Berkeley Parents Network: Summer Academic Programs

Berkeley Parents Network

Summer Academic Programs

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Summer Camps & School Breaks > Summer Academic Programs

Questions

Summer High School Chemistry Course?
Summer programs for gifted 4th grader
Summer Academics for Gifted 7yr old
Summer college programs for high schooler
Speed Reading & Reading Comprehension

Types of Programs

Reviews of specific programs

Summer High School Chemistry Course?

Feb 2007

My sophomore has got the idea of taking Chemistry/AP Chemistry during the summer, with the theory that this would lighten the homework load for junior year. Is this possible? A good idea? Have experience with any schools/colleges offering Chemistry as a summer course?

Before you sign your kid up for chemistry over the summer, check to see how hard it will be to get it onto his/her transcript. Many school districts frown on this because they see it as a threat because it reduces the number of kids taking a particular course. Both of my kids have friends who have taken classes over the summer through UC, Vista (now Berkeley City College?), DVC, and Contra Costa. Just be sure you can get it to count first. Cathy

Summer programs for gifted 4th grader

Feb 2007

I need a challenge for my son this summer. He is ''gifted'' and is not challenged at all in the Albany school; he's in 4th grade at Oceanview. He works ahead in the ''Challenge'' program, as they refer to it. But I want ''him'' to be with other children like himself and challenged by other children's minds and thinking for once. I would like him be in a community with other children like himself. What about this summer 2007 ? Does anyone have any good experiences with gifted summer programs around the bay area ? Kimberly

Education Unlimited is based in Berkeley and runs academic and artistic summer programs both at Stanford University and UC Berkeley. Their number is 510.548.6612. Most programs are overnight, but there are day-camps too (usually 8:30am - 7pm, and some programs have shorter day options 9-5ish). For elementary school kids there is a Public Speaking Camp, Computer Camp, and Sally Ride Science Camps. If the student is entering middle school, there is also an Acting Camp, and A+ Summer Middle School which is a critical thinking program where they do reading, writing, and logic/problem solving projects.

My son has always enjoyed the Academic Talent Development Program(ATDP) run by UC Berkeley. Experienced, enthusiastic local teachers teach different classes. Check it out at http://www-atdp.berkeley.edu/. Good luck

Summer Academics for Gifted 7yr old

April 2005

Any suggestions for summer activites/camps/classes for a gifted 7yr old boy? Loves math, construction toys, crosswords and puzzles. Nothing too pricey please - trying to balance cost (we are living on one pretty small income right now) with enrichment. Thanks! Mom in N. Oakland

My son had a wonderful experience with the summer camp at the Academy, around the corner from Willard Park in Berkeley. The morning consists of an academic program. Incoming 3rd and 4th graders will be taught by an author of childrens' books (and popular but occasional subsitute teacher at the Academy), Doug Evans. My son took the program for entering 5th and 6th graders, half of which was taught by a math teacher, the other half by the English teacher. Both programs were very structured and paced according to the skills level of the individual child. Both teachers were great. One can pick up one's child at noon or childcare & other programs, such as swim lessons (or just water play at Willard Pool), are available until 6 PM, and there are outings such as ice! -skating on Fridays. You pay for extras, but the basic childcare of hanging around the yard is also good. The after-care staff (who work year-round) have been with the school, one for 20 years, the other for about 10. One of them is an older man who helps kids with basketball. You are charged only for as much after care as you actually use, though you get a better price if you pay for it in advance. (But you'll be refunded whatever portion you don't use). My athletic kid had more fun there than he did at Golden Bear, which he went to the previous summer. xp

Summer college programs for high schooler

Feb 2005

My 11th grader would do well in a challenging summer program that offers college credit and treats the kids like adults -- but has on-site housing and some oversight to reassure her parents. Language programs are one possiblity (child is good in Spanish and Italian, could add French). Education or community service a plus. Pleae suggest anything in NYC, LA, Canada, or someplace comparable. Hope not to break the bank. planning ahead

My daughter attended a summer session at The University of Chicago between her junior and senior years and recommends the program highly. There are two options, and college credit is given for both. The first is to select courses from the regular summer offerings. The second, which my daughter chose, is to take an intesive, hands-on course open only to high school students. Students live in a centrally-located, air-conditioned dorm. There is good supervision, a well-enforced curfew, and a comprehensive orientation, which enable the students to (safely) explore Chicago -- either independently in groups or with the many excursions offered by the program. Students seemed to enjoy a variety of courses. I never heard of any complaints. The program (and the University as a whole) attracts students who want challenging courses. Her course required serious work, including lots of reading and a research paper, but it was also fun. She made friends and had time to explore the city, eat out, shop, and go out to hear music. In my daughter's case, the program was a chance to try out the University before applying for colleges, and she's now a first-year student there. https://summer.uchicago.edu/highschool/
Ricki

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