Summer Studies (Grades 5-12)
sessions range: 1-week - 6-week various times $350-$2,000
Sidwell Summer Studies offers both Non-Credit and Credit courses in a range of academic areas. These offerings take place on Sidwell’s DC campus.
Non-Credit / Enrichment Courses:
A variety of non-credit and review courses are offered to allow students to brush up on academic skills, further develop writing or math foundations, and explore new interests.
Credit Courses:
All credit courses meet Sidwell Friends School requirements for a credit-bearing course. Credit courses can be taken by high-performing students who want to accelerate their academic work. In 2024, credit courses (Geometry, Algebra 2, and Precalculus) will meet for 3.75 hours/day for six weeks and are considered the equivalent of a full-year course, with courses divided into two three-week semesters. Students who wish to receive credit should confirm that their school will accept the course for credit and obtain the appropriate signatures from their school. Students taking a course for credit cannot miss more than two days of class.
Non-Sidwell students can choose to audit a credit course; Sidwell students must enroll for credit.
All students must be registered for a Sidwell Summer program in order to be on campus.
Summer Studies questions should be directed to Marina Ruben rubenm@sidwell.edu.
Registration for all courses must be completed using the online registration system.
Summer 2024 Offerings
2025 programs are being confirmed and will be posted in early January.
*Full program descriptions are listed below the grid.
| 2024 Dates | Program | Rising Grades | Time |
| June 17 - 21 (*4-day week) | Geometry (6-week class; ends July 26) | 8th - 11th | 8:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. |
| Algebra 2 (6-week class; ends July 26) | 8th - 11th | 8:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | |
| Precalculus (6-week class; ends July 26) | 10th - 12th | 8:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | |
| Boost Your Brainpower | 5th - 6th | 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | |
| Professional Communication Skills | 9th - 12th | 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | |
| College Application Essay Writing | 12th | 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | |
| June 24 - 28 | Level Up Your Learning | 7th - 8th | 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. |
| Personal Finance | 9th - 12th | 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | |
| College Application Essay Writing | 12th | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | |
| Learning to Learn | 9th - 10th | 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | |
| July 1 - 3 (*3-day week) | |||
| July 8 - 12 | STEP | 6th - 9th | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
| July 15 - 19 | Algebra 1 Review (3-week class; ends August 1- No class on Fridays) | 8th - 11th | 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. |
| Close Reading (AM and PM sessions) | 9th - 11th | 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. OR 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | |
| STEP | 6th - 9th | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | |
| July 22 - 26 | Essay Planning (AM and PM sessions) | 9th - 11th | 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. OR 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. |
| STEP | 6th - 9th | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | |
| July 29 - August 2 | Close Reading + Argument-Based Writing | 7th - 8th | 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. |
| STEP | 6th - 9th | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | |
Algebra Fundamentals
Non-Credit Course: Taught by Sidwell Friends Upper School Math Teacher, Algebra Fundamentals is open to all students who have completed a first year Algebra course and are seeking to review concepts before taking Geometry or Algebra 2. Topics will include linear equations and systems, quadratics, rational functions, roots, and exponents. Problem-solving and proper writing of math will be emphasized. Students must be able and willing to manage time effectively to complete problem sets and assessments. NOTE: This class meets four days per week for a total of 12 meetings; it does not meet on Fridays.
Materials: Graphing calculator or laptop
Grade Requirement: Rising 8th - 11th graders
Dates and Times for 2025: July 7 - July 25 (3-weeks, M-TH) 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
*No class on Fridays
Tuition: $1,350
Algebra 2
Credit Course: In Algebra 2, students study the algebraic properties and graphs of real-valued functions and specific skills needed for working with applications. Previous work with linear relationships and systems is expanded, and, in addition, students study direct and inverse variation, quadratic and higher degree polynomial functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, inverses of functions, conic sections, and basic probability and data interpretation. Prerequisite: Algebra 1.
* Sidwell Friends students, please reach out to your current Math instructor for approval before enrolling in this course.
Grade Requirement: Rising 8th - 11th graders
Date & Time for 2025: June 16 - July 25 (6-weeks) - 8:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
*No class June 19 and July 4
Tuition: $2,500
Boost Your Brainpower
Non-Credit Course: Get ready to become a learning superstar with this one-week "Boost Your Brainpower” workshop! This fun and hands-on course, taught by Sidwell Friends School’s Middle School Academic Support Coordinator, will reveal the secrets of being a super-effective student. Students will learn how to organize their brains and belongings, discover powerful study strategies that will help them ace tests and conquer homework challenges, and become self-advocacy superheroes by learning how to speak up for themselves to get the help they need.
Grade Requirement: Rising 5th - 6th graders
Date & Time: June 17 - 21 (4-day week, No class June 19) - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Tuition: $400
Close Reading and Argument-Based Writing
Non-Credit Course: In this one-week workshop, taught by a Sidwell Friends School Upper School English teacher, rising 7th and 8th graders will review the basics of close reading and argument-based writing. Using short stories, poetry, and excerpts from novels and literary nonfiction, students will identify and discuss the crafting of literature. Among other factors, they will examine diction, syntax, tone, figurative language, juxtaposition, motifs, and themes. Students will also complete short writing exercises designed to provide them with the chance to make their own deliberate, varied use of literary devices. They will learn a structured, step-by-step process designed to yield a thesis-driven, five-paragraph essay, and they will practice writing evidence-based body paragraphs. As part of that process, students will read a prompt, review and annotate texts, create a rough central claim, find relevant supporting quotes, develop an outline, and finalize topic sentences and a thesis statement. *Students have the option of using a personal laptop for portions of this course.
Grade Requirement: Rising 7th - 8th graders
Date & Time: July 29 - August 2, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Tuition: $500
College Application Essay Writing
Non-Credit Course: This one-week workshop, taught by a Sidwell Friends School Upper School teacher, will focus on helping each student understand and develop an authentic voice, which they will then use in compelling self-narration. Daily activities will include how to brainstorm topics, how to begin the writing process, and revise effectively. Students will discuss sample essays, begin to draft their own, and receive multiple rounds of detailed feedback on their planning and drafts via a shared Google Doc. (Students will need access to a personal laptop for portions of this course.)
Grade Requirement: Rising 12th graders
Date & Time:
Session I: June 17 - 21 (4-day week; no class June 19) - 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Session II: June 24 - 28 (5-day week) - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tuition: $500 5-day week (Session II) / $400 4-day week (Session I)
Close Reading
Non-Credit Course: In this one-week workshop, taught by a Sidwell Friends School Upper School English teacher, students will practice the close analysis of literary texts. Using short stories, poetry, and excerpts from novels and literary nonfiction, students will identify and discuss the crafting of literature. Among other factors, they will examine diction, syntax, tone, figurative language, juxtaposition, motifs, and themes. Students will also complete short writing exercises designed to provide them with the chance to make their own deliberate, varied use of literary devices.
Grade Requirement: Rising 9th - 11th graders
Date & Time:
Session I (AM Only): July 15 – 19 (1-week) - 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Session II (PM Only): July 15 – 19 (1-week) - 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m
Tuition: $500/session
Essay Planning
Non-Credit Course: In this one-week workshop, taught by a Sidwell Friends School Upper School English teacher, students will engage in essay planning by following a structured, step-by-step process designed to yield a thesis-driven, five-paragraph essay. They will read a prompt, review and annotate texts, create a rough central claim, find relevant supporting quotes, develop an outline, and finalize topic sentences and a thesis statement. (Students will need access to a personal laptop for portions of this course.)
Grade Requirement: Rising 9th - 11th graders
Date & Time:
Session I (AM Only): July 22 - 26 (1-week) - 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Session II (PM Only): July 22 - 26 (1-week) - 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Tuition: $500/session
Geometry
Credit Course: Geometry covers Euclidean plane and solid geometry. Emphasis is on orderly and logical thinking, on the ability to develop a sound, precise, logical argument, and on the theoretical derivation and practical application of theorems and propositions. Proof is an integral part of the course. Specific topics in geometry include line segments, lines, rays, planes, congruence, triangles, quadrilaterals, regular polygons, inequalities, perpendicular and parallel lines, similarity, and circles, including tangent and secant lines and chords. Throughout the year, algebra review is a regular aspect of class work. Coordinate geometry is used both as a way to introduce and provide a different perspective on geometric topics and also as one way in which topics of Algebra 1 will be thoroughly reviewed. Additionally, basic constructions are introduced, and right triangle trigonometry is covered.
* Sidwell Friends students, please reach out to your current Math instructor for approval before enrolling in this course.
Grade Requirement: Rising 8th - 11th graders
Date & Time: June 17 - July 26 (6-weeks) - 8:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
*No class June 19, July 4, and July 5
Tuition: $2,400
Learning to Learn
Non-credit course: In this one-week workshop, taught by the Sidwell Friends School Upper School Learning Support Coordinator and Consulting Psychologist, rising 9th and 10th graders will acquire the art and skills of being an effective student. What are our executive functioning “muscles” and how do we train ourselves to be more successful in our personal and academic pursuits? Through this interactive and experiential (and non-graded!) course, students will practice a range of organizational and learning strategies to approach personal and academic goals. The course will teach foundational organizational skills and offer a toolbox of concrete strategies linked to academic success, including active reading, note-taking, prioritization, and self-advocacy.
Grade Requirement: Rising 9th and 10th graders
Date & Time: June 24 - June 28 (1-weeks) - 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Tuition: $500
Level Up Your Learning
Non-credit course: Embrace the next level of academic success with this one-week workshop, taught by our Middle School Academic Support Coordinator. Designed for rising 7th and 8th graders, this dynamic course equips students with the tools and strategies to become master learners. Students will discover the power of their executive functioning skills and the mental muscles that drive academic success; develop personalized toolboxes of study strategies tailored to learning style; and transform their approach to tasks and goals with effective time management and organization techniques.
Grade Requirement: Rising 7th - 8th graders
Date & Time: June 24 - June 28 (1-week) - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Tuition: $500
Personal Finance
Non-credit course: This summer economics course, taught by a Sidwell Friends School Upper School History teacher, is designed to provide preliminary exposure to the basics of personal finance. Students will cover topics including but not limited to budgeting, mortgages, tax policy, and the basics of investing. This course uses a variety of learning and teaching techniques, including lectures, projects, readings, and small group work. This is a non-credit bearing course; there is no expectation that students will complete homework. The goal of the workshop is to provide students with basic tools with which to understand financial and economic literature in the news and elsewhere.
Grade Requirement: Rising 9th - 12th graders
Date & Time: June 24 - June 28 (1-week) - 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Tuition: $600
Precalculus
Credit Course: Precalculus is a continuation of Algebra 2 and a precursor to Calculus. Topics will include complex numbers, conics, and function analysis, including inverse, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Additional properties regarding functions will also be covered: even/odd, composition, transformations, and inequalities. Additional topics to be considered are analytic trigonometry, applications of trigonometry, and sequences and series. Prerequisite: Algebra 2.
* Sidwell Friends students, please reach out to your current Math instructor for approval before enrolling in this course.
Grade Requirement: Rising 10th - 12th graders
Date & Time: June 17 - July 26 (6-weeks) - 8:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
*No class June 19, July 4, and July 5
Tuition: $2,400
Professional Communication Skills
Non-Credit Course: This workshop is designed to teach and provide practice in the basics of professional communication. In this weeklong course, taught by the CEO of The Handwork Studio, students will learn written, verbal, and nonverbal communication skills, including how to write polite emails and thank you notes, how to make and receive phone calls, how to greet others and make introductions, how to conduct a presentation and lead a meeting, how to be inclusive in professional settings, how to be alert to and intervene when exclusive behavior occurs, and how to use and interpret nonverbal communication (eye contact, facial expressions, body/arm language). Using written exercises and role-playing activities, students will practice skills intended to boost their communication abilities in academic and work settings.
Grade Requirement: Rising 9th - 12th graders
Date & Time: June 17 - 21 (4-day week; no class June 19) - 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Tuition: $400
STEP
Non-Credit Course: STEP offers students entering Grades 6-9 the chance to keep their academic skills fresh and further develop foundational skills (writing, math, critical thinking, etc.), while exploring new and fun interests and topics in one-week sessions!
Campers are taught by dynamic teachers, including school-year Sidwell Friends School instructors, and supported by counselors who share campers’ passion for learning.
During each week, participants will attend four workshops, which they will select at the time of registration. Two workshops will meet daily in the mornings for 75 minutes each, and two workshops will meet daily in the afternoons for 55 minutes each.
Grade Requirement: Rising 6th - 9th graders
Dates and Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
1-week sessions:
July 8 - 12
July 15 - 19
July 22 - 26July 29 - August 2
Please visit the STEP Page for more details and workshop offerings.
Summer Studies Policies
Absences: If a student will be absent, please call the Summer Office (202-537-8133) or email summer@sidwell.edu and/or rubenm@sidwell.edu by 8:30 a.m. on the morning of the absence. Students taking a course for credit may not miss more than two days of a course to be eligible to receive credit.
Conduct: Students are expected to uphold the traditions of an academic community in which all members accept responsibility to do their own work and to give credit to sources that they use. They are expected to respect the Sidwell Friends Honor Code, which does not tolerate lying or cheating. Students are expected to be in compliance at all times with generally accepted standards of behavior. Stealing, damaging, or destroying the property of any member of the school community, as well as the school itself, will not be tolerated. Students who are found to be responsible for such actions will be liable for the cost of repairing or replacing the items involved and will be subject to disciplinary action, which, at the discretion of the Director of Summer Studies, may include expulsion from the program. If expulsion occurs, tuition will not be refunded.
Financial Aid: Financial aid may be available to Sidwell Friends School students who receive financial aid during the regular school year. A written request for financial aid is required. The Black Student Fund, Latino Student Fund, and other independent schools may also be able to provide financial aid. Please contact other organizations directly.
Reports: A final report of work and achievement in all for-credit courses is sent to parents/guardians and, if applicable, to the student’s school. Midterm reports are sent to families. If non-Sidwell students would like their school to receive a final grade report, they must provide the Director of Summer Studies with information about where to send this information.