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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.

2026 Info is now available!
See below for this year's offerings

Enrichment Workshops

Credit Classes

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.

August Reboost Courses

Algebra 2 Reboost

On Campus: August 24-28
Monday - Friday, 12:30-2 p.m.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1

Prepare for Algebra 2 by refreshing your essential Algebra skills. This course will provide a comprehensive review of Algebra 1 topics. Daily sessions will include mini-lessons, at-board work, independent assignments, and optional work to be completed at home between sessions. Please note that completion of Algebra 1 is a prerequisite for participation in this Reboost session.

Cost: $500
Instructor: Trista Giacalone

Pre-Calculus Reboost

On Campus: August 24-28
Monday - Friday, 12:30-2 p.m.
Prerequisite: Algebra 2

Get ready for Pre-Calculus with a one-week Reboost designed to refresh your knowledge of key topics. This course will reinforce the core algebra and trigonometry concepts necessary for success in Pre-Calculus. Daily sessions include mini-lessons, at-board work, and independent assignments that will cultivate critical thinking abilities essential for tackling Pre-Calculus. Please note that completion of Algebra 2 is a prerequisite for enrollment in this Reboost session.

Cost: $500
Instructor: Joe Steiner

Calculus Reboost

On Campus: August 24-28
Monday - Friday, 12:30-2 p.m.
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus

Get ready for Calculus 550 or Advanced Calculus AB with this one-week Reboost designed to reinforce and sharpen many concepts foundational for Calculus success. Daily sessions will focus primarily on the Algebra, Trigonometry, and Pre-Calculus topics necessary for a smooth transition into any calculus course, but will also introduce some topics like limits and the derivative that will be encountered early in the calculus curriculum. Please note that completion of Pre-Calculus is a prerequisite for enrollment in this Reboost session.

Cost: $500
Instructor: Jon Matte

French Reboost

On Campus: August 24-28
Monday - Friday, 2:30-4 p.m.

Prepare for your next year of French with this late-summer refresher week. This course is primarily designed for students entering levels 150 through 250, and is open to Upper School students in Grades 9 through 12. Daily sessions will review core grammar concepts and provide ample speaking practice. For specific information about topics covered, please reach out directly to the instructor listed below.

Cost: $500
French Instructor: Claire Bouyssié

Spanish Reboost

On Campus: August 24-28
Monday - Friday, 2:30-4 p.m.

Prepare for your next year of Spanish with this late-summer refresher week. This course is primarily designed for students entering levels 150 through 250, and is open to Upper School students in Grades 9 through 12. Daily sessions will review core grammar concepts and provide ample speaking practice. For specific information about topics covered, please reach out directly to the instructor listed below.

Cost: $500
Spanish Instructor: Kate Morrison

Mandarin Reboost

On Campus: August 24-28
Monday - Friday, 2:30-4 p.m.

Prepare for your next year of Mandarin with this late-summer refresher week. This course is primarily designed for students entering levels 250 through 450, and is open to Upper School students in Grades 9 through 12. Daily sessions will focus on common topics and communicative activities, providing ample speaking practice.

Cost: $500
Instructor: Wenqing Zhang

Credit Classes

Geometry
Science Inquiry: Research & Experimental Design

Geometry

On Campus: July 6-31
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation & Department Approval

This intensive four-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 (plus the cost of materials, see below)
Instructor: Deirdre Hynes, dhynes@gfacademy.org

Note: Students will need to purchase a textbook before enrollment. Geometry, Jurgensen et al., McDougal Littell Publishers, ISBN 0-395-97727-4
Attendance Expectation: 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 11-July 16
(Closed June 19 and July 4)
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
(3 days per week as per scheduling; times are flexible too)
Prerequisite: Biology and Department Permission. Students must be entering Grades 10-12.

This five-week summer course exposes students to the principles and practices inherent in scientific research, focusing on scientific inquiry, literacy, and numeracy. Topics covered include scientific literature searching with citation research, reading and understanding scientific publications, 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; maximum enrollment of 8 students.

This course is for placement into SCI650-SCI750-SCI850 Inquiry: Science Research.

Cost: $3,000
Instructor: Mat Freeman, mfreeman @gfacademy.org

Enrichment Workshops

Creative Writing

On Campus: June 15-19 ONLY
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
(Students entering Grades 5-9)

Do you have a notebook full of ideas? Do you find yourself daydreaming about new worlds, heroes, and mysteries? This summer, turn your imagination into reality! Join us in June and dive into the art of storytelling. Whether you are already writing your first novel or just want to have fun playing with words, this is the place for you! Over the course of the week, we will guide students through the entire writing process—from that initial spark of an idea to a polished final draft. Students will read short stories, learn about plot structure, practice peer reviewing, and aim to share and celebrate by the end of the week. Whether you love fantasy, mystery, sci-fi, or realistic fiction, bring your creativity and get ready to write!

Cost: $400
Instructor: Isa Dumoulin

Model United Nations

On Campus: June 8-12, June 15-19
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
(Students entering Grades 6-9)

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 to parents: Students signing up for Model UN should be willing to engage in independent research, reading, and writing exercises.

Cost: $400 per week
Instructor: Sam McCoy

LEGO Robotics Exploration - FIRST WEEK FULL

On Campus: June 8-12 (FULL), June 15-19
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
Instructors: Nick Iacobelli and Berni Lally

VEX Robotics Exploration

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

This session invites students entering Grades 8-12 to accept an adventure into the world of VEX V5 robotics. Students will explore the fundamentals of robot design using CAD and how to build, test, and evaluate while developing creativity, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how robotics can be applied to solve problems. 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: Berni Lally

Script to Stage in Five Days - FULL

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

Audition, get cast, rehearse, play games, try on costumes, and perform a show all in just five days–the magic of theater! Whether you have a deep background in shows or just want to see what it feels like to be on stage, all are welcome. In this theater crash course, students will audition and receive a role in a short play on Monday and perform the show on Friday. It will be a week of challenging quick-thinking skills, diving deeply into a show, and good ol’ theater games and silliness.

Cost: $400
Instructor: Sarah Cahalane

Afternoon Bonus Session: STEAM Enrichment Camp

On Campus: June 8-12 (FULL), June 15-19
Monday - Friday, 12-2 p.m.
(Students entering Grades 5-9)

When the Summer Academy morning wraps up, the fun doesn’t have to stop! Our optional STEAM Enrichment Camp invites curious middle schoolers to roll up their sleeves and explore hands-on challenges like 3D printing, rocketry, and other creative STEAM adventures. Students will design, build, test, and tinker while working alongside peers in an energetic, maker-style environment. This enrichment is perfect for students who love to experiment, create, and imagine what’s possible.

Cost: $250 per week
Instructor: Nick Iacobelli

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.

What are August Reboost Courses?

The Math & World Language Reboost courses are intentionally scheduled at the end of summer, right before school starts, allowing students to sharpen their academic proficiency and reinforce core subject areas right before the start of the year. These one-week sessions will include engaging lessons and hands-on activities. Led by our dedicated and knowledgeable educators, students will embark on a review of essential topics aligned with future course programming.

In This Section

2026 Info is now available!
See below for this year's offerings

Enrichment Workshops

Credit Classes

August Reboost Courses

Algebra 2 Reboost

Pre-Calculus Reboost

Calculus Reboost

French Reboost

Spanish Reboost

Mandarin Reboost

Credit Classes

Geometry

Science Inquiry: Research & Experimental Design

Enrichment Workshops

Creative Writing

Model United Nations

LEGO Robotics Exploration - FIRST WEEK FULL

VEX Robotics Exploration

Script to Stage in Five Days - FULL

Afternoon Bonus Session: STEAM Enrichment Camp

FAQs

Why should I take a course this summer?

Are Summer Academy courses for credit?

What are August Reboost Courses?

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?

2026 Info is now available! See below for this year's offerings

2026 Info is now available!
See below for this year's offerings