Summer Institute Middle School
Morning and afternoon options allow students to focus on favorite academic subjects and sports activities.
Flexible options allow students to focus on one area – academics, arts, athletics or activities – or mix and match all four to create a wide range of summer experiences. The core two-week academic classes combine with arts, athletics and activities in a variety of ways, so students can build a summer filled with all the things they want to do.
(Course sessions and fees vary by subject)
Middle School Course Offerings
Pick a class or activity to expand your knowledge in a favorite subject or to challenge yourself in a new area!
View Sample Daily Schedule At-A-Glance Course Listing
Subjects & Activities
Math
Science
- Techniques in Biotechnology
- S.S.R.S. (Summer Science Research Society)
- Engineer It!
- Physics: From Forces to the Cosmos
- Bioengineering
- Harker Explorers
- Medical Detective
- Introduction to Data Science
Techniques in Biotechnology
S.S.R.S. (Summer Science Research Society)
Engineer It!
Physics: From Forces to the Cosmos
Bioengineering
Harker Explorers
Medical Detective
Introduction to Data Science
Design and Life Skills
- Brain Hacks 101: Excel in School, Slay Self-Care, and Conquer Chaos
- Let's Get Cooking!
- Tabletop Game Design
- Introduction to Psychology (How the Brain Works)
- Leading with Purpose: Building Tomorrow’s Leaders
- Introduction to Architectural Design
- Money Smarts: Personal Finance for Teens
- Cut, Create, Design
Brain Hacks 101: Excel in School, Slay Self-Care, and Conquer Chaos
Let's Get Cooking!
Tabletop Game Design
Introduction to Psychology (How the Brain Works)
Leading with Purpose: Building Tomorrow’s Leaders
Introduction to Architectural Design
Money Smarts: Personal Finance for Teens
Cut, Create, Design
Writing
- Write It Right
- Fantasy Fiction Creators (Creative Writing)
- Movie Masters: Creative & Analytical Writing Workshop
- Legends Unleashed: Myths of Gods and Heroes
- Reading for Insight: Comprehension Workshop
- Darker than Disney
- Mythological Beasts and Where to Find Them
- You’re Wrong! Here’s Why (Grade 6)
- You’re Wrong! Here’s Why (Grades 7-8)
- AI and Authorship: A Writer's Coach for Creativity and Ethical Use
Write It Right
Fantasy Fiction Creators (Creative Writing)
Movie Masters: Creative & Analytical Writing Workshop
Legends Unleashed: Myths of Gods and Heroes
Reading for Insight: Comprehension Workshop
Darker than Disney
Mythological Beasts and Where to Find Them
You’re Wrong! Here’s Why (Grade 6)
You’re Wrong! Here’s Why (Grades 7-8)
AI and Authorship: A Writer's Coach for Creativity and Ethical Use
Technology
- Introduction to Web Design
- App Inventor
- Build Your Own Podcast
- Beginning Python Programming
- Introduction to Java
- Animation
- Beginning Robotics
- Intermediate Robotics
- Advanced Robotics
Introduction to Web Design
App Inventor
Build Your Own Podcast
Beginning Python Programming
Introduction to Java
Animation
Beginning Robotics
Intermediate Robotics
Advanced Robotics
Arts

Afternoon Activities Program (AP)
Session Options: June 22–July 2 | July 6–17 | July 20–31
All Students: Grades 6–8
12:45–3:45 p.m. (includes bonus hour from 4–5 p.m.)
- June 22–July 2: $715
- July 6–17: $790
- July 20–31: $790
Imagine a summer where your middle schooler discovers exciting new skills, makes lifelong memories with friends old and new and unlocks hidden talents, all while having an unforgettable time! That’s exactly what our Afternoon Activities Program (AP) delivers: a dynamic blend of exploration, creativity and joy, wrapped into every summer afternoon.
Led by our enthusiastic and experienced summer staff, AP transforms ordinary afternoons into extraordinary adventures. Running daily from 12:45 to 3:45 p.m. (with a bonus hour from 4 to 5 p.m.; campus closes at 5:30 p.m.), this program offers flexibility and fun perfect for your summer schedule. Choose a single week or sign up for all six weeks to maximize the experience!
Here’s what makes AP unique:
- Limitless Options: From thrilling large- and small-group games to interactive contests, we’ve got something for everyone.
- Weekly Themes: Each week brings fresh, themed workshops that inspire curiosity and creativity, from arts and crafts to sports skills, science, cooking and more.
- Skill-Building Specialty Classes: Students dive deep into areas they’re passionate about, gaining a sense of accomplishment and learning new skills to take beyond the summer.
- A Balance of Fun and Focus: Quiet library or study time ensures every student’s needs are met.
But it’s more than just fun, it’s growth! Our activities foster teamwork, leadership and self-confidence, encouraging students to collaborate toward shared goals and build resilience through individual challenges. Through active staff engagement, we model positive behaviors and empower students to shine.
What makes AP truly exceptional? It’s the magic of choice. Every day, students pick from activities designed to spark joy, laughter, imagination and curiosity. Whether they’re stretching their bodies with nontraditional physical games, exploring their creativity in hands-on workshops, or enjoying intellectual stimulation in quieter moments, every child finds a space to thrive.
Give your child the gift of a summer filled with discovery, connection and crazy, amazing fun. Enroll in our Afternoon Activities Program and watch them create memories they’ll treasure.
Sports Program
Our sports camps offer a positive, skill-focused environment where highly experienced coaches provide training in a well-structured, character-driven atmosphere. Young athletes will improve their skills and knowledge of the game, develop teamwork and, of course, have fun! Students of all skill levels may participate and groups will be organized for maximum participation and play.
Included in each camp (as applicable) will be:
- Sport specific conditioning and warmups
- Sport specific drills and skill development
- Team play (large and small teams)
- Game strategy
- Individual instruction and support
Sports camps may be selected by session and are available as an addition to morning or afternoon academic classes.
Aquatics camps take place on the upper school campus on Saratoga Ave. Students will be transported by Harker school bus to the Saratoga campus and returned to the Union Ave. campus each day.
Sports camps meet Monday-Friday mornings or afternoon, based on the class. All game equipment is provided. Individual safety or sport-specific items may be required. More details will be sent before your session begins. Bonus hour from 4-5 p.m., planned by our summer staff, are included in your afternoon sports camp tuition. Campus close at 5:30 p.m.
Summer Lunch
Lunch is included in all morning classes. Lunch can be added as an option for afternoon classes and sports camps. Regular and vegetarian entrees are offered each day and menus are designed to provide healthy, nutritious options.