Summer Programs in Westport

Credit Classes & Enrichment Workshops

June 10–July 21

GFA's Summer Academy is a great first step to make your summer count with a wide range of for-credit and workshop classes! Join GFA's exceptional faculty to get a head start on next school year, learn something new, or earn course credit.

Summer 2024: Register Here

GFA Summer Academy is designed to offer students an enriching and challenging educational experience. Courses are designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their future academic and personal pursuits. The classes are taught by experienced and highly qualified instructors who are experts in their fields.

Credit Class

Geometry
Science Inquiry: Research & Experimental Design

Geometry

ON CAMPUS: June 10 – July 12 (Closed June 19 and July 4)

Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Prerequisite: Math Department Permission

This intensive five-week course focuses on geometric properties and relationships of parallel and perpendicular lines, symmetry and congruence, quadrilaterals and polygons, right triangles and right triangle trigonometry, circles, and areas and volumes of various shapes. Rigorous proof of geometric properties will be emphasized throughout, focusing on developing formal, logical thought processes. This course is designed for acceleration and not remediation. Students should expect to spend significant time on coursework outside of class.

Credit courses are offered and available to all current and accepted GFA students.

Students will need to purchase a textbook before enrollment. Geometry, Jurgensen et al. McDougal Littell Publishers, ISBN 0-395-97727-4

Cost: $3,000

Instructor: Deirdre Hynes dhynes@gfacademy.org

Science Inquiry: Research & Experimental Design

ON CAMPUS & ONLINE: June 10 – July 12 (Closed June 19 and July 4)

Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Prerequisite: Biology and Department Permission (Student entering grades 10-12)

This course exposes students to the principles and practices inherent in scientific research and scientific inquiry, literacy, and numeracy. Topics covered include reading and understanding scientific publications, scientific literature searching including citation research, statistical design of experiments, project planning, visual presentation of numeric data, scientific writing, and presentation methods for scientific findings. Students will select a specific project to plan, and assignments will be applications of topics related to the chosen project. The finished product of this course for each student is a written detailed research proposal, which the student may choose to execute during further scientific inquiry. This course prepares students to pursue an Advanced Inquiry in Science Research but is open to any student interested in Science Research. Students need a laptop computer, and all course material will be provided—minimum enrollment of 6; maximum 14. This course is for placement into SCI650-SCI750-SCI850 Inquiry: Science Research.

Cost: $3,000 - Includes all required course material

Instructor: Dr. Mathieu Freeman mfreeman@gfacademy.org

Enrichment Workshops

Middle School Model United Nations

On Campus: June 10 – June 21 (Closed June 19)

Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

(Students entering Grades 6 - 8)

This course is designed for students curious about politics, diplomacy, and the international community. Over two weeks, students will learn the basic concepts of international relations to understand better the role of the United Nations in today's world. Students will spend most of the course participating in educational simulations that expose them to current events worldwide. The simulations allow students to respond to global events through debates that follow parliamentary procedures like real Model UN conferences. No former Model UN experience is required. Minimum enrollment is 8; maximum 14.

Cost: $800

Instructor: Sam McCoy

Middle School Math

On Campus: June 10 – June 21 (Closed June 19)

Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

(Students entering Grades 5-7)

This two-week workshop is designed to master the necessary math facts for success in Middle School Math. Students review various topics, including foundational number facts and number sense, while learning to approach problem-solving with curiosity and endurance. Instruction focuses on each student’s needs and provides plenty of practice opportunities. Games will keep the math lively and fun! Minimum enrollment 8; maximum 16.

Cost: $800

Instructor: Aqsa Kahloan

Middle School Robotics

On Campus: June 10 – June 21 (Closed June 19)

Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

(Students entering Grades 5-7)

This is a 2-week course in which students will embark on a journey through the basics of robotics, learning about the design, construction, operation, and application of robots. Our curriculum is structured to foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how robots impact our world. Students can work with state-of-the-art robotics kits, software, and tools under experienced instructors passionate about inspiring the next generation of engineers. No previous experience in robotics or programming is required, making this course the perfect starting point for any middle school student curious about robotics. Minimum enrollment 8; maximum 16.

Cost: $800

Instructor: Nick Iacobelli and Berni Lally

FAQs

Why should I take a course this summer?

Summer Academy courses at GFA offer students the opportunity to study and explore subjects that they may not have room for in their schedules during the regular academic year. A few of these courses are available for credit on the GFA transcript, which can lighten the academic workload for students during the academic year. While our enrichment courses allow students to sharpen their academic skills ahead of the fall. Our half-day sessions provide plenty of time for other summer activities.

Are Summer Academy courses for credit?

GFA offers credit on the GFA transcript for a limited number of courses at the Upper School level. All GFA students are eligible to receive GFA credit in those courses. Non-GFA students who complete credit courses may expect to receive a GFA transcript, however these students are responsible for consulting with their school administrators to confirm that this credit is accepted.

In This Section

Summer Programs in Westport

Credit Classes & Enrichment Workshops

June 10–July 21

Summer 2024: Register Here

Credit Class

Geometry

Science Inquiry: Research & Experimental Design

Enrichment Workshops

Middle School Model United Nations

Middle School Math

Middle School Robotics

FAQs

Why should I take a course this summer?

Are Summer Academy courses for credit?

What is the time commitment of taking a Summer Academy course?

Who are the Summer Academy teachers at GFA?

How much does a Summer Academy course cost?

Summer Programs in Westport

Summer 2024: Register Here

Summer Programs in Westport