Summer Scholars Courses,
Grades 9-12,
Five Weeks

  • Dive into the world of college-level composition, mastering the art of rhetoric and producing persuasive essays. Together, we’ll decode complex texts to learn how to improve your own writing. You’ll turn your ideas into structured, effective arguments and leave the course as a college-ready writer. This is a sure way to stronger, effective essay-writing skills.

    NHH students: While this course satisfies an NMH English credit requirement, you are expected to take an English course during each academic year.

    Five-week credit course

  • Learn about the three Cs (clarity, coherence, and conciseness) and five Ws (who, what, when, where, and why?) of journalism as you unleash the power of your voice and master the art of effective communication.

    In this exciting course, you’ll refine your reporting, interviewing, and writing skills as you learn how to captivate your audience. You’ll dive deep into the techniques, principles, and ethics of journalism. You’ll explore the diverse areas of journalism, including news, features, profiles, opinion pieces, and criticism, and experiment with audio and video storytelling. You’ll engage in vibrant classroom discussions about readings from a range of publications, learn how to address writing challenges, and learn from classmates through peer editing. Get ready to uncover stories on campus and in your community using multiple storytelling modalities.

    Five-week half-credit course

  • Explore the art of fiction, personal essays, and poetry as you craft your unique voice and build an impressive portfolio of work. You’ll engage in dynamic group collaborations, receive personalized guidance in one-on-one sessions with your instructor, and take part in workshop-style feedback sessions and peer editing, where your ideas will come to life through constructive discussions.

    Assignments will be tailored to your individual interests, giving you the chance to experiment and refine your own creative expression. As you navigate through diverse literary works, you'll not only learn what constitutes exceptional writing but also hone the tools and inspiration to let your creativity soar.

    Five-week half-credit course

  • 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

  • Our precalculus course is crafted for students gearing up for the challenges of the upcoming academic year.

    You’ll explore polynomial and rational functions, unravel the complexities of exponential and logarithmic functions, and decode the mysteries of trigonometric functions. This isn't just a preview; it's a strategic leap toward your academic goals. Armed with a Texas Instruments graphing calculator TI Nspire CAS, you'll not only unlock mathematical concepts but also gain confidence.

    Prerequisites: Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra II

    Five-week credit course

  • Build on your work in precalculus by beginning a study of mathematical

    differentiation and integration of the elementary functions, with an emphasis on problem-solving and deepening your understanding of algebraic topics. You will leave this course with confidence and with a solid foundation in introductory differential and integral calculus.

    Prerequisites: Precalculus
    Five-week credit course

  • In this course, you will delve into numerical and graphical analyses and explore concepts in discrete probability and statistics. Uncover the intricacies of data with an emphasis on real-world applications, including diversity and social justice issues.

    This course is not just about crunching numbers — it's also about developing your intuition about data. Immerse yourself in the practical side of statistics through hands-on projects and inquiry-based learning. By the end, you'll have a solid foundation in statistical principles and a keen understanding of how these concepts apply to real-world scenarios.

    Prerequisite: Algebra 2
    Five-week credit course

  • Unravel the secrets of cell structure and delve into genetics, organismal biology, evolution, and ecology in this dynamic, immersive introduction to biology. Engage in lively class discussions, collaborate on small-group projects, and witness the wonders of biology through hands-on laboratory investigations. Choose your own adventure by researching specific topics or designing lab procedures.

    Prerequisite: high school-level science class. (NMH students, please note that this course is open to 10th- and 11th-graders.)

    Five-week credit course

  • Delve into the fascinating study of matter and the changes it undergoes in this hands-on, laboratory-based course. Examine foundational topics such as atomic structure, periodicity, and bonding; names, formulas, and reactions of chemical substances; the mole concept and stoichiometry; thermo-chemistry; aqueous solutions; kinetic theory; and gas behavior.

    Through presentations, group work, practice and lab work, you will develop critical scientific skills by formulating questions and hypotheses, designing experiments, analyzing data, modeling concepts, and strengthening your scientific literacy and confidence.

    Prerequisite: Biology or another high school science course preferred. (NMH students must be in 10th grade or higher.)

    Five-week credit course

  • How does the mind work? How do our thoughts and emotions shape our actions? Are there differences in the way people learn? Cover a full academic year of content applying literature, library research, experiments, and group projects to the study of human behavior.

    You’ll explore topics such as learning, memory, development, personality, the biological basis of behavior, and psychotherapy and well as newer sub-fields of study such as forensic (criminal) psychology, health psychology, the psychology of terrorism, and gender psychology. We’ll cover both theory and practical applications, helping you understand how psychology directly impacts your everyday life.

    Prerequisite: NMH students must have taken U.S. history or an equivalent 300-level history course and must be a rising junior, senior, or PG.

    Five-week credit course

  • Have you ever wondered where your food comes from before the grocery store? Are you passionate about mitigating climate change and furthering social justice issues? In this hands-on course, you’ll explore and help shape the future of sustainability via local food systems. You’ll spend time on the NMH school farm and visit local agricultural operations, learning the ins and outs of running a diversified farm and unpacking the complex socio-economic system that puts food on our plates. Prepare to engage in fascinating academic work as well as outdoor exploration.

    Five-week non-credit course

  • Economics is the study of how and why people use limited resources. This valuable course investigates microeconomics — individual behavior and business decisions — as well as macroeconomics — growth, inflation, trade, and employment. These concepts will benefit you as you advance in studies that require analytical thinking, such as math, science, and engineering, as well as in fields such as political science, geography, history, psychology, law, and contemporary issues.

    Prerequisite: U.S. history or equivalent course. Open to rising 10th-, 11th-, and 12th graders and PGs. NMH students must have taken U.S. history or an equivalent 300-level history course.

    Five-week credit course

  • Put your entrepreneurial spirit to work to turn that "million-dollar idea" into reality! This course will guide you through the exciting process of creating your own product, understanding the intricacies of its development, and building a business plan, with a focus on social and environmental responsibility.

    You’ll explore how to build a business that not only thrives financially but also contributes positively to the world throughout the entire life cycle of your product. You’ll present your ideas in a “Constructive Shark Tank” activity, where a discerning audience of “potential investors” will evaluate their projected profit margins, utility to society, environmental impact, and potential for making the world a better place.

    Five-week non-credit course

  • Looking back in time helps us decipher the future. In this immersive, topical course, you’ll understand the nation's evolution from an agrarian society to a global urban-industrial force, exploring pivotal moments and milestones that have shaped the U.S. identity.

    You’ll consider works by renowned historians while participating in engaging seminar discussions, conducting independent research, and crafting your own narratives. You’ll build your critical analysis skills as you tackle United States history's most pressing issues through essays and a research paper. And you’ll incorporate diverse perspectives to form a comprehensive understanding of America's past with an understanding of the complexities that shape the nation’s present and future.

    Prerequisite: Experience writing research papers. NMH students must be a rising 11th-grader or older.

    Five-week credit course

  • In this timely course, you’ll consider timely global issues through the lens of multiple religious traditions and their impact on the modern world. As you examine the interplay between religion, history, culture, and politics, you’ll learn to critically evaluate the enduring influence of belief systems on individuals and society, developing a comprehensive understanding of our complex global tapestry.

    Prerequisite: NMH students enrolling in HUM 2 in the fall may not take this course. Open to rising 11th, 12th, and PGs. Required for four-year NMH students to graduate who did not take HUM II.

    Five-week credit course

  • This class explores the forces that shape the construction of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, and social class. You’ll explore these issues through readings, documentaries, movies, and real-world experiences, as we deconstruct the meanings of power, privilege, dominant ideology, and intersectionality.

    In the process, we will question our most basic assumptions about people whose faith, beliefs, sexual orientation, and gender differ from the dominant ideology, asking questions such as: How does social class, race, or gender manifest itself in different environments? What messages do these concepts convey? Who benefits from it, and who does it harm? And why does that matter? The goal of this class is to help become familiar with unfamiliar situations and to thrive by affirming your own singularity.

    Five-week non-credit course

Afternoon Options for Grades 9-12

(Period 1)

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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)

  • Basketball

    Dance

    Fitness

    Soccer

    Swimming

    Tennis/Pickleball

    Volleyball

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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: $775

    Available as an afternoon class in period 2. Grades 7-8
    Available as an afternoon class in period 1. 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.

    Schedule 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

  • 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 July 22- August 2.

    Additional fee: $300