Summer Academy - Sustainable School in CT

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 Classes & Enrichment Workshops

June 9 –July 11

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.

Credit Classes

Geometry
Science Inquiry: Research & Experimental Design

Geometry

On Campus: June 9 – July 11
(Closed June 19 and July 4)
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 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.

Cost: $3,000 (Students will also need to purchase a textbook before enrollment. Geometry, Jurgensen et al. McDougal Littell Publishers, ISBN 0-395-97727-4)
Instructor: Deirdre Hynes, dhynes@gfacademy.org

Please note: Due to the highly accelerated pace of the course, attendance at all class sessions is critical to ensure understanding and completion. Daily attendance is required to receive credit for the course. Please communicate any concerns or questions about attendance as soon as possible.

Science Inquiry: Research & Experimental Design

On Campus & Online: June 9 – July 11
(Closed June 19 and July 4)
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 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

Art Bootcamp

On Campus: June 16-20 ONLY
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
(Students entering Grades 5-9)

This one-week Art "boot camp" is designed for students to gain confidence in a variety of materials. We will focus on a different technique/material each day, such as printmaking, painting, drawing, etc. The week will culminate with the students designing and creating an independent project on the last day. It will be an exciting week of creativity and fun!

Cost: $400
Instructor: Julia Byrne
Capacity: 16 students

Escape Into Story: The Inheritance Games Challenge

On Campus: June 9-13
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
(Students entering Grades 5-9)

Join us this summer for an immersive literary experience where you'll dive into Jennifer Lynn Barnes' The Inheritance Games and use its thrilling plot twists and puzzles as a guide for your own adventure. As we explore the novel, students will work together to decode clues and uncover secrets, using story structure and narrative components to design and navigate an exciting escape room challenge. Sharpen your problem-solving skills, enhance your creativity, and discover how stories come to life in this interactive, hands-on learning experience!

Cost: $400 per week
Instructor: Isa Dumoulin
Capacity: 16 students

Middle School Math

On Campus: June 9-13, June 16-20
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
(Students entering Grades 5-8)

These sessions are 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.

Cost: $400 per week
Instructor: Mary-Kate O'Brien
Capacity: 16 students

Model United Nations

On Campus: June 9-13, June 16-20
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
(Students entering Grades 5-9)

Join this fast-paced dive into international relations! Students will learn about the workings of the United Nations, explore conflicts happening around the world, and then take on the identity of a member nation to come up with solutions. Participants will hone their presentation and debating skills while attempting the art of diplomacy.

Note: Younger participants should be willing to engage in research and proposal writing.

Cost: $400 per week
Instructor: Sam McCoy
Capacity: 16 students

Robotics Exploration

On Campus: June 9-13, June 16-20
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
(Students entering Grades 5-9)

These sessions invite middle school students to embark on an exciting journey into the world of robotics. Students will explore the fundamentals of robot design, construction, operation, and application while developing creativity, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how robotics shape our world. Working with state-of-the-art robotics kits, software, and tools, students will be guided by experienced instructors dedicated to inspiring the next generation of engineers. No prior experience in robotics or programming is required, making this an ideal starting point for any curious learner. To ensure an engaging experience for all, students will have opportunities to take on challenges tailored to their skill levels, allowing them to progress at their own pace.

Cost: $400 per week
Instructor: Nick Iacobelli and Berni Lally
Capacity: 16 students

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.

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