Eliot Summer Academy
Registration is open!
Growth, learning, and fun don’t stop over the summer at MICDS. Named after school founder and visionary thinker William Greenleaf Eliot, Eliot Summer Academy challenges middle and high school students with an array of opportunities. Academic and enrichment courses allow students to stretch their limits both in and out of the classroom.
Classes offered through Eliot Summer Academy are designed to be review or enrichment-oriented.
- Review courses help students transition between coursework levels, allow them to redo work, catch up, or make up a course.
- Enrichment courses offer something new and may help students prepare for the next school year.

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Upper School Curriculum Guide 2023
- MATH: Create With Code - 3D Video Game Design (Rising 8th-12th Graders)
Who: Rising 8-12th Grade
Date/Time: July 10-21, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Teacher: Travis Menghini
Cost: $450Course Description: Students learn to Create with Code with Unity, a 3D Video Game Engine. As students program, they will own exciting projects from scratch using the C# programming language. As students iterate with prototypes, tackle programming challenges, complete quizzes, and develop their own personal project, each student will transform from an absolute beginner to a capable Unity developer.
Please note: Students will receive a grade for this course, however, it is a non-credit bearing course, and does not appear on student transcripts or affect GPA.
- ENGLISH: Reading Strategies for the Writing Process (Rising MICDS 9th Graders)
Who: Rising 9th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: July 10-21, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. or 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Teacher: Ryan Bueckendorf
Cost: $305Course 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.
- MATH: Foundations for Applied Integrated Math 1 (Rising MICDS 9th Graders)
Who: Rising 9th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: July 10-21, 8:00-10:00 a.m. OR 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Teacher: Oggy Smiljanic
Cost: $305Course Description: Integrated mathematics requires a strong foundation in the algebra and geometry 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 Applied Integrated Mathematics 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.
This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.
- SCIENCE: STEM 0.5 (Rising MICDS 9th Graders)
Who: Rising 9th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: July 10-21, 8:00-10:00 a.m. or 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Teacher: Brian Coco
Cost: $305Course 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.
- ENGLISH, MATH, SCIENCE: 9th Grade Bootcamp (Rising MICDS 9th Graders)
Who: Rising 9th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: July 10-21, 8:00-3:00pm (lunch included)
Cost: $915If 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 Applied Integrated Math 1 (MATH)
Integrated mathematics requires a strong foundation in the algebra and geometry 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 Applied Integrated Mathematics 1 or Integrated Mathematics. 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.
- MATH: Foundations for Applied Integrated Math 2 (Rising MICDS 10th Graders)
Who: Rising 10th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: July 10-21, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Teacher: Melanie Moody
Cost: $305Course 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.
- SCIENCE: STEM 1.5 (Rising MICDS 10th Graders)
Who: Rising 10th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: July 10-21, 1:00-3:00pm
Teacher: Brian Coco
Cost: $305Course 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.
- SCIENCE: AP Computer Science A Bootcamp (Rising 11th & 12th Graders)
Who: Rising 11-12th Grade
Date/Time: July 10-21, 12:30-2:30pm
Teacher: Travis Menghini
Cost: $305Course Description: The goal of the AP Computer Science A Bootcamp is to help students prepare and gain exposure to topics covered in AP Computer Science A. Students taking AP Computer Science A at MICDS expressed that a foundational course would have been beneficial. This course is designed for students who have minimal experience in coding and will be focused on introducing students to Computational Solution Design, Algorithms and Program Development, Abstraction in Program Development, and Code Analysis.
- ENGLISH: College Essay Writing (Rising 12th Graders)
Who: Rising 12th Graders
Date/Time: June 26-July 7 (no class on Tuesday, July 4), 9:30-11:30 a.m., Mondays and Wednesdays
Teacher: Tex Tourais
Cost: $210Course 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.
- 26 ADDITIONAL COURSES THROUGH GLOBAL ONLINE ACADEMY (Rising 9th-Graduating 12th Graders)
Eliot Summer Academy is excited to offer additional courses through Global Online Academy (GOA).
Middle School Curriculum Guide 2023
- ENGLISH: 7th Grade Reading and Writing Processes and Strategies (Rising MICDS 7th Graders)
Who: Rising 7th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 26-July 7 (no class Tuesday, July 4), 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Teacher: Scott Smith
Cost: $305Course 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.
- MATH: 7th Grade Jumpstart Math (Rising MICDS 7th Graders)
Who: Rising 7th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 12-23 (no class Monday, June 19), 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Teacher: Jody Marberry
Cost: $305Course 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.
- MATH: Create With Code - 3D Video Game Design (Rising 8th-12th Graders)
Who: Rising 8-12th Grade
Date/Time: July 10-21, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Teacher: Travis Menghini
Cost: $450Course Description: Students learn to Create with Code with Unity, a 3D Video Game Engine. As students program, they will own exciting projects from scratch using the C# programming language. As students iterate with prototypes, tackle programming challenges, complete quizzes, and develop their own personal project, each student will transform from an absolute beginner to a capable Unity developer.
Please note: Students will receive a grade for this course, however, it is a non-credit bearing course and does not appear on student transcripts or affect GPA.
- MATH: 8th Grade Jumpstart Math (Rising MICDS 8th Graders)
Who: Rising 8th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 12-23 (no class Monday, June 19), 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Teacher: Jody Marberry
Cost: $305Course 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.
- ENGLISH: 8th Grade Reading and Writing Processes and Strategies (Rising MICDS 8th Graders)
Who: Rising 8th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 26-July 7 (no class Tuesday, July 4), 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Teacher: Scott Smith
Cost: $305Course 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.
Fees and FAQs
- Fees
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.
- Enrollment Policies & Payment
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.
- Refund Policy
- Refunds are available through May 2023 minus a $50 fee per session, per child.
- Beginning June 1, there are no refunds.
- Summer Scheduling Conflicts
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.
We welcome your questions.
For more information, please contact Sam Cummins, Director of Eliot Summer Academy at eliotacademy@micds.org or (314) 995-7355.
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