Academic Writing for High School

Prerequisite: Incoming 7th-9th graders
This writing workshop focuses on expository reading and writing.  It is designed to prepare students for the rigor they will face in high school.  Each of the two expository units involve a series of integrated reading and writing activities.  Students will learn and develop skills in critical reading, annotating, utilizing the writing process, and how to properly use texts in support of their own written arguments.
6/17-7/5 10:30am-12:30pm Class fee: $375

Algebra I - Finish the Book!

Prerequisite: Completed Algebra I
This class is designed for those students who have completed a year-long course in Algebra I but did not pass a competency test for the next level of math or want a refresher course to prepare for next year. We will review real numbers, solving equations and inequalities, polynomials, rational expressions, functions and quadratic equations. In addition, student-specific materials will be available to remediate individual areas and weaknesses.
6/17-7/5 8:00am-10:00am Class fee: $375

 

Algebra Readiness 

Prerequisite: Incoming 9th graders
This class is designed for those students who wish to improve their readiness for Algebra 1 at the high school level.  The course will review whole numbers, decimals, number theory and fraction concepts, operations with fractions, fundamental geometry, ratio, proportion and percent, measurement and the basics of Pre-Algebra. Students will start with a diagnostic test and will be assigned materials to remediate individual areas for improvement. (Due to its popularity, this class is offered twice daily.)
6/17-7/5 8:00am-10:00am or 10:30am-12:30pm Class Fee: $375

Eighth Grade Study Skills 

Prerequisite: Incoming 8th graders 
Learn the skills to be successful in high school early enough so you can put them in practice during your 8th grade year.  Get the most out of your academic textbooks, learn successful test studying strategies and increase your vocabulary.  This class will finish with the pre-HSPT test from the Scholastic Testing Service to familiarize you with the placement test component of the private high school applicaiton process.
6/17-7/5 8:00am-10:00am Class Fee: $375

 
Language Readiness (with Study Skills) 

Prerequisite: Incoming 9th graders 
This class will sharpen reading skills and provide review of grammar and vocabulary. Using Socratic seminar techniques, oral participation and in-depth study of the summer reading book, Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama, critical thinking and writing skills will be developed. Strategies for note-taking will also be addressed. (Due to its popularity, this class is offered twice daily.)
6/17-7/5 8:00am-10:00am Class Fee: $375

Math Skills for Middle School

Prerequisite: Incoming 7th-8th graders 
This course is designed to help students review math skills so that they can maximize their time in middle school and place into higher level math classes when they reach high school. The course is designed to allow individual students to review what best suits their level of math study. Topics include whole numbers, decimals, number theory and fraction concepts, operations with fractions, fundamental geometry, ratio, proportion and percent, measurement and the basics of Pre-Algebra. Students will start with a diagnostic test and will be assigned materials to remediate individual areas for improvement. 
6/17-7/5 10:30am-12:30pm Class Fee: $375

Middle School Language Arts

Prerequisite: Incoming 7th-8th graders
In this class targeted to the middle school student, you will celebrate the creativity, brilliance and fun of literature and the written word; exploring the deeper meaning of stories and poems and using the ideas of great writers to inspire your own reflection on how you see the world.  We will read, enjoy and analyze great works of American authors and poets, write creative and formal compositions in response to our reading and reinforce grammar skills.
6/17-7/5 8:00am-10:00am Class Fee: $375

Science in the Field

Prerequisite: Incoming 7th-10th graders
This is an introductory course to scientific field work and research focusing on the study of the environment.  Come learn how to take data in the field, develop research questions and use scientific equipment.  You will learn the science behind the study of the atmosphere, the hydrologic cycle, the rock cycle and the formation of soil.  This is a field-based course with excursions to the Guadalupe River Park and Alum Rock Park to collect samples and take data.
6/17-7/5 8:00am-10:00am Class Fee: $375

Transition to French II 

Prerequisite: Completed French I
This class bridges the gap between middle school and high school French.  It is an excellent choice for students who took a challenge test, but didn’t get into 2nd year French, who want to improve their speaking skills, or who need a refresher before beginning French II.  Through cooperative learning, games and field trips downtown, students will review basic vocabulary about self, school travel and pastimes, the present and passé composé verb tenses and noun/adjective agreement, among other topics.
6/17-7/5 8:00am-10:00am Class Fee: $375

Transition to Spanish II 

Prerequisite: Completed Spanish I
This class bridges the gap between middle school and high school Spanish.  It is an excellent choice for students who took a challenge test, but didn’t get into 2nd year Spanish, who want to improve their speaking skills, or who need a refresher before beginning Spanish II.  Through cooperative learning, games and field trips downtown, students will review basic vocabulary about self, school travel and pastimes, the present and imperfect verb tenses and noun/adjective agreement, the verbs “ser,” “estar,” and “gustar,” among other topics.
6/17-7/5 10:30am-12:30pm Class Fee: $375