Elementary School Programs OLD
SSA Summer provides a nurturing, supportive and fun experience for elementary school-aged children entering grades PK-5. Sports camps, focus camps and traditional day camps offer an endless array of choices and opportunities.
- Day Camp Discovery (2-5)
- East End Explorers Day Camp (PK-2)
- Sports Camps (K-5)
- Focus Camps (K-5)
- New! STEAM Camps (K-5)
- Summer School (2-5)
- New! North Hills Adventurers (PK-1)
Day Camp Discovery (2-5)
One of the oldest (and most fun) traditional day camps in the Pittsburgh area, Day Camp Discovery offers a complete program of activities for children entering grades 2-5 on our 130-acre Senior School campus in Fox Chapel. Our camp community is focused on providing a developmentally appropriate, safe and warm environment for all campers. With an attentive and well-trained staff, we've infused Day Camp Discovery with opportunities for creativity, autonomy, resilience, empathy and a sense of community.
2021 Dates & Rates
Location: SSA Senior School, Fox Chapel (423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238)
Ages: Kids entering grades 2-5 in 2021-2022
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Week 1: June 21-25
Week 2: June 28-July 2
Week 3: July 6-9 (closed July 5)
Week 4: July 12-16
Week 5: July 19-23
Week 6: July 26-30
Weekly Session: $400
*After Care: $10 per day, available until 6 p.m.
*Before Care: FREE, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Lunch is included.
Limited Bus transportation is available.
*This year, we ask that families utilize before/after care only when necessary to keep our numbers at a minimum as multiple grades will be in a larger, yet distanced group setting.
Activities
- Arts and Crafts
- Farm Visits
- Fitness and Aerobics
- Dance Parties!
- Outdoor Adventure
- Science
- Sports (Basketball, Soccer, Tennis)
- Swimming
- Theater Spotlight
A Typical Day at Day Camp Discovery
- 7:30 a.m. – Before-Care
Early-arriving campers gather in the gyms for before care. This year, we ask that families utilize before/after care only when necessary to keep our numbers at a minimum as multiple grades will be in a larger, yet distanced group setting. - 8:30-8:45 a.m. – Arrival
The gym fills with the sounds of kids playing and laughing as campers arrive via cars and buses. - 9 a.m. – Morning Meeting
Our camp director and counselors welcome campers and staff, take attendance and explain the schedule for the day. - 9:15 a.m. – Morning Activities
Campers rotate through three activity periods with their squads. Tennis, soccer and outdoor adventure are awesome ways to spend a cool morning outside! - Noon – Lunch
Campers and staff gather in their specific gathering locations for individually packaged and pre-ordered lunches. Our on-site caterer prepares a delicious and nutritious meal each day, with vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives. - 1:20 p.m. – Afternoon Activities
Squads enjoy two additional activity periods – it's a great time to swim or make a masterpiece at Arts and Crafts! With a fully rotating schedule, we make sure campers have a chance to enjoy all of the activities at Day Camp Discovery! - 3:45 p.m. – Afternoon Meeting
Campers gather in the gym to hear highlights from the day, take part in a game or contest and prepare for dismissal. - 4 p.m. – Dismissal
Campers head out to cars and buses after a fun and fulfilling day of camp. - 4:15-6 p.m. – After-Care
For parents who need a little more time, we offer after-care for an additional fee in our gyms. This year, we ask that families utilize before/after care only when necessary to keep our numbers at a minimum as multiple grades will be in a larger, yet distanced group setting.
East End Explorers Day Camp (PK-2)
East End Explorers Day Camp offers fun, age-appropriate activities on our seven-acre Junior School campus in Point Breeze for kids entering grades PK-2. The camp offers age-based programming in both full- and half-day sessions, and includes lunch.
Campers enjoy traditional day camp experiences such as water play and outside games as well as safe, fun adventures in the city. Our convenient East End location allows campers to easily visit trails and museums in the same day. It's the best of both worlds!
Each week has its own theme, coupled with daily opportunities for educational enrichment. In addition to daily water games and outdoor play, campers will excavate fossils, solve mysteries, make movies and more!
2021 Dates & Rates
Location: SSA Junior School, Point Breeze (400 South Braddock Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15221)
Ages: Kids entering grades PK-2 in 2021-2022
Times: Full-day 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; half-day 9 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Week 1: June 21-25
Week 2: June 28-July 2
Week 3: July 6-9 (closed July 5)
Week 4: July 12-16
Week 5: July 19-23
Week 6: July 26-30
Weekly Session, Full-Day: $400
Weekly Session, Half-Day: $280
After Care: $10 per day, available until 6 p.m.
Before Care: FREE, beginning at 8 a.m.
Lunch is included.
Bus transportation is NOT available.
Weekly Themes
Campers have age-appropriate activities related to a weekly theme. Below were the weekly themes for summer 2019. Summer 2021 themes will be released by April 1, 2021.
Week 1: Wilderness Explorers
Week 2: Artist Week
Week 3: Water-PALOOZA!
Week 4: Outer Space
Week 5: Fairy Tales & Magical Lands
Week 6: Aloha, Summer!
A Typical Day at East End Explorers
- 8 a.m. – Before-Care
Early-riser campers gather in the Junior School gymnasium. - 9 a.m. – Arrival
The gym and outdoor field begin to fill with the sounds of children playing as campers arrive from parent drop-off. - 9:30 a.m. – Morning Meeting
Counselors gather their squads, take attendance and explain the day's schedule. - 9:30-11:45 a.m. – Morning Activities
Campers alternate between thematic programming, enrichment classes and a mid-morning snack to keep their minds and bellies full. - 11:45 a.m. – Lunch
Our community gathers in the cafeteria (or PK building) with lunch served family-style. Our on-site caterer prepares a delicious and nutritious meal each day, offering vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives. - 12:45 p.m. – Half-Day Dismissal
Our half-day campers head home after an exciting morning. - 1:15-3:45 p.m. – Afternoon Activities
Full-day campers enjoy two additional activities each afternoon. More time to enjoy deeper learning about the theme of the week, splash around with water toys or lounge in the outdoor wading pools! - 3:45 p.m. – Afternoon Meeting
Campers and staff gather in the gym to hear highlights from the day, take part in a silly game or contest, and prepare for dismissal. - 4 p.m. – Dismissal
Campers and staff head outside to cars after a fun and fulfilling day of camp. - 4-6 p.m. – After-Care
For parents who need a little more time to pick up their kids, East End Explorers Day Camp offers after-care to continue the fun!
Sports Camps (K-5)
SSA Summer offers plenty of sports camps to pique the athletic interests of kids entering grades K-8. All camps are one week in length and directed by SSA coaches, ensuring the programs remain developmentally appropriate.
Our coed camps welcome boys and girls of all ability levels. From beginners looking to try a sport for the first time, to intermediate players looking to enhance their skills, SSA sports camps provide kids with a fun and exciting opportunity to learn from great coaches and players! As an added benefit, each camp includes a swim period, giving young athletes a chance to cool off in the summer heat!
2020 Dates & Rates
Location: SSA Senior School, Fox Chapel
(423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238)
Ages: Varies by program (see below, based on 2020-2021 grade levels)
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Boys and Girls Tennis: June 8-12* & Aug. 3-7 (grades K-5)
Boys and Girls Basketball Camp: June 8-12* (grades 2-6)
Boys and Girls Golf Camp: July 27-31 (grades 4-8)
Boys and Girls Ice Hockey: July 27-31 (grades K-8)
Tennis & Basketball: $390
Golf: $555 (must provide own clubs)
Ice Hockey: $410 (must provide own equipment)
After Care: $10 per day, available until 6 p.m.
Before Care: FREE, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Lunch and daily swim period are included.
Limited Bus transportation is available.
*No before- or after-care June 8-12*
2020 Sports Camps
- Boys and Girls Tennis Camp
- Boys and Girls Basketball Camp
- Boys and Girls Golf Camp
- Boys and Girls Ice Hockey Camp
Boys and Girls Tennis Camp
Boys and Girls Basketball Camp
Boys and Girls Golf Camp
July 27-31, grades 4-8
SSA varsity golf coach Mark Hessler will take beginning and immediate golfers and prepare them for the next level. Golfers will spend mornings at the Pine Creek driving range honing their short game, putting and driving skills, while competing in fun skills games for prizes! After lunch, golfers will head to the Fox course at Pittsburgh North to play nine holes. Coach-to-golfer ratio is 4:1. Current varsity coaches, college golfers and a few pros will coach this camp. Must have own clubs and provide own equipment.
Boys and Girls Ice Hockey Camp
July 27-31, grades K-8
SSA prep hockey coach Jonathan Johnson and his staff lead two simultaneous ice hockey camps in our McKnight Hockey Center. The beginners' camp focuses on the fundamental skills necessary to play hockey. The advanced camp focuses on conditioning, strength and refinement of skills for the more experienced player. Players must provide their own equipment: helmet with full face mask, should pads, elbow pads, hockey gloves, hockey pants, hockey jock, shin pads, skates and a stick.
Focus Camps (K-5)
Join us for Shady Side Academy’s weeklong Focus Camps! Each fun and exciting camp is focused on specific skills to further develop your child's mind, body and spirit – from arts to science to sports and games!
Creative activities and fun games supplement the learning process, all while enjoying life on our beautiful Senior School campus. Also, in conjunction with The Handwork Studio, we are proud to offer a hands-on, project-based camp.
Instructed by Shady Side Academy coaches and teachers, and SSA Summer staff, Focus Camps are the perfect start or end to the summer!
2020 Dates & Rates
Location: SSA Senior School, Fox Chapel (423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238)
Ages: Varies by program (see below, based on 2020-2021 grade levels)
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Week I: June 8-12*
- Ovation Drama Camp (grades K-5)
- Chess Camp (grades 1-6)
- Passport to Mindfulness I (grades K-5)
Week II: July 27 - 31
- The Handwork Studio Day Camp (grades K-5)
- Passport to Mindfulness II (grades K-5)
- Chess Camp (grades 1-6)
Week III: Aug. 3-7
- Sports & Games (grades K-5)
- The Handwork Studio Day Camp (grades K-5)
- Mindful Eco-Explorers (grades K-5)
The Handwork Studio Day Camp: $490
All Other Focus Camps: $390
After Care: $10 per day, available until 6 p.m.
Before Care: FREE, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Lunch and daily swim period are included.
Limited Bus transportation is available.
*No before- or after-care June 8-12
2020 Focus Camps
- Ovation Drama Camp
- Passport to Mindfulness
- Chess Camp
- New! Mindful Eco-Explorers
- The Handwork Studio Day Camp
- Sports & Games!
Ovation Drama Camp
June 8-12, grades K-5
If you just can't wait to be a star, take the stage with some singing, dancing and acting! Taught by SSA Senior and Middle School drama staff, students will create a set, make their own costumes, learn some songs and dances, and perform for an audience of friends and family on the last day of the camp.
Passport to Mindfulness
June 8-12 and July 27-31, grades K-5
Campers will experientially "travel" to 10 different countries from India to Peru while trying a variety of contemplative practices. Folk tales, art projects, nature walks, yoga, cuisine from different countries and music are just some of the activities involved! This is a truly unique camp combining world cultures, art and fun learning!
Chess Camp
June 8-12 and July 27-31, grades 1-6
Whether new to chess or already a checkmate champion, your child can learn more about the royal game at the Chess Camp. Led by USCF National Master Ben Johnson, the camp features daily interactive chess lessons plus fun activities like team chess, chess puzzles and chess trivia. Chess teaches higher-order thinking skills and sportsmanship, so chess camp is a great way to help your child stay sharp over the summer. Chess sets are provided for use at the camp.
New! Mindful Eco-Explorers
Aug. 3-7, grades K-5
In this unique new camp, students journey inward to work with self-regulation and social-emotional learning as well as outward to play with nature and art. While having fun at the intersection or mindfulness and sustainability, campers will enjoy games, songs, cooking and outings to take advantage of the special environmental spaces on campus.
The Handwork Studio Day Camp
July 27-31 and Aug. 3-7, grades K-5
Picture your child in the care of energetic and imaginative counselors exploring the world of needle arts. At Handwork Day Camp, you’ll find campers sharing stories and laughs while working on a wide array of unique projects. Our goal is to teach useful skills such as hand-sewing, embroidery, knitting, weaving, needle-felting and much more! Campers are always free to express themselves and are enveloped in creativity and fun. Whether refining skills or learning brand-new ones, our camp is sure to delight. Join the fun with different projects every week!
Sports & Games!
Aug. 3-7, grades K-5
This multi-sport camp offers basic guided instruction and semi-competitive play in sports including tennis, soccer, basketball and track & field. Recreational sports such as kickball, dodgeball and volleyball will complement “training” sessions. All campers will get a chance to relax and recuperate in our beautiful indoor pool.
A Typical Day at Focus Camp
- 7:30 a.m. – Before-Care
Our early-riser campers gather in the camp office. - 8:45 a.m. – Arrival
The gym begins to fill with the sounds of play as campers arrive from parent drop-off and bus transportation. - 9 a.m. – Morning Meeting
Each camp's lead counselor welcomes campers, takes attendance and explains the day's schedule. - 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. – Morning Activities
Campers move to their Focus Camp locations and begin with introductory and team-building activities. Instructors focus on teaching new skills and honing old ones that will culminate in a final project or activity. - 12 p.m. – Lunch and Recess
Our community gathers in the Dining Hall with lunch served family-style. A period of free play follows on the quad. - 1:20-3:45 p.m. – Afternoon Activities
A period of swim and/or gym games is also offered for older campers. - 3:45 p.m. – Afternoon Meeting
Campers and staff gather in the gym to get ready for dismissal and reflect on the awesome day! - 4 p.m. – Dismissal
Campers head outside to cars and buses after a fun and fulfilling day of camp. - 4-6 p.m. – After-Care
For parents who need a little more time to pick up their kids, we offer after-care. Campers relax in our air-conditioned lounge area, watch kid-friendly movies, play board games and work on art projects.
New! STEAM Camps (K-5)
Join SSA Summer as we offer brand-new STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) camps! In addition to Shady Side Academy's own STEAM experts, we have partnered with Snapology and Drobots to offer a variety of week-long programs. Instructors will engage children of all ages through hands-on activities with LEGOs, computers, robots, drones and other cutting-edge technology!
2020 Dates & Rates
Location: SSA Senior School School, Fox Chapel (423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238)
Ages: Varies by program (see below, based on 2020-2021 grade levels)
Times: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
June 8-12*
- Snapology STEAM Club (grades 1-6)
July 6-10
- Drobots LEGO STEM Avengers (grades 1-3)
July 13-17
- Drobots LEGO Jedi Engineering (grades K-2)
- Drobots Drone Racing & Obstacle Course Challenge (grades 3-5)
July 27 - 31
- Drobots Drone Escape & Rescue (grades 3-5)
August 3-7
- STEAM Art Week with Snapology (grades 1-6)
- Drobots STEMQuest Jr: Star Wars BB8 Adventurers (grades 1-3)
- Drobots Drone Dancing & Storyboard Synchronization (grades 3-5)
Drobots Drone STEM Programs: $425
All Other Programs: $390
After Care: $10 per day, available until 6 p.m.
Before Care: FREE, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Lunch is included.
Limited Bus transportation is available.
*No before- or after-care June 8-12
NEW! Snapology Camps
Snapology STEAM Club
June 8-12, grades 1-6
In Snapology’s STEAM Club, campers will actively experiment with the principles of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. All programs and activities are hands-on with guided instruction from an experienced Snapologist. Snapology programs utilize teamwork, communication and creative problem-solving as an essential part of creating a fun and productive atmosphere where students can learn, challenge themselves and practice their social skills. Campers will work with a partner to create a variety of structures, robots, machines and more to solve challenges presented to them in this exciting enrichment club!
STEAM Art Week With Snapology
Aug. 3-7, grades 1-6
Enjoy a fun week of STEAM art with SSA Country Day School teacher Kelly Bellini and Snapology! Morning periods with Ms. Bellini will be focused on creativity, imagination and engaging projects, using a variety of materials for art-making and building. Campers will explore techniques of the master artists and use those skills to create their own masterpieces! In the afternoon, Pittsburgh's Snapology will join campers to host their Brick Art & Design Lab. Artist Edgar Degas once said, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” Campers will learn about different types of art and the periods in which they were created. Then they will interpret what they see and create their own works of art out of LEGO bricks, drawing inspiration and guidance from great works of art like Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Wright’s Fallingwater, and many more! By the end of the week, campers will be able to not only share information about famous artists, art forms and art movements, but also to create their own unique works of art that reach beyond the past and into the future.
About Snapology
Snapology was created by two sisters, Lisa and Laura Coe, who observed the love their children had for creative play using building blocks and other materials that snap together. The idea of offering enrichment classes and camps to teach science, technology, engineering, mathematics, art and literacy concepts excited them given both of their backgrounds in mathematics and science.
Snapology’s mission is to provide educational play to children using LEGO® bricks, K’Nex, computers and other interactive mediums. Our passion is providing programs to children of all abilities, including gifted children and those with extra needs.
Drobots Camps
- LEGO STEM Avengers
- LEGO Jedi Engineering
- Drone Racing & Obstacle Course Challenge
- Drone Escape & Rescue
- STEMQuest Jr: Star Wars BB8 Adventures
- Drone Dancing & Storyboard Synchronization
- About Drobots
LEGO STEM Avengers
July 6-10, grades 1-3
Explore all the caped crusaders and discover their super powers in this action packed LEGO® camp. Create a fantasy world and protect it against all the evil arch-enemies with custom contraptions made with LEGO® bricks. Campers will build the SHIELD Jet, custom secret lairs, and speedy flying contraptions. Avengers fans will love this camp as they work in teams to defeat Loki!
LEGO Jedi Engineering
July 13-17, grades K-2
Prepare for a full-day LEGO camp packed with hands-on and minds-on STEM fun! Build projects inspired by cool machines close to home such as Cities, Garbage Trucks and Catamarans. Then build X-Wings, Energy Catapults and Defense Turrets from a galaxy far, far away! Learn about BOTH kinds of The Force in this full-day themed engineering camp for LEGO fanatics!
Drone Racing & Obstacle Course Challenge
July 13-17, grades 3-5
Get ready to pitch, yaw, roll and thrust around the drone arena in this exhilarating camp program. Throughout the week, campers will enjoy one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, drone racing. Campers will learn about the basic safety of drone flying before fine-tuning their hand-eye coordination skills and free flying the drone. Campers will advance through an abundance of skill challenges, both in the air and on the ground, as they learn how to perform various exercises and maneuvers to become familiar with the drone’s speed and agility. Each day, teams of “flight squads” post up against one another in friendly competition as they race against not only one another, but also the clock. Pilots will first maneuver the drone through creative yet compact obstacle courses before taking on the challenge of flying for speed. There is a creative component to this camp program, as flight squads will help to create the course design and then, help build the obstacle course in preparation for the last day’s final activities and Drone Olympic competition.
Drone Escape & Rescue
July 27-31, grades 3-5
This camp introduces the enjoyment of flying drones to the real-world application of learning how to use drones in emergency response situations. This is an action-packed and creative program where teams of campers (flight squads) face off, taking on both the “rescuer” and the “victim” mentality. Throughout the week, campers will participate in fun yet realistic role-playing missions while they attempt to outsmart and outmaneuver the opposing team. Flight squads also will work together to conduct mock search and rescue challenges – all in a safe and friendly competitive environment. Campers will earn their wings, take pride and gain confidence with each assignment. The key will be how well each team works together and within their flight squads to conquer the adventures at hand. Also included in this program are the innovative Drobots Drone Games, including challenges and concepts such as: Keys To Millions; Spy Drone, Drones To The Rescue, Drone Pod-Racing and more.
STEMQuest Jr: Star Wars BB8 Adventures
Aug. 3-7, grades 1-3
BB8 Adventures takes STEM to a galaxy far, far away. This program combines all of the highlights from the latest Star Wars movies, specifically the newest droid, D-0, and the rest of the popular bots, which are certain to excite your camper! Each day, teams of campers (squads) work together, with encouragement and guidance from their Jedi counselors, to customize droid-like robots and complete various Yoda engineering challenges. Throughout the week, campers will dunk intergalactic basketballs into mini hoops, play BB8 battleship, and joust in the balloon popping droid arena. Each challenge presents the campers with hands-on building and engineering lessons to help make their bots jump up ramps, roll through tunnels, and bounce over barriers. BB8 Adventures offers a friendly and collaborative environment, encouraging teamwork, sportsmanship and positivity – all while introducing campers to become active participants with today’s most applicable, exciting and new technology.
Drone Dancing & Storyboard Synchronization
Aug. 3-7, grades 3-5
This unique program combines drone and robot technology with the visual arts. Modeled after the Drobots National Synchronized Dancing Drone Competition, this STEAM-focused camp offers creative, fun and engaging projects for participants of all interests and experience. No other camp offers such an exciting opportunity to combine and synchronize drones flying in the air with drones rolling on the ground. Throughout the week, campers will split time between both the Dancing Drone activity station and the Drone Storyboard activity station, where they will work together in teams to build a portfolio of creative, technology-based presentations. Campers will utilize autonomous programming and technology to unveil real-life stories and performances as the drones and robots interact with one another and assume certain character roles within the story. It’s time to create a technology masterpiece with a narrative that includes: drones, robots, design, music, drawing and coding, and then share your final presentation with your family and friends.
About Drobots
Drobots Company was originally founded by a small group of parents, educators, visionaries and do-it-yourself engineers. The mission was and still is to inspire students to reduce time in front of a computer screen and instead utilize drone technology in a setting that promotes collaborative project-based learning in a positive educational environment. Hence, the company trademark slogan, Where Technology Meets Fresh Air™.
At Drobots we create flexible experiences that shift students between the excitement and hands-on activities of our indoor activities and the freedom and exploration of the outdoors. Participants utilize imagination, hand-eye coordination and STEM applications to conquer challenges and missions – all in a team-oriented environment. Under the umbrella of a friendly competitive and gamified teaching and learning methodology, participants collaborate in a team setting to deconstruct challenges and then solve them.
Summer School (2-5)
Shady Side Academy offers Summer School courses to meet the needs and interests of elementary school students entering grades 2-5. Courses reinforce learning from the prior school year and prepare students for the challenges of the school year ahead.
Language arts and mathematics classes enrich the academic experience through hands-on engagement with subject material and close, working relationships with teachers. Class sizes range from 5-14 students and are assigned by grade level and ability. Classes will follow a two-week session model with projects and activities culminating in that time frame. An entire summer course is six weeks, which equates to three two-week sessions. Each 45-50 minute class period is typically followed by daily homework assignments, including weekends, to deepen understanding and prepare for the next day of learning. We recognize that summer is a time for play, and our aim is to provide students the opportunity to bolster their academic skills in a supportive and engaging environment.
Need full-day child care? Our Stay & Play option pairs Summer School classes with Day Camp Discovery for a full day of learning and fun! See below for details.
2020 Dates & Rates
Location: SSA Senior School, Fox Chapel (423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238)
Ages: Kids entering grades 2-5 in 2020-2021
Dates: June 15 - July 24
Course Times:
Language Arts 2: 8:45-9:45 a.m.
Language Arts 3: 8:45-9:45 a.m.
Language Arts 4: 9:50-10:50 a.m.
Language Arts 5: 10:55-11:55 a.m.
Math 2: 9:50-10:50 a.m.
Math 3: 9:50-10:50 a.m.
Math 4: 10:55-11:55 a.m.
Math 5: 8:45-9:45 a.m.
(Course times subject to change)
Stay and Play (School + Camp): 8:45 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Individual Courses Only: $1,000 each
One Course + Stay & Play: $2,520
Two Courses + Stay & Play: $3,020
Bi-weekly enrollments available at a minimum. Please contact summerprograms@shadysideacademy.org if you need accommodations to your schedule and for more information.
Stay & Play
Need full-day child care? Your kid will enjoy the best of both worlds when you register for SSA Stay & Play! Kids enroll in six weeks of Summer School, and when they're not in class they enjoy the rest of day in Day Camp Discovery! This option is only available for the entire six-week session.
After Care: $10 per day, available until 6 p.m.
Before Care: FREE, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Lunch is included.
Limited bus transportation is available.
Progress Reports
Progress reports are issued at the end of the fully completed six-week summer session to provide parents with individualized and detailed feedback on their child's experience. In addition, teachers provide parents with a checklist after four weeks to keep them informed about their child's coursework with individualized comments as needed. Classroom teachers keep the Summer School Director up to date on student progress with teaching goals, instructions, and expectations individualized.
Summer Focus on Reading - Elementary Language Arts
The Summer Focus on Reading class builds upon and encourages students' love for reading and storytelling. Students will seek to address "summer reading loss" through daily reading and written response, which helps significantly with reading comprehension and vocabulary growth.
Students read books from Shady Side Academy's summer reading lists and other age-appropriate library selections. The selected books provide opportunities to discuss the literary elements of setting, characters and plot. Students learn to discern a story’s main ideas and to discover literary signposts that point to significant moments within the narrative. Since the focus of each two-week session is on a specific book, writing will be focused on identification of literary elements, signposts, and summaries. These are hands-on courses that meet students at their current level and help prepare them for the challenges of the school year ahead.
Elementary Mathematics
Elementary math classes are hands-on, skills-based, engaging courses that meet students at their current level and help prepare them for the challenges of the next school year. Through projects, play and problem-solving activities, students bolster their math skills and passion for the subject.
We recommend enrolling your child in the course most closely aligned with the math course he or she will be taking in the 2020-2021 school year. For most students this is their grade level for the 2020-2021 year.