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Summer Term

Grades 6-11

Where Learning Knows No Boundaries

Brooks School Summer Term is a transformative two-week educational program available throughout the summer. Our primary objective with Summer Term is to emphasize depth over breadth, aligning with Brooks School’s mission to deliver profoundly impactful learning experiences. This unique program fosters closer collaboration between students and faculty, creating an environment that goes beyond the traditional academic setting.

Small class sizes, with a maximum of twelve students per class, and our team of highly qualified instructors come together to foster an ideal learning environment for academic advancement. Brooks Summer Term offers a diverse range of both traditional and advanced courses, allowing us to craft a customized academic experience that perfectly suits your child’s needs.

At Brooks, our primary focus is on learning rather than merely earning credits. At the conclusion of each term, parents will receive a comprehensive, personalized report highlighting their child’s accomplishments and areas for improvement. Additionally, we provide a certificate of achievement for every class completed, celebrating your child’s academic journey.

Read more about how a former student credits much of their academic success to this program here.

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Offerings

Summer Term I (June 23-July 2)

SSAT Slam Dunk: Scoring Big on the High School Entrance Exam

Designed for

Rising 7-9 graders

Schedule

Like the world’s most unfun game, the SSAT is about scoring points to win. But instead of a trophy, your prize is a high school experience that you choose and can enjoy with pride and satisfaction. Learn to score high on the Math and English sections, practicing techniques and skills to help you dunk on the competition. From tackling tough questions to bulking up your algebra and vocabulary to pitching yourself through your personal essay, this training session will prepare you to compete with the pros and come out on top! You’ll also have the opportunity to experience the following special events: a Brooks student panel, Conversations with Admissions (Q&A about applying for a private high school), a campus tour, and lunch in the cafeteria.

The admissions exam for independent schools (the SSAT) can be a slam dunk if you know how to score the points! Join us to bulk up on your techniques for tackling reading, vocabulary, and math. Additional ‘coaching’ will also be offered in pitching yourself in a personal essay, discussing the high school experience with current students, scouting schools, and finding out what to expect from the admissions process!

From Mumbles to Roars: The Art of Fearless Public Speaking

Designed for

Rising 7-11 graders

Schedule

In this action-packed journey, you’ll embark on a quest to conquer your stage fright and master the art of commanding a room. No more sweaty palms, shaky knees, or that dreaded “um” that sneaks into your sentences. We’ll equip you with the skills and techniques to make any audience hang on your every word! You will get a chance to write and participate in various public speaking modes. Potential activities may include speeches, mock trials, debates, Socratic seminars, “How to…” talks, and more!

Middle School Math: Getting the Essentials to Get Ahead

Designed for

Rising 6-8 graders

Schedule

In this course, students will look at topics to prepare them for Middle School Math. Topics include ratios, rates, statistics, geometry, and more! This is different from your everyday math class. We will use a hands-on approach to Math so students can make sense of real-world problems and learn different strategies to solve them. Students can expect to use models and tools to preserve through multi-step problems. This course aims to take the pressure out of Math, allowing learners to take chances in a fun and engaging environment. Students will leave this course with the math essentials to help them succeed.

What’s Your Point? Writing for Real Life

Designed for

Rising 7-11 graders

Schedule

Students explore how great writers like Maya Angelou, Stephen King, and Amy Tan use their experiences to create amazing stories. Not only will students preview what they will encounter in high school English, they’ll also explore high-interest stories that will get them hooked on reading, talking about books, and writing stories themselves. Week 1 of What’s Your Point? can be taken independently or in addition to week 2.

In week 2 of What’s Your Point?, students attempt to answer two questions: What do I want, and how can I get there? First, students turn to the strategies expert writers use to persuade others, exploring what they want in their futures. Second, students choose a career to explore, learning research, writing, and citation skills along the way and ultimately completing a career project.

Once Upon a Quill: Creating Fairytale Magic & Twisting Tradition

Designed for

Rising 7-11 graders

Schedule

Welcome to your adventures in writing! Make the most of your creative writing journey with five distinct and self-contained topics. Sign up for one or all five! Whether you’re an aspiring bard, an imaginative wordsmith, or a storyteller with tales to share, our Creative Writing experiences will guide you through a journey of self-expression, wonder, and literary magic. See the below individual adventure options to decide what journey(s) you are ready to embark on! Enter the realm of classic fairy tales where talking animals, mythical creatures, and noble heroes await! Discover the art of crafting timeless stories that echo through generations. Then, let your imagination run wild as you bend and twist traditional tales into new dimensions. Explore fractured fairy tales that challenge conventions and set your creativity free.

Step Up ELA: Writing Knowledge from Ancient Times to Today

Designed for

Rising 7-11 graders

Schedule

If you are ready to take your reading and writing skills to the next level, Step Up ELA for you. Designed for students entering 9th, 10th, or 11th grades, week 1 explores the concepts of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle in a fun, engaging environment that may include rap battles, slam poetry, and making commercials. While the key word is “fun,” you will also learn rhetoric, writing, and research skills to take them to the next level. Reading, discussing, and writing about great works of literature is fun and relaxing amongst the beautiful Brooks School campus. Trips to the gardens, the frog pond, and the lake will serve as background as we encounter literary greats, discuss their motivation and meaning, and write about their intent. We will choose themes to explore in our own writing and try our hands at poetry and prose while improving our revision and proofreading skills.

From Idea to Innovation: The Engineering Design Journey

Designed for

Rising 6-11 graders

Schedule

If you are looking to put your creative design and problem-solving skills to the test, look no further than this Engineering Design Course. In this engaging student-driven class, students will look to create an invention to solve an everyday problem. Students will have the opportunity to work independently or in small teams. Working through the Engineering Design Process, students must come with creativity, imagination, and perseverance to go on this Journey. No idea is too small, and no problem is too significant to solve. Working through trial and error, students will think and work like Engineers.

Afternoon Brooks School Day Camp

Designed for

Rising 6-8 graders

Schedule

After an engaging morning of learning, students are warmly welcomed to immerse themselves in our cherished traditional day camp during the afternoon. Within the Day Camp, our campers are treated to the delight of a refreshing swim in our beautiful outdoor pools. Throughout the afternoon, a wide array of fun activities are made available. From trying their hand at archery and flipping in gymnastics to getting creative with arts and crafts, playing sports, swinging a tennis racket, conquering our thrilling ropes course, diving into the world of drama, or simply enjoying a peaceful boat ride – there’s something for everyone.

As an integral part of our enrollment package, we ensure that our campers are exceptionally well-cared-for, providing them with daily treats, a delectable lunch, exclusive special events, access to a variety of activities, and access to top-notch supplies. Incorporating this option into your child’s schedule is certain to create lasting and treasured memories of their time at Brooks.

Summer Term II (July 7-July 18)

Power Prep for SSAT Math

Designed for

Rising 7-9 graders

Schedule

Prepare to power your way through strategies and skills that will help you improve your scoring on the independent school admissions exam. You’ll bulk up your key vocabulary knowledge and reinforce your skills involving fractions, percentages, algebra basics, and word problems. You’ll challenge yourself with several practice tests and walk away with lots of resources to revisit before you tackle the exam! You’ll also have the opportunity to talk with Brooks Admissions faculty about applying for private high schools (Q&A) and experience a tour around Brooks campus.

Power Prep for SSAT English

Designed for

Rising 7-9 graders

Schedule

Welcome to our enthralling journey through the pages of Utopian and Dystopian Young Adult Literature. In this spellbinding adventure, we’ll explore the captivating worlds of utopian and dystopian literature, referencing past works but focusing on popular fiction of interest for young adults, including but not limited to Scythe, the Divergent series, Red Queen, Station Eleven, The Host, The Selection, Uglies, and others.

Writing Beyond the Classroom: Grammar & Style

Designed for

Rising 7-11 graders

Schedule

Tired of being told what you HAVE to write about? Sick of teachers assigning your topic? Take control of your written words and CHOOSE what YOU want to express to the world! From persuasive pieces trying to convince your parents why you deserve to get a cat to informative articles about T Swift’s musical career to expressive writing about traveling comfortably, you pick what most interests you! Learn grammatical skills that help your sentences pop off the page, and practice writing for audiences beyond the classroom!

Uncharted Realms: Utopian & Dystopian YA Literature Expeditions

Designed for

Rising 7-11 graders

Schedule

Welcome to our enthralling journey through the pages of Utopian and Dystopian Young Adult Literature. In this spellbinding adventure, we’ll explore the captivating worlds of utopian and dystopian literature, referencing past works but focusing on popular fiction of interest for young adults, including but not limited to Scythe, the Divergent series, Red Queen, Station Eleven, The Host, The Selection, Uglies, and others.

What’s Your Point? Writing for Real Life

Designed for

Rising 7-11 graders

Schedule

In week one of What’s Your Point?, students entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grade explore how great writers like Maya Angelou, Stephen King, and Amy Tan use their experiences to create amazing stories. Not only will students preview what they will encounter in high school English, they’ll also explore high-interest stories that will get them hooked on reading, talking about books, and writing stories themselves. Week 1 of What’s Your Point? can be taken independently or in addition to week 2. In week 2 of What’s Your Point?, students attempt to answer two questions: What do I want, and how can I get there? First, students turn to the strategies expert writers use to persuade others, exploring what they want in their futures. Second, students choose a career to explore, learning research, writing, and citation skills along the way and ultimately completing a career project.

From Idea to Innovation: The Engineering Design Journey

Designed for

Rising 6-11 graders

Schedule

If you are looking to put your creative design and problem-solving skills to the test, look no further than this Engineering Design Course. In this engaging student-driven class, students will look to create an invention to solve an everyday problem. Students will have the opportunity to work independently or in small teams. Working through the Engineering Design Process, students must come with creativity, imagination, and perseverance to go on this Journey. No idea is too small, and no problem is too significant to solve. Working through trial and error, students will think and work like Engineers.

Mad Science: Exploring & Learning Through Experiments

Designed for

Rising 7-11 graders

Schedule

Can you measure the earth’s gravitational pull or explain how electrons move through a light bulb? What does it mean to control a chemical reaction or predict an outcome? Join us on a scientific journey that explores how experiments reveal important information about our world (and sometimes leave us asking even more questions!). We’ll think and write like scientists as we collect and analyze data, design experiments, and present our understanding in new ways.

Creating Children’s Books: Storytelling for Little Dreamers

Designed for

Rising 7-11 graders

Schedule

Welcome to your adventures in writing! Make the most of your creative writing journey with five distinct and self-contained topics. Sign up for one or all five! Whether you’re an aspiring bard, an imaginative wordsmith, or a storyteller with tales to share, our Creative Writing experiences will guide you through a journey of self-expression, wonder, and literary magic. See the below individual adventure options to decide what journey(s) you are ready to embark on! Unleash your inner child and explore the whimsical world of children’s stories. Reminisce about your favorite childhood stories and learn how to ignite wonder and laughter in young hearts.

Middle School Math: Getting the Essentials to Get Ahead

Designed for

Rising 6-8 graders

Schedule

In this course, students will look at topics to prepare them for Middle School Math. Topics include ratios, rates, statistics, geometry, and more! This is different from your everyday math class. We will use a hands-on approach to Math so students can make sense of real-world problems and learn different strategies to solve them. Students can expect to use models and tools to preserve through multi-step problems. This course aims to take the pressure out of Math, allowing learners to take chances in a fun and engaging environment. Students will leave this course with the math essentials to help them succeed.

Afternoon Brooks School Day Camp

Designed for

Rising 6-8 graders

Schedule

After an engaging morning of learning, students are warmly welcomed to immerse themselves in our cherished traditional day camp during the afternoon. Within the Day Camp, our campers are treated to the delight of a refreshing swim in our beautiful outdoor pools. Throughout the afternoon, a wide array of fun activities are made available. From trying their hand at archery and flipping in gymnastics to getting creative with arts and crafts, playing sports, swinging a tennis racket, conquering our thrilling ropes course, diving into the world of drama, or simply enjoying a peaceful boat ride – there’s something for everyone.

As an integral part of our enrollment package, we ensure that our campers are exceptionally well-cared-for, providing them with daily treats, a delectable lunch, exclusive special events, access to a variety of activities, and access to top-notch supplies. Incorporating this option into your child’s schedule is certain to create lasting and treasured memories of their time at Brooks.

Summer Term III (July 21-August 1)

Yes, You Will Use This in Real Life! Pre-Algebra & Algebra

Designed for

Rising 7-11 graders

Schedule

 

 

Buy or lease your car? What interest rate is best for buying a house? What percentage of your paycheck goes to taxes? You’ll need algebra to solve these real-life questions! Come along as we strengthen our pre-algebra and algebra one skills so that we’re all critical thinkers who can solve complicated problems! We’ll review how to solve equations, graph solutions, make predictions, and answer word problems.

Writing Beyond the Classroom: Grammar & Style

Designed for

Rising 7-11 graders

Schedule

Tired of being told what you HAVE to write about? Sick of teachers assigning your topic? Take control of your written words and CHOOSE what YOU want to express to the world! From persuasive pieces trying to convince your parents why you deserve to get a cat to informative articles about T Swift’s musical career to expressive writing about traveling comfortably, you pick what most interests you! Learn grammatical skills that help your sentences pop off the page, and practice writing for audiences beyond the classroom!

Creative Writing: Myths, Monsters, & Magic

Designed for

Rising 7-11 graders

Schedule

 

Calling young mythologists! Prepare to embark on an odyssey through the captivating fusion of mythology and young adult literature. Unearth the wonders of ancient mythology from various cultures worldwide. We’ll explore the timeless tales of gods, goddesses, heroes, and creatures that have shaped cultures for generations. We’ll delve into the magical worlds where ancient myths and legends collide with contemporary storytelling. From modern retellings to fresh twists to subtle touches, we’ll explore where ancient myths find new life in young readers. Our mythological excavation will focus on popular fiction, including but not limited to Percy Jackson and other Rick Riordan stories, Circe and The Song of Achilles, Harry Potter, various graphic novels, and short stories.

From Mind to Manuscript: Unraveling Your Story

Designed for

Rising 7-11 graders

Schedule

Welcome to your adventures in writing! Make the most of your creative writing journey with five distinct and self-contained topics. Sign up for one or all five! Whether you’re an aspiring bard, an imaginative wordsmith, or a storyteller with tales to share, our Creative Writing experiences will guide you through a journey of self-expression, wonder, and literary magic. See the below individual adventure options to decide what journey(s) you are ready to embark on! Unearth your unique voice as you delve into the realm of personal narratives. Share your own experiences, memories, and emotions with authenticity and grace.

Shōnen Style: Adventures in Anime

Designed for

Rising 7-11 graders

Schedule

 

From epic battles against beasts and supervillains to adventures to unknown lands, the ever-popular genre of Shōnen anime has captivated audiences for decades. Young and old alike are drawn to watch heroes learn to utilize magic and supernatural powers in order to grow and train alongside faithful companions and fight powerful foes. It is the heroes’ struggle against seemingly impossible odds that teaches viewers the importance of perseverance, bravery, and friendship. Together, let’s go on an adventure to explore the world of Shōnen anime and study how these thrilling stories excite and inspire us! Popular Shōnen anime titles: One Piece, Naruto, Jujutsu Kaisen, Dragonball Z, My Hero Academia

Middle School Math: Getting the Essentials to Get Ahead

Designed for

Rising 6-8 graders

Schedule

In this course, students will look at topics to prepare them for Middle School Math. Topics include ratios, rates, statistics, geometry, and more! This is different from your everyday math class. We will use a hands-on approach to Math so students can make sense of real-world problems and learn different strategies to solve them. Students can expect to use models and tools to preserve through multi-step problems. This course aims to take the pressure out of Math, allowing learners to take chances in a fun and engaging environment. Students will leave this course with the math essentials to help them succeed.

Media DJ: Writing, Audio, & Video to Reach an Audience

Designed for

Rising 7-11 graders

Schedule

 

Calling all aspiring media moguls! If you’re looking to build your skills in creating fun, interactive, and inspirational media, this experience is for you. Together, we will explore different kinds of media, how a message is built, and what makes a source credible and try our hands at podcasting, video-making, and journalistic reporting.

Afternoon Brooks School Day Camp

Designed for

Rising 6-8 graders

Schedule

After an engaging morning of learning, students are warmly welcomed to immerse themselves in our cherished traditional day camp during the afternoon. Within the Day Camp, our campers are treated to the delight of a refreshing swim in our beautiful outdoor pools. Throughout the afternoon, a wide array of fun activities are made available. From trying their hand at archery and flipping in gymnastics to getting creative with arts and crafts, playing sports, swinging a tennis racket, conquering our thrilling ropes course, diving into the world of drama, or simply enjoying a peaceful boat ride – there’s something for everyone.

As an integral part of our enrollment package, we ensure that our campers are exceptionally well-cared-for, providing them with daily treats, a delectable lunch, exclusive special events, access to a variety of activities, and access to top-notch supplies. Incorporating this option into your child’s schedule is certain to create lasting and treasured memories of their time at Brooks.

Summer Term IV (August 4-August 15)

AI Pioneers: An Artificial Intelligence Primer for Middle Schoolers

Designed for

Rising 6-8 graders

Schedule

In AI Pioneers, our emerging engineers will learn how to create projects for social good with Python programming language. Through hands-on coding, students will learn how computers can use data to solve complex problems like natural language processing and computer vision. Led by Stanford, MIT, and Ivy League alumni and graduate students, students will explore the ways they can meaningfully use AI to predict heart disease, create social robots, assist with disaster relief, and navigate autonomous vehicles.

In our curriculum, we emphasize ethical responsibility, career paths in artificial intelligence, and interdisciplinary applications! From beginner to advanced coders, we envision a future where students of all backgrounds can contribute towards a bright future of inclusivity and technological advancement.

Please read more here! No prerequisites. Taught by instructors from Inspirit AI, this is an ungraded course earning no credit.

AI Scholars: A Project-Based Artificial Intelligence Intensive for High Schoolers

Designed for

Rising 9-12 graders

Schedule

What do self-driving cars, Alexa, iPhone’s face recognition technology, and ChatGPT have in common? They are driven by modern advances in artificial intelligence. Whether you’re interested in law, healthcare, art, or economics, AI is poised to transform every discipline and industry in the future. AI is already all around us today, and by the end of the program, students will understand the underlying concepts and motivations behind technology such as computer vision, natural language processing, and neural networks.

In this course, we will explore the foundations of machine learning and explore different applications of machine learning models. In the first half of the course, students learn AI’s core technologies including applications, foundational concepts, and programming tools through live lectures and coding labs. Students will not only learn about different types of machine learning models, but also apply those models to real data sets. In the second half of the course, students will complete an instructor-led group project applying AI to the discipline of their choice (e.g., music, healthcare, astrophysics, finance, etc.), utilizing the programming skills they developed in the first half.

Please read more here. No prerequisites. Taught by instructors from Inspirit AI, this is an ungraded course earning no credit.

Afternoon Brooks School Day Camp

Designed for

Rising 6-8 graders

Schedule

After an engaging morning of learning, students are warmly welcomed to immerse themselves in our cherished traditional day camp during the afternoon. Within the Day Camp, our campers are treated to the delight of a refreshing swim in our beautiful outdoor pools. Throughout the afternoon, a wide array of fun activities are made available. From trying their hand at archery and flipping in gymnastics to getting creative with arts and crafts, playing sports, swinging a tennis racket, conquering our thrilling ropes course, diving into the world of drama, or simply enjoying a peaceful boat ride – there’s something for everyone.

As an integral part of our enrollment package, we ensure that our campers are exceptionally well-cared-for, providing them with daily treats, a delectable lunch, exclusive special events, access to a variety of activities, and access to top-notch supplies. Incorporating this option into your child’s schedule is certain to create lasting and treasured memories of their time at Brooks.

Program Team