Eliot Summer Academy

Who: Rising 9th-12th Grade (MICDS only)
Teacher: David Armstrong
Date/Time: July 8-19, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $320

Homer’s Iliad was probably written around 750 BCE, right around the time the Greeks adopted the Phoenician alphabet; Odyssey was likely written close to 100 years later. Yet these epic poems are set five centuries earlier, during a Bronze Age conflict between Mycenaean Greeks and the Anatolian Hittite state of Wilusa—Ilion in Greek, better known to us as Troy. Iliad retells the ninth year of the war, when the demigod hero Achilles refuses to fight over an issue of disrespect by the high king Agamemnon; Odyssey retells the homecoming story of Odysseus, the last Greek hero to make it home after Troy’s destruction. 

Touching on themes as pervasively human as theology, cosmology, heroism, virtue, love, wrath, politics, war, guest friendship, loss, mourning, and fate, these poems stand at the foundation of “Western” literature and reverberate throughout the cultures touched by the Greeks and the Romans who also loved these works. In this course, we will read Iliad and Odyssey in translation, discussing the themes of the texts both in terms of what they meant back then and what they can mean to us today.

Who: Rising 9th-12th Grade (MICDS only)
Teacher: Patrick Huewe
Date/Time: July 8-19, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $320

Immerse yourself in Spanish this summer! The Spanish 1.5 course is designed to build on the foundation of skills and vocabulary learned in the Spanish 100 level to prepare you for success in Spanish 200.  During this two-week-long course, students will engage in projects and collaborative work designed to reinforce and extend skills and broaden vocabulary. Students will complete two Integrated Performance Assessments (IPA’s) throughout the duration of this course. Any student wishing to start the school year on a strong foot, or wanting extra exposure to Spanish is welcome to take this course!

Who: Rising 9th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: July 8-19, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. or 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Teacher: Nick Miller
Cost: $320

Course Description: Understanding the purpose and the learning objective of reading assignments and writing tasks becomes more challenging at the secondary school level. However, applying the correct strategies ensures that students are actively engaged in the assigned texts and are pursuing meaningful insights in their responses. In this workshop, students will develop their skills in literary analysis and writing through practice activities with the summer reading in an effort to simulate the experience of an English classroom at the Upper School level. We will work on identifying strong evidence while reading a text to support paragraph arguments, as well as build a personal “tool kit” of strategies for analyzing literary devices, brainstorming for writing assignments, participating in discussions, and preparing for feedback sessions with teachers. Moving on to the next level doesn’t need to be a mystery or a struggle; let’s work together to be prepared.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 9th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: July 8-19, 8:00-10:00 a.m. OR 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Teacher: Oggy Smiljanic
Cost: $320

Course Description: Integrated mathematics requires a strong foundation in the algebra concepts introduced in 8th grade. This course will provide a review of important math topics to help students build the necessary understanding to find success in Algebra 1 or Integrated Mathematics 1. Using an individualized approach, students will improve their algebra skills while exploring meaningful problems that require knowledge of many math concepts. The course will also help build problem-solving techniques in preparation for the type of work required in the 9th-grade courses.

Who: Rising 9th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: July 8-19, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. or 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Teacher: Brian Coco
Cost: $320

Course Description: A strong start for high school science is key to success. STEM 0.5 is a way for students to learn important information and practice foundational skills necessary for success in the 9th-grade science course. Topics and skills include data collection, experimental design, graphing and data analysis, and dimensional analysis. In addition, we will use the Maker Space to complete a few engineering challenges.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 9th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: July 8-19, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (lunch included)
Teachers: Brian Coco, Oggy Smiljanic, and Nick Miller
Cost: $960

If you would like to sign up for some, but not all of the Bootcamp classes, please enroll in each class individually, rather than choosing the Bootcamp option.

The 9th Grade Bootcamp combines Science, English, and Math courses in a full-day experience for rising 9th-grade students. Through these classes, students are able to review and strengthen skills in each discipline that are critical for success as an Upper School student, and prepare for the year ahead. Students may sign up for the Bootcamp or take one or two classes individually. The schedule and course descriptions are below:

STEM 0.5 (SCIENCE)
A strong start for high school science is key to success. STEM 0.5 is a way for students to learn important information and practice foundational skills necessary for success in the 9th-grade science course. Topics and skills include data collection, experimental design, graphing and data analysis, and dimensional analysis. In addition, we will use the Makerspace to complete a few engineering challenges.

Foundations for Algebra 1 and Integrated Math 1 (MATH)
Integrated mathematics requires a strong foundation in the algebra concepts introduced in 8th grade. This course will provide a review of important math topics to help students build the necessary understanding to find success in Algebra 1 or Integrated Mathematics 1. Using an individualized approach, students will improve their algebra skills while exploring meaningful problems that require knowledge of many math concepts. The course will also help build problem-solving techniques in preparation for the type of work required in the 9th-grade courses.

Reading Strategies for the Writing Process (ENGLISH)
Understanding the purpose and learning objectives of reading assignments and writing tasks becomes more challenging at the secondary school level. However, applying the correct strategies ensures that students are actively engaged in the texts and pursuing meaningful insights in their responses. In this workshop, students will develop their skills in literary analysis and writing through practice activities with the summer reading to simulate the experience of an English classroom at the upper school level. We will work on identifying strong evidence while reading a text to support arguments, as well as build a personal “tool kit” of strategies for analyzing literary devices, brainstorming for writing assignments, participating in discussions, and preparing for feedback sessions with teachers. Moving on to the next level doesn’t need to be a mystery or a struggle; let’s work together to be prepared.

The Bootcamp is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 10th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: July 8-19, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Teacher: Daniel Wiederkehr
Cost: $320

Course Description: The integrated mathematics track requires a strong foundation in algebra and geometry concepts. This course will provide a review of important math topics to help students retain or (re)build the necessary understanding to find success in Applied Integrated Mathematics 2 or Integrated Mathematics 2. Using an individualized approach, students will improve their algebra skills while exploring meaningful problems that require knowledge of crucial math concepts – including, but not limited to, properties of quadratic functions, function notation, function transformations, etc. The course will review several geometry concepts needed for Integrated Math 2 or Applied Math 2 as well as geometry topics that are on the ACT. The course will focus on building problem-solving techniques in preparation for the type of work required in the 10th-grade courses.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 10th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: July 8-19, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Teacher: Brian Coco
Cost: $320

Course Description: The STEM 1.5 course is designed both to allow students a review of previously-learned content and to preview content covered during the first semester of Science 10. Using a variety of lab-based lessons, we will cover important content and skills. During the first week, we will cover 9th-grade (mostly end-of-the-year) chemistry skills that are required understanding for moving into 10th-grade science. We will have a chance to go over the end-of-year 9th-grade exam, identify areas of strength and weaknesses, and then focus our time on strengthening those skills. The primary focus is on atomic structure, periodic trends, electron configurations, balancing equations, and mole calculations. Week 2 is primarily a preview into the skills needed at the start of 10th-grade science. We will primarily focus on stoichiometry. 

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 12th Graders
Date/Time: June 3-14, 9:30-11:30 a.m. or 1:30-3:30 p.m. (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays)
Teacher: Tex Tourais
Cost: $220

Course Description: The last thing any high schooler wants is to start their senior year trapped in a cycle of writing, revising, and rejecting one unsuccessful college essay after another. From picking a suitable topic to writing with purpose and then revising, we will move from not-even-started to ready-to-submit. If you’re the type of student who wants to cross the college essay off their To-Do List quickly and confidently, this class is for you.  Expect to meet formally on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Tuesday and Thursday will be used for individual conference times.

Eliot Summer Academy is excited to offer 27 additional courses through Global Online Academy (GOA). Visit the Global Online Academy web page for more information!

Who: Rising 5th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 3-14, 8:00-9:30 a.m.
Teacher: Nick Miller
Cost: $320

Course Description: Unlock the magic of storytelling and ignite a passion for reading and writing in your fifth-grade or sixth-grade students with a dynamic two-week summer course, “Exploring Literacy Through Graphic Novels.” This course is designed to harness the unique power of graphic novels to enhance language skills, critical thinking, and creativity. By the end of this course, students will emerge with improved reading comprehension skills, a heightened appreciation for storytelling, and the confidence to express their creativity through the captivating medium of graphic novels. Join Dr. Miller on a literary journey that blends words and images, fostering a love for reading and writing that will last a lifetime.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 5th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 3-June 14 10:00 am-11:30 am
Teacher: Kevin Frankenberger
Cost: $320

Course Description: This summer math course is designed to help build a strong foundational understanding of several middle school math topics. It will allow students the opportunity to review skills from previous courses and look ahead to concepts learned throughout their middle school math experience. Throughout the course, students engage in activities and problem-solving exercises that will encourage them to build confidence in their mathematical abilities! Please note that participation in the course does not lead to acceleration in the math program.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 6th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 3-June 14 10:00 am-11:30 am
Teacher: Nick Miller
Cost: $320

Unlock the magic of storytelling and ignite a passion for reading and writing in your fifth-grade or sixth-grade students with a dynamic two-week summer course, “Exploring Literacy Through Graphic Novels.” This course is designed to harness the unique power of graphic novels to enhance language skills, critical thinking, and creativity. By the end of this course, students will emerge with improved reading comprehension skills, a heightened appreciation for storytelling, and the confidence to express their creativity through the captivating medium of graphic novels. Join Dr. Miller on a literary journey that blends words and images, fostering a love for reading and writing that will last a lifetime.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 6th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 3-14, 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Teacher: Kevin Frankenberger
Cost: $320

Course Description: This summer math course is designed to help build a strong foundational understanding of several middle school math topics. It will allow students the opportunity to review skills from previous courses and look ahead to concepts learned throughout their middle school math experience. Throughout the course, students engage in activities and problem-solving exercises that will encourage them to build confidence in their mathematical abilities! Please note that participation in the course does not lead to acceleration in the Math program.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 7th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 3 – 14, 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Teacher: Scott Smith
Cost: $320

Course Description: Learn about the brain processes that are required for reading and practice active reading strategies that prepare you for the writing process! Explore ways in which to improve your fluency and comprehension through the practice of guided and directed reading. Build your knowledge of ways in which to infer and analyze your reading and transfer it to writing. Students will practice outlining and idea building as well as sentence structure and conventions that are key parts of the middle school English curriculum. 

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 7th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 3-14, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Teacher: Jody Marberry
Cost: $320

Course Description: This summer math course is designed to help build a strong foundational understanding of several middle school math topics. It will allow students the opportunity to review skills from previous courses and look ahead to concepts learned throughout their middle school math experience. Throughout the course, students engage in activities and problem-solving exercises that will encourage them to build confidence in their mathematical abilities! Please note that participation in the course does not lead to acceleration in the math program.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 8th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 3-14, 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Teacher: Jody Marberry
Cost: $320

Course Description: This summer math course is designed to help build a strong foundational understanding of several middle school math topics. It will allow students the opportunity to review skills from previous courses and look ahead to concepts learned throughout their middle school math experience. Throughout the course, students engage in activities and problem-solving exercises that will encourage them to build confidence in their mathematical abilities! Please note that participation in the course does not lead to acceleration in the math program.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 8th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 3-14, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Teacher: Scott Smith
Cost: $320

Course Description: Learn about the brain processes that are required for reading and practice active reading strategies that prepare you for the writing process! Explore ways in which to improve your fluency and comprehension through the practice of guided and directed reading. Build your knowledge of ways in which to infer and analyze your reading and transfer it to writing. Students will practice outlining and idea building as well as sentence structure and conventions that are key parts of the middle school English curriculum.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 7th and 8th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: July 8 -19, 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Teacher: Nick Miller
Cost: $320

Are you looking to boost your grammar skills and gain confidence in your writing this summer? Join Dr. Miller for an engaging and interactive “Grammar Boost Camp” designed specifically for seventh-grade and eighth-grade students. Whether you are preparing for the upcoming school year or just want to sharpen your language skills, this course will provide a fun and focused learning experience. Together, we will tackle a blend of interactive lessons, group activities, peer editing, and practical exercises to make grammar engaging and relatable. In addition, we will focus on real-world applications, encouraging you to apply your knowledge in writing tasks and discussions. This course is designed to help you review key concepts and fill in gaps in your grammar knowledge. No prior expertise is required.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Tuition for Eliot Summer Academy is listed with each course. Some courses may have additional fees to cover books or materials, which would be indicated in the course description. Limited financial aid is available to MICDS families. Please contact Ciera Field, Associate Director of Admission – Tuition Assistance, at cfield@micds.org or (314)995-7405 for more information.

Early registration is encouraged, as class sizes will be kept small (10 to 20 students). A minimum enrollment of 10 students will be required for most courses. In the event a course is canceled, you will be contacted, and registration fees will be refunded.

• Programs are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
• The full payment is due for each camper at the time of registration. A camper will not be enrolled and a spot is not guaranteed until full payment is received.
• Registrations that are not paid for by 10 days prior to the start date of the course will be deleted from our system. 
• Payment can be made via credit card or an electronic funds transfer e-check/ACH payment.
• For questions about payment, please contact the Eliot Summer Academy office (contact information listed at bottom of page).
• Necessary medical information will be gathered by the individual coordinator of this program.

• Refunds are available through May 15, 2024 minus a $50 fee per session, per child.
• Beginning May 16, there are no refunds.

Having trouble working around other MICDS opportunities? Contact Director of Eliot Summer Academy Sam Cummins at eliotacademy@micds.org or (314) 995-7355, and we will work with you to schedule with other MICDS programs.