Summer Explorers Courses,
Grades 9-12,
Three Weeks
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In this course, you’ll develop critical skills in literary analysis and in developing and writing research papers and persuasive essays for high school and college. You’ll concentrate on creating strong thesis statements, building focused paragraphs, and looking deeply at texts.
You’ll build a strong foundation through extensive freewriting, peer editing, note-taking, and reviews of grammar and punctuation rules, along with exercises designed to hone your individual writing voice. Here’s your pathway to writing well.
Three-week non-credit course
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Author Tobias Wolff describes the short story as the true American form of writing. This highly popular course pushes beyond borders and engages students by exploring captivating short stories from all around the globe. You’ll join your fellow travelers on a quest across the writing universe through short fiction, delving into a plethora of forms, styles, and themes. You’ll explore an array of stories from different cultures, time periods, and literary movements while diving deep into the mechanics of storytelling and the elements of plot, character, setting, and symbolism. You’ll participate in intriguing discussions and analyses of texts, with ample opportunities to share your own writing as you hone your writing and editing skills.
Three-week non-credit course
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Mathematics intersects with computer science in this dynamic hands-on course. You'll build on your precalculus foundation as you immerse yourself in the practical applications of mathematical sets, algorithms, sequences and sums, and vectors and matrices. The course blends theory with real-world implementation, leveraging the versatility of Python programming.
You will not only grasp the theoretical intricacies but also apply your knowledge through coding exercises, culminating in a tangible skill set in computer science and Python programming.
Prerequisite: Precalculus
Three-week non-credit course -
Confront and assess some of the greatest challenges and trends affecting humanity in the 21st century: globalization, socioeconomic disparities, resource competition, and climate change.
You’ll discuss questions of moral responsibility and fairness related to climate change, exploring different ethical systems and how they may be applied to these questions. You’ll also examine innovations in technology, governance, and business aimed at aiding individuals to adapt to or alleviate the cumulative effects of these global challenges. Persevere, problem-solve, and collaborate on strategies to foster a more sustainable future.
Three-week non-credit course
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This course will explore brain and neural anatomy with a special focus on the intersection of the brain and the mind. Drawing from current theories and various sources, you'll investigate the relationships among cognitive processes such as perception, learning, memory, decision-making, problem-solving, and neural functioning. Beyond the exploration of these cognitive phenomena, you also will explore and apply tools and techniques for cognitive enhancement — or how to get smarter!
Three-week non-credit course
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Aspiring Wall Street wizards will gain fluency in the intricacies of the economy, the stock market, and business fundamentals. You’ll learn about the principles that drive the global economy and explore topics such as supply and demand, inflation, monetary policy, and fiscal policy while gaining a solid understanding of economic indicators and their impact on businesses and financial markets. You’ll unravel the mysteries of stocks, bonds, and other investment instruments; analyze financial statements; evaluate company performance; and make informed investment decisions, applying your new skills in simulated trading activities.
In addition, you’ll learn the essentials of running a successful business and explore the entrepreneurial mindset, from business plans and marketing strategies through operations. Put your savviness to the test by collaborating with classmates on a hypothetical business proposal.
Three-week, non-credit course
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This intensive dance program empowers participants to unlock their creative potential, express themselves, build their confidence, and refine their skills as they discover the joy of storytelling through movement.
Daily technique classes will focus on contemporary, ballet, jazz, and tap. You’ll explore choreography and fundamental techniques and develop your dance vocabulary, guided by experienced instructors from NMH’s nationally recognized dance program. The course culminates with a performance.
Three-week non-credit course
Afternoon Options for Grades 9-12
(Period 1)
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Bring your laptop and your curiosity and the limitless possibilities of hands-on design in our dynamic Make! course, in the Gilder Center’s cutting-edge makerspace.
You’ll explore design-thinking and fabrication, combining analog and digital techniques in a safe, collaborative, and fun environment that celebrates risk-taking and emphasizes support.
Our “high-tech to no-tech” approach incorporates a wide range of materials and tools, allowing us to meet students where they are as they grow in competency and confidence. You’ll dive into hands-on projects ranging from drawing and 3-D modeling to laser-cutting and wood engraving. Projects include drawing, woodworking, small-motor robotics, digital design work using a Glowforge laser cutter, and 3-D modeling and printing.
No prior experience required.
Additional fee: $775 (five weeks)/$525(three weeks)/ $275 (two weeks)
Available as an afternoon class in AP1. Grades 7-8
Available as an afternoon class in AP2. Grades 9-12
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Work with your hands and get creative with clay! You’ll learn the hand-building techniques of pinching, coiling, and slab building as well as how to throw simple functional pottery, such as cups and bowls, on the pottery wheel. In addition to learning about form, space, texture, and function, you will be introduced to alternative firing techniques and various options for surface decoration.
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Get involved in the community! In this course, you’ll learn about local and global needs while working with local support and service organizations. Discussions, fundraising efforts, and activities will focus on issues such as homelessness and housing, food insecurity, health care, education, and children’s welfare.
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Express your creativity and capture the world around you in bright colors — or in black and white. This course is tailored to your individual interests and artistic abilities and is an opportunity for all students of all levels to hone their skills in the visual arts mediums of drawing and painting. You’ll learn or review fundamentals while receiving constructive feedback and encouragement.
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Overcome stage fright forever and prepare yourself for class and public presentations in high school and college. You’ll learn the principles of effective public speaking and practice, practice, practice as you prepare and present various forms of public address, from brief improvisational talks to formal speeches. In the process, you’ll improve your skills and confidence through ongoing, constructive feedback.
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Calling all aspiring thespians! In this course, you’ll explore acting, improvisation, and mime, short scenes, and practicing monologues. You’ll learn the basics of stage production, such as set design, lighting, costume design, and the use of props. Students in the course will prepare a production to be performed for the campus community at the conclusion of the session!
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In this course, you’ll explore exercise physiology to truly understand how your body operates, while delving into the science of sports nutrition to optimize performance. You’ll learn about the synergy of advanced training methods, sports nutrition, and exercise physiology as well as potential pitfalls. You’ll also consider the hazards of sports enhancement drugs and the consequences of overtraining or persisting through injuries.
Build the skills you need as an athlete, understand your body and how it works, and develop healthy habits, fitness and strength, and team leadership skills along the way.
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Taught by the SUMMIT Educational Group, this course employs a three-pronged approach to standardized testing success, a proven combination of academic skill-building, test-taking strategy, and ongoing practice testing. Working with smart, caring tutors who know how to make learning fun, students gain the knowledge and confidence to reach their true potential on test day.
For over 30 years, SUMMIT has provided personalized guidance, expert tutors, and effective teaching methods in one-on-one tutoring programs designed to reduce students’ anxiety and build their confidence. In addition, SUMMIT’s vast network of resources — including proven proprietary course materials — is accessible to you along the way.
Available options:
Five-week SAT math and verbal: 1-2:15 pm or 2:45-4 pm, four days per week
Five-week SAT math only: 1-2:15 pm or 2:45-4 pm, Monday and Thursday
Five-week SAT verbal only: 1-2:15 pm or 2:45-4 pm, Tuesday and Friday
Three-week SAT math and verbal: 1-2:15 pm or 2:45-4pm, four days per week
Two-week intensive SAT prep: 8:30-11:30 am, DAYS?
Additional fees:
Five-week test prep, four days: $950
Five-week test prep (math or verbal), two days: $475-Three-week test prep, four days: $575
NOTE: Students in the three-week session may only choose option #1.
SAT prep is not offered in the two-week program.
Afternoon Options for Grades 9-12
(Period 2)
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Basketball
Dance
Fitness
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis/Pickleball
Volleyball
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Work with your hands and get creative with clay! You’ll learn the hand-building techniques of pinching, coiling, and slab building as well as how to throw simple functional pottery, such as cups and bowls, on the pottery wheel. In addition to learning about form, space, texture, and function, you will be introduced to alternative firing techniques and various options for surface decoration.
-
Express your creativity and capture the world around you in bright colors — or in black and white. This course is tailored to your individual interests and artistic abilities and is an opportunity for all students of all levels to hone their skills in the visual arts mediums of drawing and painting. You’ll learn or review fundamentals while receiving constructive feedback and encouragement.
-
Overcome stage fright forever and prepare yourself for class and public presentations in high school and college. You’ll learn the principles of effective public speaking and practice, practice, practice as you prepare and present various forms of public address, from brief improvisational talks to formal speeches. In the process, you’ll improve your skills and confidence through ongoing, constructive feedback.
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Share your love of music with like-minded peers as you collaborate and create with your voices. You’ll learn songs and practice together, with music selections based on your collective interests. No experience is necessary, and the ability to read music is not required. All levels of vocalists — from shower singers to choir members — are encouraged to join and lift their voices together in song.
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Taught by the SUMMIT Educational Group, this course employs a three-pronged approach to standardized testing success, a proven combination of academic skill-building, test-taking strategy, and ongoing practice testing. Working with smart, caring tutors who know how to make learning fun, students gain the knowledge and confidence to reach their true potential on test day.
For over 30 years, SUMMIT has provided personalized guidance, expert tutors, and effective teaching methods in one-on-one tutoring programs designed to reduce students’ anxiety and build their confidence. In addition, SUMMIT’s vast network of resources — including proven proprietary course materials — is accessible to you along the way.
Available options:
Five-week SAT math and verbal: 1-2:15 pm or 2:45-4 pm, four days per week
Five-week SAT math only: 1-2:15 pm or 2:45-4 pm, Monday and Thursday
Five-week SAT verbal only: 1-2:15 pm or 2:45-4 pm, Tuesday and Friday
Three-week SAT math and verbal: 1-2:15 pm or 2:45-4pm, four days per week
Two-week intensive SAT prep: 8:30-11:30 am, DAYS?
Additional fees:
Five-week test prep, four days: $950
Five-week test prep (math or verbal), two days: $475-Three-week test prep, four days: $575
NOTE: Students in the three-week session may only choose option #1.
SAT prep is not offered in the two-week program.
Enrichment Courses
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MAKE!
Bring your laptop and your curiosity and the limitless possibilities of hands-on design in our dynamic Make! course, in the Gilder Center’s cutting-edge makerspace.
You’ll explore design-thinking and fabrication, combining analog and digital techniques in a safe, collaborative, and fun environment that celebrates risk-taking and emphasizes support.
Our “high-tech to no-tech” approach incorporates a wide range of materials and tools, allowing us to meet students where they are as they grow in competency and confidence. You’ll dive into hands-on projects ranging from drawing and 3-D modeling to laser-cutting and wood engraving. Projects include drawing, woodworking, small-motor robotics, digital design work using a Glowforge laser cutter, and 3-D modeling and printing.
No prior experience required.
Additional fee:
Two weeks: $275
Three weeks: $525
Five weeks: $775Available as an afternoon class in AP2. Grades 7-8
Available as an afternoon class in AP1. Grades 9-12 -
Leadership, Education, Adventure, and Discovery (LEAD) Program
In NMH’s LEAD program, you’ll navigate the great outdoors, conquering new heights as you rock climb, canoe or raft New England rivers, or mountain bike through forests and woodland trails.
A partnership with outdoor experts Earthwork Programs and Wild Med Adventures, LEAD will plunge you into nature, teaching you hands-on wilderness survival skills and first aid. From crafting shelters and foraging for edible plants to mastering the art of fire-making, stone tool crafting, and wood carving, you'll emerge not just as an adventurer, but as a confident, resilient leader with the confidence and tools to survive.
Prerequisites:
Because of the nature of the activities, students must be ready for physical exertion, able to understand and willing to follow safety instructions. Students must be able to swim at least 50 meters unaided.
Required equipment: a backpack, a hat, closed-toed shoes/hiking shoes, bug spray, sunscreen, a water bottle, and a waterproof jacket. Water shoes are encouraged but not required.
For health and safety reasons, international students must have an intermediate level of English or TOEFL B1 level or above (writing: 15; reading: 15; speaking: 16-20; listening: 17-21).
Additional fee:
Two weeks: $450
Three weeks: $650
Five weeks: $995 -
SAT Prep: Boost Confidence and Scores
Taught by the SUMMIT Educational Group, this course employs a three-pronged approach to standardized testing success, a proven combination of academic skill-building, test-taking strategy, and ongoing practice testing. Working with smart, caring tutors who know how to make learning fun, students gain the knowledge and confidence to reach their true potential on test day.
For over 30 years, SUMMIT has provided personalized guidance, expert tutors, and effective teaching methods in one-on-one tutoring programs designed to reduce students’ anxiety and build their confidence. In addition, SUMMIT’s vast network of resources — including proven proprietary course materials — is accessible to you along the way.
Available options:
Five-week SAT math and verbal: 1-2:15 pm or 2:45-4 pm, four days per week
Five-week SAT math only: 1-2:15 pm or 2:45-4 pm, Monday and Thursday
Five-week SAT verbal only: 1-2:15 pm or 2:45-4 pm, Tuesday and Friday
Three-week SAT math and verbal: 1-2:15 pm or 2:45-4 pm, four days per week
Two-week intensive SAT prep: 8:30-11:30 am Monday through Friday
Additional fees:
Five-week test prep, four days: $950
Five-week test prep (math or verbal), two days: $475-Three-week test prep, four days: $575
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Lifeguard Certification
Train to become a certified American Red Cross lifeguard. Through practical lectures, hands-on training, and practice, you’ll learn the basics of water safety and protocols for responding safely, efficiently, and professionally to emergencies. You’ll hone your surveillance techniques and learn how to use rescue equipment and how to manage a suspected spinal injury.
Participants must attend all classes and pass a written and skills test to receive certification. Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll receive an American Red Cross Lifeguard/CPR/AED/First Aid certificate that is valid for two years.
Prerequisites: Must be 15 years old by the completion of course. Must be able to proficiently:
Swim 300 yards (12 lengths of pool; no time limit) continuously, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing using front crawl or breaststroke. Goggles are allowed.
Tread water for two minutes using only your legs.
Complete within 1 minute, 40 seconds: From shallow end of pool, swim 20 yards, surface dive to retrieve a 10-pound object from the deep end of pool, return to starting point holding object with both hands while keeping face out of water, and exit water without using ladder or steps. Goggles are not allowed. You need to open your eyes underwater. (Contact lens wearers, please be aware of this)
Optional two-week Lifeguarding Certification - offered for the final two weeks, July 22- August 2.
$300 additional fee.