Summer Scholars Courses,
Grades 7-8,
Five Weeks
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Build a strong foundation in the most important concepts of algebra and develop the skills and habits you’ll need for success in future math courses. You’ll work with variables and properties, solve equations and inequalities, learn about functions and graphing, and work with triangles to lay a foundation for geometry.
(Period 1 or 2: 8:30 am or 10:15 am)
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In this comprehensive exploration covering a full academic year of content, you’ll delve into key topics such as properties of mathematical systems, solutions of equations and inequalities, graphs of linear equations and systems, operations on polynomials, and more. Prepare to unravel the mysteries of mathematical concepts, including solving quadratic equations through factoring and the quadratic formula. The art of solving word problems is woven into the fabric of this course, providing a practical application for your skills.
This course will equip you with the tools to confidently tackle high school-level mathematics. (Students who achieve at a high level and complete supplementary honors assignments may earn honors credit awarded at the end of the summer.)
Prerequisite: Pre-algebra
5-week, credit course -
In this course, you’ll explore the intricacies of shapes and spatial relationships with clarity and precision. Prepare for an intellectual expedition where deductive and inductive reasoning serve as your trusty guides. Explore triangles, polygons, parallel lines, and circles, unlocking the secrets of congruence, similarity, and the three-dimensional wonders of solids.
This credit course is a roadmap to understanding the geometry that shapes our world. As you master the art of logical reasoning, you will not only gain credit but also pave the way to the next level, Algebra 2. Geometry transcends mere shapes and proofs; it's a gateway to deeper mathematical exploration.
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Five-week credit course -
Whether you're aiming to boost your grade, deepen your understanding, or prepare for the next level in the upcoming academic year, this comprehensive review course is for you. Dive into a thorough exploration of essential Algebra II concepts, from functions and equations to quadratic systems, presented in a student-centered manner.
Gear up for a learning adventure that clarifies complex algebraic ideas and paves the way for advancement. This course equips you with the tools for success, bolsters confidence, and presents Algebra II as accessible and rewarding for students on their mathematical journey.
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Five-week credit course -
In this course, you’ll be inspired to embrace reading, developing skills for analyzing fiction, drama, and poetry through engaging reading and writing assignments. You’ll read and discuss fiction in a range of styles; study fundamental elements such as plot, setting, and theme; and relate the literature to your own experiences. Vocabulary will be studied daily to further your reading comprehension and written proficiency.
(Period 1 : 8:30 am)
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As the old adage goes: “Those who tell stories will rule the world.” In this course, you’ll write your own short story,learning the components that comprise a story and how setting, characters, and plot work together. We will read and discuss a captivating selection of short stories that are realistic as well as those that stray from the real world.
(Period 2: 10:15 am)
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Are you a poet in the making? Do you have stories to tell? Writer William Faulkner said, “A writer needs three things — experience, observation, and imagination — any two of which (at times any one of which) can supply the lack of the others.”
In this class, you’ll gain experience, hone your observational skills, and spark your writer’s imagination. You’ll read short stories, essays, and poems, then experiment with writing your own. Practice makes perfect, so expect lots of freewriting and revising your own work with supportive feedback from your teacher and classmates, as you develop confidence as a writer.
(Period 1 or 2)
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In this fun introductory course, you’ll learn elementary structures and basic vocabulary of the French language in culturally appropriate ways, develop your skills in multiple modes of communication through projects and real-world activities. In addition, you’ll develop cultural competence in the Francophone world.
(Period 1)
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This lively introductory course uses a project-based approach to explore the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures. It will provide you with basic training in written and spoken communication through a variety of activities, including videos, digital resources, and projects to develop and practice your new Spanish communication skills.
(Period 2)
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In this lively introductory course, you’ll develop beginning communication skills in spoken and written Mandarin Chinese. You’ll develop linguistic, social, and cultural background knowledge of the Chinese language as you learn to use introductory Pinyin (Mandarin Romanization) and Chinese characters.
(Period 2)
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Whether you want to take center stage or work behind the scenes, you’ll get a taste of live theater as literature, production, and performance. You’ll learn about acting techniques such as scene study, improvisation, vocal production, and stage movement. You’ll also get to know the basics of stage production in set design and construction, design and use of lighting, elements of costume design, and the use and construction of props. And you’ll perform both short scenes and monologues.
(Period 1: 8:30 am)
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Anyone can be an artist! Try your hands at drawing in pencil, charcoal, and ink. Then dabble with pastels, watercolors, and acrylics. You’ll even have the opportunity to work with linoleum-block printmaking, collage, clay, and 3-D sculpture.
Work alongside a visual artist and receive tips, instruction and friendly feedback. Open to students of all levels who want to spark joy, relieve stress, or begin a portfolio.
(Period 2: 10:15 am)
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This compelling course introduces the principles and practices of forensic science, which starts with crime scene investigation. Learn about collecting and processing evidence and the scientific tools and techniques for analyzing it. Pattern recognition — including fingerprint analysis, document analysis, and ballistics analysis — may be emphasized. We’ll also discuss studies of real crime scenes.
While a background in biology or chemistry is not required, we will cover basic forensic biology and chemistry topics such as DNA analysis, hair analysis, toxicology, and materials analysis.
(Period 1: 8:30 am)
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Oceans cover two-thirds of our planet, contain the biggest mountain range on Earth, and are home to most wildlife. In this class, you learn about those creatures, how they interact, and how they adapt to various marine environments. You’ll also explore the effects that volcanic action, pollution, acid rain, climate change, and human activities such as fishing have on our oceans. Together, we’ll research, collaborate, and strategize how to make a positive difference in the sustainability of our oceans.
(Period 2: 10:15 am)
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NMH is the perfect place to deepen your environmental education as you collaborate and perform classroom and laboratory work along with essential hands-on fieldwork. You’ll explore myriad habitats, plants, animals, and environmental issues across our remarkable, diverse campus landscape of fields, streams, ponds, vernal pools, cultivated agricultural spaces, woodlands, and trails. You’ll also study the campus watershed, which contributes directly to the adjacent Connecticut River.
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Become a diversity leader and an intentional change agent at your school. Learn to improve intergroup relations by breaking down barriers as well as developing an appreciation of the diverse identities within your community and the greater world.
You’ll engage in discussions, interactive activities, and deep reflection to achieve three goals: 1) increasing personal awareness, providing you the opportunity to learn more about your own social awareness and identities; 2) expanding knowledge, providing you with information about the identities of others as well as helping you develop familiarity with social and historical issues of diversity; and 3) encouraging action, helping you to see yourself as an agent of change toward creating a more just and equitable world.
(Period 1: 8:30 am)
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How do people think about themselves and others? What motivates their behavior or yours? Using literature, experiments, and group projects, you’ll learn how humans interact, communicate, and connect with others.
You’ll examine positive and negative influences such as decision-making, group behavior, attraction, aggression, and factors that promote health and well-being. Together, we’ll make observations, conduct experiments, and report findings as we seek to understand and unlock the thoughts, feelings, and behavior of individuals and groups in society.
(Period 1: 8:30 am)
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Plunge headlong into the epic struggle between good and evil and embark on a hero’s journey through literature, film, legend, and history.
Are villains just heroes of their own stories? How can you be a hero in your own life? Through discussion, group work, and written exercises, you’ll engage with heroes and villains ranging from Achilles and Agamemnon to Iron Man and Thanos. You’ll consider and confront morality in a new light and deepen your understanding of heroism and villainy.
(Period 1: 8:30 am)
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Sharpen your imaginary sword, don your chainmail and armor, saddle up your warhorse, and raise the portcullis as you learn about knighthood, chivalry, and the art of battle. Through group work, projects, and multimedia sources, you’ll explore early towns and castles, investigate the inner workings of the medieval church and monasteries, and learn about the marginal existence of an average peasant.
You’ll also discover why legendary heroes of the Middle Ages — both real and mythical — such as Charlemagne, St. Bernard, Joan of Arc, Marco Polo, and King Arthur of Camelot continue to influence our stories and culture today. A world of honor, duty, challenges and hardships, and adventure awaits!
(Period 2: 10:15 am)
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Has the COVID-19 pandemic made you wonder how viruses spread, what causes them, how your body fights them, and how vaccines really work? In this class, you’ll look back in history to the black death, yellow fever, and the Spanish flu, as well as more recent epidemics such as AIDS, H1N1, Ebola, and COVID-19, and consider how they have impacted society.
Understanding the scientific and societal impact of these global challenges in the past and present will help us formulate plans for the future.
(Period 1: 8:30 am)
Afternoon Options for Grades 7-8
(Period 1)
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Racket sports: tennis, badminton, and pickleball
Basketball
Soccer
Swimming
Volleyball
Dance
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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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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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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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This five-week course, taught by Summit Educational Group instructors, focuses on the academic skills and test-taking techniques you’ll need to succeed on the SSAT for entrance into many independent secondary schools. You’ll focus on three key components: 1) strategy: developing a game plan for each section and question; 2) content: understanding math, grammar, and how to approach the reading and science sections; and 3) practice: building confidence to move efficiently through the test.
This course is taken in addition to your main course(s) in Afternoon Period 1 two days a week, alternating with sports on the other two days.
Cost: $475
Afternoon Options for Grades 7-8
(Period 2)
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Have you ever gazed up at the sky and wondered what’s out there? How was the Earth created? How big is the universe? What is a black hole? You’ll explore these questions and many more and we consider the vastness of space.
NMH’s observatory is a wonderful location for viewing clear night skies and studying stars and planets, thanks to the minimal amount of “light pollution” in our pristine, rural area. The course includes a daily classroom component as well as two evening viewing/stargazing sessions every week.
(Three- or five-week session)
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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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Hone your study techniques and executive functions and become a more efficient, productive learner. In this class, you’ll learn how to plan, be organized, and build skills such as test-taking, memorization, note-taking, skim-reading, and writing citations and bibliographies. You’ll also learn how to organize and present your work and practice with PowerPoint, Google, and Excel.
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Ever wonder what the Dow Jones Industrial Index actually is? Or how the stock market operates? In this course, we’ll look broadly at simple economic principles and approaches to responsible personal financial management. You’ll gain an understanding of financial and economic topics and key insights that will help you throughout your life.
(Three- or five-week sessions)
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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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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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Investigate! Design! Solve problems! And, yes, create a robot! You’ll begin with the history of robotics and proceed to learn the basic components of a robotic system. You’ll experiment with the various methods that make robots move, with sensors, and with programming. Students must provide their own Chromebook or Windows-based Mac laptop.
(Three- or five-week session)
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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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In this high-energy class, you’ll get creative with your peers as you learn and practice dance fundamentals in addition to basic choreography. You’ll also reinforce good habits of stretching during warm-ups and cool-downs.
(Three- or five-week athletic option)
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: $775 (five weeks)/$525(three weeks)/ $275 (two weeks)
Available as an afternoon class in AP2. Grades 7-8
Available as an afternoon class in AP1. Grades 9-12
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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 -
SSAT Prep: Hit the Heights with Summit
This five-week course, taught by Summit Educational Group instructors, focuses on the academic skills and test-taking techniques you’ll need to succeed on the SSAT for entrance into many independent secondary schools. You’ll focus on three key components:
1) strategy: developing a game plan for each section and question;
2) content: understanding math, grammar, and how to approach the reading and science sections; and
3) practice: building confidence to move efficiently through the test.This course is taken in addition to your main course(s) in Afternoon Period 1 two days a week, alternating with sports on the other two days.
Additional Fee: $475