Grades 5-8 Class Offerings
Current 4th - 7th Graders
All classes offered in Summer Experience fit within Academic, STEAM, Arts, and Skills Pathways.
ACADEMIC / Mathematics and English Language Arts: Grade level instructional standards. Placement in these classes are by testing data and teacher recommendation, and are for students who have demonstrated academic need during the school year.
STEAM / SCIENCE & ENGINEERING: STEAM classes integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics into a cohesive learning experience. These classes encourage hands-on learning, critical thinking, and creativity, helping students solve real-world problems while developing skills in innovation and collaboration. By combining analytical and artistic disciplines, STEAM education fosters well-rounded thinkers who are prepared for a variety of career paths in a rapidly evolving world.
ARTS / FINE & CULINARY: Art classes offer a vibrant and diverse range of creative opportunities including Culinary Arts, Visual Arts, Mixed Media, Music, and Performing Arts. These classes inspire creativity, collaboration, and personal growth, providing students with a well-rounded foundation in both the technical and expressive aspects of the arts.
SKILLS /SPORTS: Skills classes focus on developing both physical fitness and hands-on, practical skills in a variety of engaging activities. Students participate in physical activities such as swimming and sports. In addition to physical fitness, Skills classes offer hands-on learning experiences like bike repair, where students gain technical skills. These classes foster a balanced approach to personal development, whether honing athletic abilities or mastering useful, tangible skills. Students gain confidence and independence in both body and mind.
Students will build upon learning experiences from previous years within each pathway.
Visual & Fine Arts
Brushstrokes & Beyond
Students will learn basic art skills to help support their creative expression. Students will be introduced to basic elements and principles of visual art, such as line, shape/form, space, balance and emphasis. More advanced students will get the chance to build upon their existing skills.
Ceramics: Crafting With Clay
Ceramics provides students with an introduction to clay by learning basic hand building techniques of pinch, coil, and slab, basic ceramic sculpture construction, and glazing. More advanced students may get the chance to use the wheel and build upon their existing skills.
Culinary Creators
This class follows a standards-based curriculum for students to explore the interactions between food, culture, health, and the environment through interactive cooking and gardening lessons. At the heart of this dynamic and joyful learning experience, the focus is to educate young students on growing, preparing, and eating healthy food, and empower them to become environmental stewards.
Digital Media & Design: Camera Capture
Digital Media & Design provides an introduction to digital photography and video production with the goal to spark the joy of capturing life in pictures and film. Students will learn basic digital photo quality settings, editing, and features.
Performing Arts: Success on Stage
Students will participate in theater / performance art games, lessons, and exercises to develop stage skills including expression, speaking in front of a group, improvisation, voice projection, pantomime, and singing. Elements of music and dance may be incorporated. The goal will be to conduct a culminating performance.
Guitar: Student Strummers
Serves as an introduction or continuation for students to learn to play the guitar. Students will develop skills necessary to play beginning-level music accurately, to read musical notation, and be provided performance opportunities. Guitars will be provided free of charge to all participating students.
Strings: Hello Cello!
Students will be provided instruction on string bass instruments (violin, cello, etc.) with a focus on the skills necessary for long-term success. This is a perfect class for students who want to get introduced to stringed instruments or for those who are already playing and want to take their skills to the next level. Instruments will be provided free of charge to all students and instruction will be provided by an experienced strings music instructor.
Life Skills
Sports & Wellness: Busy Bodies
Students will participate in a variety of games including soccer, basketball, pickleball, Spikeball, and badminton. This is a great class for students who like to be active, and play fun and engaging games. Fundamental skills of each sport will be covered and students will get to develop their skills in a positive environment emphasizing sportsmanship.
Students will learn about the systems of the human body and learn about the science behind how exercise affects us. By combining physical activity with knowledge of anatomy and health, this class promotes lifelong wellness, teaching students how to stay active and healthy while understanding the science behind movement.
Swim Strong
Students will work on basic swim skills to develop lifelong fitness, learn water safety, and play water games in the pool each day. Swim instruction will be offered for students at all levels of ability. Several students went from non-swimmers to swimmers in 2024! Supervision provided by a teacher and trained lifeguards.
Geared Up: Bike Repair & Maintenance
Students get hands on with tools as they learn about the mechanics of bicycles and how to make repairs. Bike safety and etiquette are also taught to keep our next generation of cyclists on the road safely.
Argument Avengers
Don’t just argue- argue well! Students will learn the art of argumentation and civil conversation by debating topics relevant to their lives. Examples of topics are: Should social media be banned for students under 14? Who makes a better pet- dogs or cats?
STEAM - Science and Engineering
Environmental Explorers
Students will engage in hands-on projects and explore sustainability by creating water filtration systems, learning about animal ecosystems, and exploring how our Earth’s systems work together.
Up, Up, & Away!
Students will explore the field of aerospace engineering by designing, building and launching both air and water rockets.
Drones: Premier Pilots
Students will explore the world of drones and participate in activities that have them solve real world problems through both independent exploration and team collaboration.
Academics - Math and Language Arts
Please note: Academic classes are by invitation only and are being offered to students who have demonstrated an academic need during the school year.
English Language Arts
Students will learn the core concepts and skills of English Language Arts. Students will spend time practicing reading and writing strategies that lie within their grade level band of core instructional standards.
Mathematics
Students will participate in a unique blend of problem solving and skill building activities that reinforce essential mathematical concepts needed for success inside and outside the classroom.