Eliot Summer Academy

Picture a college admissions essay reader, bleary-eyed and buried in papers, reading your essay after a long day of reading a hundred others. You need a great essay, one that will cause them to carefully read it and delight at your personality, experiences, and the writing skills used to display them.

In this course, you will learn to craft one of these great essays.

You will be introduced to such techniques as character development (yes, you have to see yourself as a character in your story), dialogue, establishing credibility, establishing emotion, structure, and point of view. During classes held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, we will take on a few of these skills at a time. Tuesday and Thursday will be for individual meetings where we will work on developing the unique fodder that will make up your great essay: we will formulate the unique character you are, the unique perspective you have on the world, your unique voice for expressing it and the character arc that is your journey through the many challenges you face. This class meets formally on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Tuesday and Thursday will be used for individual conference times.

Date/Time: June 13-17, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. MWF. Students will meet individually with the teacher on Tues/Th at individual conference times.
Teacher: Dan Sadicario
Cost: $175

This class may be taken independently or as a part of the 9th Grade Bootcamp. To sign up for the Bootcamp, please click on “9th Grade Bootcamp.”

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.

Date/Time: July 11-22, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. OR 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Teacher: Scott Smith
Cost: $285

This class may be taken independently or as a part of the 9th Grade Bootcamp. To sign up for the Bootcamp, please click on “9th Grade Bootcamp.”

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.

Dates/Time: July 11-22, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Teacher: Oggy Smiljanic
Cost: $285

This class may be taken independently or as a part of the 9th Grade Bootcamp (with Accelerated Math). To sign up for the Bootcamp, please click on “9th Grade Bootcamp (with Accelerated Math).”

Accelerated Integrated Mathematics requires strong and fluid conceptual foundations in the algebra and geometry concepts introduced in Middle School. This course will revisit and further deepen and expand important math topics to help students make a successful transition to Accelerated Math track in the Upper School. Through an individualized approach, students will improve and reflect on their skills and mathematical thinking while exploring and solving problems that increase both the mastery and generalizing abilities required in the Accelerated Math track. This course is designed for students that already plan to take the Accelerated Integrated Math 1 course. Please note that participation in this course does not lead to acceleration in the Math program. Students taking Applied Integrated Math 1 or Integrated Math 1 in the 9th grade should choose the ESA Foundations for Applied Integrated Math 1 Course.

Dates/Time: July 11-22, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Teacher: Oggy Smiljanic
Cost: $285

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.

Date/Time: July 11-22, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Teacher: Melanie Moody
Cost: $285

Students will Create with Code as they program their own projects in C# using the Unity 3D Game Engine. As students iterate with prototypes, tackle programming challenges, and develop a personal project, they will transform from an absolute beginner to a 3D Game Developer. Open to all programming ability levels!

Date/Time: June 13 – July 1, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Teacher: Travis Menghini
Cost: $630

Taking AP Calculus or Calculus with Applications this fall? Need a Precalculus refresher? This class will review key concepts from Precalculus including logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometry, rational functions, and other key concepts that are foundational for success in Calculus. This class is designed for students entering into AP Calculus or Calculus with Applications.

Date/Time: August 1 – 5, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Teacher: Diane Broberg
Cost: $140

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 practice foundational pieces required in the 9th-grade science course. Topics include data collection, experimental design, graphing and data analysis, lab skills, calculating with powers of ten, scientific notation, basic calculator skills, problem-solving skills, and dimensional analysis (conversions). The course will be taught using inquiry-based methods and the 5 E’s of engineering.

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 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.

Dates/Times: July 11-22, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., lunch included
Cost: $855 (includes lunch)
Teachers: Brian Coco, Oggy Smiljanic, Scott Smith

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 practice foundational pieces required in the 9th grade science course. Topics include data collection, experimental design, graphing and data analysis, lab skills, calculating with powers of ten, scientific notation, basic calculator skills, problem solving skills, and dimensional analysis (conversions). The course will be taught using inquiry based methods and the 5 E’s of engineering.

Foundations for Accelerated Integrated Math 1 (MATH)
Accelerated Integrated Mathematics requires strong and fluid conceptual foundations in the algebra and geometry concepts introduced in the Middle School. This course will revisit and further deepen and expand important math topics to help students make a successful transition to Accelerated Math track in the Upper School. Through an individualized approach, students will improve and reflect on their skills and mathematical thinking while exploring and solving problems that increase both the mastery and generalizing abilities required in the Accelerated Math track. This course is designed for students that plan to take the Accelerated Integrated Math 1 course. Please note that participation in this course does not lead to acceleration in the Math program. Students taking Applied Integrated Math 1 or Integrated Math 1 in the 9th grade should choose the regular 9th Grade Bootcamp.

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.

Dates/Times: July 11-22, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., lunch included
Cost: $855 (includes lunch)
Teachers: Brian Coco, Oggy Smiljanic, Scott Smith

Science in the Field is a for-credit independent research project. Students may earn an Applied Science Topic credit for their involvement in an on-going collaboration with a practicing scientist or research institution. Students must have a faculty sponsor/mentor, document their work schedule, provide contact information to their Science in the Field supervisor, and provide a paper within thirty days after the experience outlining roles and responsibilities as well as the purpose of the collaboration and knowledge gained from the experience. Students will be assessed using a Pass/No Pass grading standard.

Prerequisites: Departmental Approval and Faculty Sponsor If you are interested in taking this course, please contact the JK-12 Science Department Chair, Paul Zahller, at jzahller@micds.org

Note: Science in the Field will NOT count towards NCAA core course totals for aspiring Division I and II athletes.

Independent Study

This class may be taken independently or as a part of the 9th Grade Bootcamp. To sign up for the Bootcamp, please click on “9th Grade Bootcamp.”

A strong start for high school science is key to success. STEM 0.5 is a way for students to practice foundational pieces required in the 9th grade science course. Topics include data collection, experimental design, graphing and data analysis, and dimensional analysis. The course will be taught using inquiry based methods and the 5 E’s of engineering.

Date/Time: July 11-22, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. or 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 
Teacher: Brian Coco
Cost: $285

The STEM 1.5 course is designed both to allow students a review of previously-learned content, and to preview content covered at the next level. Week 1 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 weakness in 2nd semester skills, 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—although there is room to add in any additional skills students identify as problem areas. Week 2 is primarily a preview into the skills needed at the start of 10th grade science. We will work on how the skills they bring with them from 9th grade will be applied to science 10 in areas like electron configurations, molecular structure, gram to mole calculations, enthalpy calculations and stoichiometry. We will also have an opportunity to work on the required summer assignment (due the first day of class in 10th grade) and get any questions answered before the work is submitted.

Date/Time: July 11-22, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Teacher: Brian Coco
Cost: $285

Eliot Summer Academy is excited to offer additional courses through Global Online Academy (GOA).

Learn more about Global Online Academy here!

The ESA Rams JumpStart program aims to help prepare students to start the new school year off on a strong foot. The courses offered will review and reinforce critical skills that will help set students up for success in 7th and 8th grade English and Math. See individual course descriptions below. Please note that participation in the course does not lead to acceleration in the Math program.

Courses include:

Middle School Reading Processes and Strategies (ENGLISH)
Learn about the brain processes that are required for reading! Explore ways in which to improve your fluency and comprehension through the practice of guided and directed reading. Practice these skills with an experienced MICDS teacher and leave with strategies to complete your summer reading.

Middle School Math JumpStart (MATH)
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 week, students engage in activities and problem-solving exercises that will encourage them to build confidence in their mathematical abilities!

Dates/Times: June 6-10, 12:15 – 3:30 p.m.
Teachers: Olivia Halverson (English) and Christine Pickett (Math)
Cost: $250

The ESA Rams JumpStart program aims to help prepare students to start the new school year off on a strong foot. The courses offered will review and reinforce critical skills that will help set students up for success in 7th and 8th grade English and Math. See individual course descriptions below. Please note that participation in the course does not lead to acceleration in the Math program.

Courses include:

Middle School Writing Readiness (ENGLISH)
Preview and practice active reading strategies that prepare you for the writing process. 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 middle school English curriculum. Explore different types of writing including creative narratives, poetry, digital media, and non-fiction prose.

Middle School Math JumpStart (MATH)
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 week, students engage in activities and problem-solving exercises that will encourage them to build confidence in their mathematical abilities!

Dates/Times: August 1-5, 12:15 – 3:30 p.m.
Teachers: Olivia Halverson (English) and Christine Pickett (Math)
Cost: $250

This class may be taken individually, or as a part of the ESA Rams JumpStart course. To sign up for the JumpStart course, please click on “ESA Rams JumpStart (June).”

Learn about the brain processes that are required for reading! Explore ways in which to improve your fluency and comprehension through the practice of guided and directed reading. Practice these skills with an experienced MICDS teacher and leave with strategies to complete your summer reading.

Date/Time: June 6-10, 12:15 – 1:45 p.m. OR 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Teacher: Olivia Halverson
Cost: $125

This class may be taken individually, or as a part of the ESA Rams JumpStart course. To sign up for the JumpStart course, please click on “ESA Rams JumpStart (August).”

Preview and practice active reading strategies that prepare you for the writing process. 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 middle school English curriculum. Explore different types of writing including creative narratives, poetry, digital media, and non-fiction prose.

Date/Time: August 1-5, 12:15 – 1:45 p.m. OR 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Teacher: Olivia Halverson
Cost: $125

Students will Create with Code as they program their own projects in C# using the Unity 3D Game Engine. As students iterate with prototypes, tackle programming challenges, and develop a personal project, they will transform from an absolute beginner to a 3D Game Developer. Open to all programming ability levels!

Date/Time: June 13 – July 1, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Teacher: Travis Menghini
Cost: $630

This class may be taken individually, or as a part of the ESA Rams JumpStart course. To sign up for the JumpStart course, please click on “ESA Rams JumpStart (June or August).”

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 week, 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.

Date/Time: June 6-10, 12:15 – 1:45 p.m. OR 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Teacher: Christine Pickett
Cost: $125

This class may be taken individually, or as a part of the ESA Rams JumpStart course. To sign up for the JumpStart course, please click on “ESA Rams JumpStart (June or August).”

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 week, 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.

Date/Time: August 1-5, 12:15 – 1:45 p.m. OR 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Teacher: Christine Pickett
Cost: $125

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 week, students engage in activities and problem-solving exercises that will encourage them to build confidence in their mathematical abilities!

Date/Time: June 6-10, 12:15-1:45 p.m. OR 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Teacher: Jody Marberry
Cost: $125

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 week, students engage in activities and problem-solving exercises that will encourage them to build confidence in their mathematical abilities!

Date/Time: August 1-5, 12:15 – 1:45 p.m. OR 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Teacher: Jody Marberry
Cost: $125

This course will provide an opportunity for students to get out into nature and learn and work as environmental scientists. We will make observations, formulate scientific questions, collect organism and water quality data, learn how to create scientific drawings and use microscopes to get an overall picture of the MICDS ecosystem.

What impact this course will have on students: Students will get more experience using the Next Generation Science Standards practices of asking questions and defining problems, developing models, carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, and obtaining and communicating information. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to learn about the MICDS ecosystem and spend some time outside in it. Students will be better engaged with authentic science and will create experiences and form relationships that will better prepare them for high school science.

Date/Time: June 13-17, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Teacher: Christine Pickett
Cost: $210

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 upon enrollment. A camper will not be enrolled and a spot is not guaranteed until full payment is received.
• 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).

• Refunds are available through March 2022 minus a $25 service fee per camper, per session.
• During April and May, a $50 fee per session per child is applied to refunds.
• Beginning June 1, there are no refunds.

Having trouble working around other MICDS opportunities? Contact Director of Eliot Summer Academy Emily Coppersmith at eliotacademy@micds.org or (314) 995-7450 x7687, and we will work with you to schedule with other MICDS programs.