as we spend three weeks exploring a wide variety of cuisine and techniques in the kitchen. Students will master knife skills, discover varied preparation techniques (braising, brining, grilling, sou 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!
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.
Adulting 101: Life Skills for Teens
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 12-June 30 or July 3-July 21| 1-4 p.m.
Fee: $1,015
Tues., July 4 is a holiday, no classes will be held.
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 that 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?
- Are there 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.
Logic & Problem-Solving
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 12-June 30 | 1-4 p.m.
Fee: $1,015
In this course, students will sharpen their ability to reason mathematically, which will benefit them in many STEM disciplines including computer science, physics and research mathematics. Students will learn to tolerate ambiguity, appreciate the impact of cognitive bias and ways to reduce its impact, and experience the use of analogical reasoning in problem-solving. They will explore the application of basic set theory, number theory and combinatorics, and use the concept of deduction to solve problems and win games. The goal is that students develop an intuitive feel and questioning mind about mathematical problems.
- Gary Antonick wrote more than 300 columns over nine years for The New York Times, through which he collaborated with many of the world’s leading research mathematicians, discussing their favorite logic problems and techniques for solving them. He also taught intuitive thinking and mathematical reasoning at Stanford University for nine years, including a course with math superstar Keith Devlin called “Math in the Wild.” He has taught not only Stanford students but also Google engineers and high school students in China, India and Chile. Gary studied physics and engineering at the University of Michigan and has an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Pottery: Form, Function, Form
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 12-June 30 | 1-4 p.m.
Fee: $1,165
Tues., July 4 is a holiday, no classes will be held.
In this course, 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. If you are interested in a deep dive into the powerful realm of making and utility, this is the course for you. 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.
Latin American History, 1500 to the Present
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 12-June 30 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Fee: $1,015
This course is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the history of Latin America, from the Spanish conquest to the present. Traditionally subsumed under world history, Latin American history is rarely taught as a stand-alone course in high school. And yet, it is a dynamic region with rich linguistic and cultural traditions as well as a complex political and economic trajectory. Hispanic Americans also make up 20% of the population in the United States. Major topics covered in this class will include the Spanish conquest and settlement of Latin America, colonial social hierarchy and racial mixture, independence movements, the rise of export economies, social revolutions in Mexico and Cuba, U.S. foreign policy in Latin America, and Mexican and Central American migration to the United States.
- Chris Gatto, has a Ph.D in history from the University of Chicago, with a focus in Latin American history. His dissertation analyzed the economies of indigenous communities in Oaxaca, Mexico, over the course of the 19th century. He has spent time living in Oaxaca, Mexico City and Buenos Aires and is fluent in Spanish. Dr. Gatto taught in the Latin American Civilization sequence at the University of Chicago, a yearlong course exploring Latin American history, anthropology, and literature. He will provide opportunities in this course to read Spanish-language texts, but there are no language requirements to take this course. Class time will be devoted to close reading, analytical writing, lecture, discussion and videos. There may be periodic readings assigned outside of class.
American Popular Culture
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
July 3-July 21| 1-3 p.m.
Fee: $850
Tues., July 4 is a holiday, no classes will be held.
Do you ever feel like you have learned a lot about the ancient past, but don’t know much about the recent past? Do you 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 take a look at pop culture of 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 Rocks and some Uncrustables.
- Mark Janda has been a teacher for 30 years and has taught world history, world literature, social justice, ethnic studies and African-American studies. Mr. Janda is a dad, cyclist, traveler, concert-goer and food fanatic. Most of all he is an avid consumer of pop culture and loves exploring the social significance of movies, music, television, and even toys and commercials, and how they impact the way we think, speak and remember the past.
Costume History: Design and Construction
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 12-June 30 | 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Fee: $1,015
This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to explore a combination of history, theater, art and fashion. Using multiple sources, discussions will be broken into specific historical eras leading to conversations within the course that will also address the socio-politics surrounding dress and classism that are inherently a function of fashion. Applications of costume and cultures in theatrical history will also be included. Class discussions will also address non-Western cultures and, while not comprehensive, will be designed to expose students to other cultures and theatrical styles.
Applications to theater design and character development are bound to take place. Activities will include design and construction. Presentations will also touch on historical construction techniques and applications to the modern aesthetic and fit. Within the discussions, source material will include movies, photography and other media. A small project will be available for students to create some historical costume creation as part of the summer experience.
- 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” and “Die Fledermaus.” 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.
Game and Simulation Design
All students: Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None
June 12-June 30 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Fee: $1,015
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. He taught English and math at South Kent School in Connecticut for seven years, and while in graduate school at Yale, he taught Tolstoy, The Victorian Novel, Science Fiction and The Bible as Literature, among other courses. At Harker 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, one on the subject of Chaucer and His Age (2006) and another on Teaching Literature Through Adaptation (2019). Mr. Hurshman was raised in France, Russia and Wisconsin (and remains a Green Bay Packers fan). He enjoys music, "especially singing and fiddling about with my acoustic guitar," and is the youngest of four children in a globe-trotting family that still vacations together in the French countryside from time to time.
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*
NOTE: This course is by invitation only and for HARKER STUDENTS only. You will be immediately dropped from this course if you were not pre-approved.
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 19-July 14 | 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Fee: $1,795
Tuesday, July 4 is a holiday, no classes will be held.
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 11th graders (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 11th graders (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.
AP Chemistry*
NOTE: This course is by invitation only and for HARKER STUDENTS only. You will be immediately dropped from this course if you were not pre-approved.
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 12-July 7 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. or 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. (later course includes lunch break)
Fee: $1,795
Tuesday, July 4 is a holiday, no classes will be held.
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.
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.

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.