Eliot Summer Academy

Who: Rising 9th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: July 7-18, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. or 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Teacher: Nick Miller
Cost: $335

Course Description: Understanding the purpose and the learning objective of reading assignments and writing tasks becomes more challenging at the secondary school level. However, applying the correct strategies ensures that students are actively engaged in the assigned texts and are pursuing meaningful insights in their responses. In this workshop, students will develop their skills in literary analysis and writing through practice activities with the summer reading in an effort to simulate the experience of an English classroom at the Upper School level. We will work on identifying strong evidence while reading a text to support paragraph arguments, as well as build a personal “tool kit” of strategies for analyzing literary devices, brainstorming for writing assignments, participating in discussions, and preparing for feedback sessions with teachers. Moving on to the next level doesn’t need to be a mystery or a struggle; let’s work together to be prepared.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 9th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: July 7-18, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (lunch included)
Teachers: Brian Coco, Oggy Smiljanic, and Nick Miller
Cost: $1005

If you would like to sign up for some, but not all of the Bootcamp classes, please enroll in each class individually, rather than choosing the Bootcamp option.

The 9th Grade Bootcamp combines Science, English, and Math courses in a full-day experience for rising 9th-grade students. Through these classes, students are able to review and strengthen skills in each discipline that are critical for success as an Upper School student, and prepare for the year ahead. Students may sign up for the Bootcamp or take one or two classes individually. The schedule and course descriptions are below:

STEM 0.5 (SCIENCE)
A strong start for high school science is key to success. STEM 0.5 is a way for students to learn important information and practice foundational skills necessary for success in the 9th-grade science course. Topics and skills include data collection, experimental design, graphing and data analysis, and dimensional analysis. In addition, we will use the Makerspace to complete a few engineering challenges.

Foundations in Algebra (MATH)
Integrated mathematics requires a strong foundation in the algebra concepts introduced in 8th grade. This course will provide a review of important math topics to help students build the necessary understanding to find success in Algebra 1 or Integrated Mathematics 1. Using an individualized approach, students will improve their algebra skills while exploring meaningful problems that require knowledge of many math concepts. The course will also help build problem-solving techniques in preparation for the type of work required in the 9th-grade courses.

Reading Strategies for the Writing Process (ENGLISH)
Understanding the purpose and learning objectives of reading assignments and writing tasks becomes more challenging at the secondary school level. However, applying the correct strategies ensures that students are actively engaged in the texts and pursuing meaningful insights in their responses. In this workshop, students will develop their skills in literary analysis and writing through practice activities with the summer reading to simulate the experience of an English classroom at the upper school level. We will work on identifying strong evidence while reading a text to support arguments, as well as build a personal “tool kit” of strategies for analyzing literary devices, brainstorming for writing assignments, participating in discussions, and preparing for feedback sessions with teachers. Moving on to the next level doesn’t need to be a mystery or a struggle; let’s work together to be prepared.

The Bootcamp is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 12th Graders
Date/Time: June 23 – July 3, 9:30-11:30 a.m. or 1:30-3:30 p.m. (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays)
Teacher: Tex Tourais
Cost: $230

Course Description: The last thing any high schooler wants is to start their senior year trapped in a cycle of writing, revising, and rejecting one unsuccessful college essay after another. From picking a suitable topic to writing with purpose and then revising, we will move from not-even-started to ready-to-submit. If you’re the type of student who wants to cross the college essay off their To-Do List quickly and confidently, this class is for you.  Expect to meet formally on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Tuesday and Thursday will be used for individual conference times.

Who: Rising 9th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: July 7-18, 8:00-10:00 a.m. OR 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Teacher: Oggy Smiljanic
Cost: $335

Course Description: Integrated mathematics requires a strong foundation in the algebra concepts introduced in 8th grade. This course will provide a review of important math topics to help students build the necessary understanding to find success in Algebra 1 or Integrated Mathematics 1. Using an individualized approach, students will improve their algebra skills while exploring meaningful problems that require knowledge of many math concepts. The course will also help build problem-solving techniques in preparation for the type of work required in the 9th-grade courses.

Who: Rising 10th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: July 7-18, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Teacher: Daniel Wiederkehr
Cost: $335

Course Description: The integrated mathematics track requires a strong foundation in algebra and geometry concepts. This course will provide a review of important math topics to help students retain or (re)build the necessary understanding to find success in Applied Integrated Mathematics 2 or Integrated Mathematics 2. Using an individualized approach, students will improve their algebra skills while exploring meaningful problems that require knowledge of crucial math concepts – including, but not limited to, properties of quadratic functions, function notation, function transformations, etc. The course will review several geometry concepts needed for Integrated Math 2 or Applied Math 2 as well as geometry topics that are on the ACT. The course will focus on building problem-solving techniques in preparation for the type of work required in the 10th-grade courses.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 9th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: July 7-18, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. or 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Teacher: Brian Coco
Cost: $335

Course Description: A strong start for high school science is key to success. STEM 0.5 is a way for students to learn important information and practice foundational skills necessary for success in the 9th-grade science course. Topics and skills include data collection, experimental design, graphing and data analysis, and dimensional analysis. In addition, we will use the Maker Space to complete a few engineering challenges.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 10th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: July 7-18, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Teacher: Brian Coco
Cost: $335

Course Description: The STEM 1.5 course is designed both to allow students a review of previously-learned content and to preview content covered during the first semester of Science 10. Using a variety of lab-based lessons, we will cover important content and skills. During the first week, we will cover 9th-grade (mostly end-of-the-year) chemistry skills that are required understanding for moving into 10th-grade science. We will have a chance to go over the end-of-year 9th-grade exam, identify areas of strength and weaknesses, and then focus our time on strengthening those skills. The primary focus is on atomic structure, periodic trends, electron configurations, balancing equations, and mole calculations. Week 2 is primarily a preview into the skills needed at the start of 10th-grade science. We will primarily focus on stoichiometry. 

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 9th-12th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: July 7-18, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Teacher: Elegan Kramer
Cost: $335

Course Description: Dive into the world of emerging technologies that are shaping our future! This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for a week and Virtual Reality (VR) for another week. Students will learn about the applications of AI in various fields, explore ethical considerations, and gain hands-on experience with VR creation in headsets. Through interactive projects and discussions, students will develop a deeper understanding of how these technologies are transforming industries and society.

By the end of this course, students will have a solid foundation in AI and VR, be able to solve problems with these emerging technologies, critically analyze their impact, and be equipped to explore further opportunities in these exciting fields. Students will showcase their emerging technology creations to others.

Note: Students will be using the school-provided Quest VR goggles to safely create their interactive virtual learning experiences. Some students may feel dizzy and disoriented and may experience motion sickness when using VR goggles. To prioritize student health and safety, VR goggles will be used under teacher supervision and with frequent breaks. 

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 9th-12th Grade Students
Date/Time: July 7-18, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Teacher: Patrick Huewe
Cost: $335

Course Description: This intensive summer course is designed for highly motivated students who wish to accelerate their progression in the Spanish language. The course provides a comprehensive review and mastery of core content from the level they aim to bypass (e.g., Spanish 102 or Spanish 200) while introducing essential concepts and skills from the next level. Through immersive learning experiences, students will strengthen their linguistic proficiency, deepen cultural understanding, and meet the requirements to advance to the next course in the sequence.

Note: Registering for this course is by pre-approval only through the MICDS World Languages Department. Participants should only register after approval.

Students should contact their current Spanish teachers in order to enroll in this course. Upon approval, MICDS will then follow up with registration and payment details.

Target Audience:

• Students currently enrolled in any level of the Spanish program (e.g., Spanish 101, 102, 200, 300) who aim to skip the subsequent course in the standard track (e.g., Spanish 200, 300,  400, 550, AP)
• Students in the standard Spanish track who wish to transition to the accelerated track (e.g., from Spanish 200-400 to Spanish 250-550, AP).

Prerequisites:

• Teacher recommendation based on demonstrated language aptitude, motivation, and work ethic.

Check out the options for STL Summer Sports Camps and the afternoon Young Wizards Magic Academy!

Who: Rising 7th and 8th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 9-June 20, 12:15 – 1:45 p.m. (no class on June 19)
Teacher: Scott Smith
Cost: $335

This is a hands-on course in which students will practice presenting in front of the class on a variety of topics. The focus will be on projecting confidence and charisma when speaking in front of groups. Topics will include the proper design and use of visual aids, engaging with an audience, controlling volume and pace, and how to prepare a speech vs. speaking extemporaneously. Students will give short speeches every day of the course.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 5th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 9-20, 8:00-9:30 a.m. (no class on June 19)
Teacher: Nick Miller
Cost: $335

Course Description: Unlock the magic of storytelling and ignite a passion for reading and writing in your fifth-grade or sixth-grade students with a dynamic two-week summer course, “Exploring Literacy Through Graphic Novels.” This course is designed to harness the unique power of graphic novels to enhance language skills, critical thinking, and creativity. By the end of this course, students will emerge with improved reading comprehension skills, a heightened appreciation for storytelling, and the confidence to express their creativity through the captivating medium of graphic novels. Join Dr. Miller on a literary journey that blends words and images, fostering a love for reading and writing that will last a lifetime.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 6th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 9-20, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. (no class on June 19)
Teacher: Nick Miller
Cost: $335

Unlock the magic of storytelling and ignite a passion for reading and writing in your fifth-grade or sixth-grade students with a dynamic two-week summer course, “Exploring Literacy Through Graphic Novels.” This course is designed to harness the unique power of graphic novels to enhance language skills, critical thinking, and creativity. By the end of this course, students will emerge with improved reading comprehension skills, a heightened appreciation for storytelling, and the confidence to express their creativity through the captivating medium of graphic novels. Join Dr. Miller on a literary journey that blends words and images, fostering a love for reading and writing that will last a lifetime.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 7th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 9-20, 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. (no class on June 19)
Teacher: Scott Smith
Cost: $335

Course Description: Learn about the brain processes that are required for reading and practice active reading strategies that prepare you for the writing process! Explore ways in which to improve your fluency and comprehension through the practice of guided and directed reading. Build your knowledge of ways in which to infer and analyze your reading and transfer it to writing. Students will practice outlining and idea building as well as sentence structure and conventions that are key parts of the middle school English curriculum. 

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 8th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 9-20, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. (no class on June 19)
Teacher: Scott Smith
Cost: $335

Course Description: Learn about the brain processes that are required for reading and practice active reading strategies that prepare you for the writing process! Explore ways in which to improve your fluency and comprehension through the practice of guided and directed reading. Build your knowledge of ways in which to infer and analyze your reading and transfer it to writing. Students will practice outlining and idea building as well as sentence structure and conventions that are key parts of the middle school English curriculum.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 7th and 8th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: July 7-18, 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Teacher: Nick Miller
Cost: $335

Are you looking to boost your grammar skills and gain confidence in your writing this summer? Join Dr. Miller for an engaging and interactive “Grammar Boost Camp” designed specifically for seventh-grade and eighth-grade students. Whether you are preparing for the upcoming school year or just want to sharpen your language skills, this course will provide a fun and focused learning experience. Together, we will tackle a blend of interactive lessons, group activities, peer editing, and practical exercises to make grammar engaging and relatable. In addition, we will focus on real-world applications, encouraging you to apply your knowledge in writing tasks and discussions. This course is designed to help you review key concepts and fill in gaps in your grammar knowledge. No prior expertise is required.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 5th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 9-20, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. (no class on June 19)
Teacher: Kevin Frankenberger
Cost: $335

Course Description: This summer math course is designed to help build a strong foundational understanding of several middle school math topics. It will allow students the opportunity to review skills from previous courses and look ahead to concepts learned throughout their middle school math experience. Throughout the course, students engage in activities and problem-solving exercises that will encourage them to build confidence in their mathematical abilities! Please note that participation in the course does not lead to acceleration in the math program.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 6th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 9-20, 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. (no class on June 19)
Teacher: Kevin Frankenberger
Cost: $335

Course Description: This summer math course is designed to help build a strong foundational understanding of several middle school math topics. It will allow students the opportunity to review skills from previous courses and look ahead to concepts learned throughout their middle school math experience. Throughout the course, students engage in activities and problem-solving exercises that will encourage them to build confidence in their mathematical abilities! Please note that participation in the course does not lead to acceleration in the Math program.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 7th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 9-20, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. (no class on June 19)
Teacher: Jody Marberry
Cost: $335

Course Description: This summer math course is designed to help build a strong foundational understanding of several middle school math topics. It will allow students the opportunity to review skills from previous courses and look ahead to concepts learned throughout their middle school math experience. Throughout the course, students engage in activities and problem-solving exercises that will encourage them to build confidence in their mathematical abilities! Please note that participation in the course does not lead to acceleration in the math program.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 8th Grade (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 9-20, 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. (no class on June 19)
Teacher: Jody Marberry
Cost: $335

Course Description: This summer math course is designed to help build a strong foundational understanding of several middle school math topics. It will allow students the opportunity to review skills from previous courses and look ahead to concepts learned throughout their middle school math experience. Throughout the course, students engage in activities and problem-solving exercises that will encourage them to build confidence in their mathematical abilities! Please note that participation in the course does not lead to acceleration in the math program.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Who: Rising 5th-8th Grade Students (MICDS only)
Date/Time: June 9-June 20, 12:15 – 1:45 p.m. (no class on June 19)
Teacher: Branson Lawrence
Cost: $335

Have you ever wanted to learn to use power tools, 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, vinyl cutters, or sewing machines? This is the place to do it! Maybe you already know how to use some or all of these tools and want to explore a project of your own, GREAT! By the end of the Maker course, participants will complete a project of their choosing using one or more of the tools described above.

This course is designed for current and incoming MICDS students.

Check out the options for STL Summer Sports Camps and the afternoon Young Wizards Magic Academy!

Tuition for Eliot Summer Academy is listed with each course. Some courses may have additional fees to cover books or materials, which would be indicated in the course description. Limited financial aid is available to MICDS families. Please contact Ciera Field, Associate Director of Admission – Tuition Assistance, at cfield@micds.org or (314)995-7405 for more information.

Early registration is encouraged, as class sizes will be kept small (10 to 20 students). A minimum enrollment of 10 students will be required for most courses. In the event a course is canceled, you will be contacted, and registration fees will be refunded.

• Programs are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
• The full payment is due for each camper at the time of registration. A camper will not be enrolled and a spot is not guaranteed until full payment is received.
• Registrations that are not paid for by 10 days prior to the start date of the course will be deleted from our system. 
• Payment can be made via credit card or an electronic funds transfer e-check/ACH payment.
• For questions about payment, please contact the Eliot Summer Academy office (contact information listed at bottom of page).
• Necessary medical information will be gathered by the individual coordinator of this program.

• Refunds are available through May 16, 2025 minus a $50 fee per session, per child.
• Beginning May 17, there are no refunds.

Having trouble working around other MICDS opportunities? Contact Director of Eliot Summer Academy Sam Cummins at eliotacademy@micds.org or (314) 995-7355, and we will work with you to schedule with other MICDS programs.