Summer Enthusiasts Morning Options, Grades 7-8,
Two Weeks

  • Seeking the key to successfully enter and thrive at an independent school? In this course, you’ll develop strategies to get the most out of SSAT practice sessions, meet with veteran independent school admission counselors, and learn how to write effective personal essays and prepare for interviews. You’ll work with an experienced learning-skills coach to tune up your note-taking, reading, and time management skills. You’ll also hone your writing and speaking skills, helping you communicate with clarity and confidence.

  • In this dynamic, intensive workshop, you’ll fortify your understanding of pre-algebra essentials in preparation for Algebra I. Dive into variables, equations, and inequalities and emerge with a solid grasp of functions, graphing, and basic geometry principles. You’ll review key concepts and build the skills crucial for excelling in future math courses.

  • In this exciting tech trek, you’ll explore the basics of programming with dynamic languages like Python and Java and dive into the fascinating world of software creation.

    In our robotics adventures, you’ll learn how robots work and roll up your sleeves to design your own robots, with hands-on guidance from experienced instructors. We’ll also explore artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, investigating how Siri understands our questions or how chatGPT creates texts, using Python to apply models to data. Engage in friendly competitions, challenging each other to build the best models.

    Join us for teamwork, creative projects, and a final showcase to display your awesome creations. Gain tech skills with exciting tools, make new friends, and unleash your potential in the worlds of coding, robots, and machine learning.

  • Engage in hands-on work in the fields and greenhouses on NMH's campus farm while forging direct connections to food systems and principles of sustainability. In this class, you’ll study the farm as an ecosystem; learn about earth science; and learn firsthand — with your hands — about sustainable agriculture systems. Are you a can-do student who wants to learn how your food gets from farm to table, combining systems learning with outdoor experiences? Then this experiential course is for you!

  • Join us in the world of dramatic arts. This dynamic program is designed to elevate your theatrical skills to new heights. From acting fundamentals and character development to stagecraft and production techniques, participants will embark on a comprehensive journey through the nuanced and captivating realm of theater. Whether you're a budding actor, aspiring director, or behind-the-scenes enthusiast, this class promises an immersive and transformative experience that will leave you well-equipped and inspired in the magical world of theater.

Summer Enthusiasts Afternoon Options,
Grades 7-8

(Period 1)

  • Racket sports: tennis, badminton, and pickleball

    Basketball

    Soccer

    Swimming

    Volleyball

    Dance

  • 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.

  • 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!

Summer Enthusiasts Afternoon Options, Grades 7-8

(Period 2)

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.