2025 Academic Summer Camps
Registration coming soon!
Course Objectives:
1. Overcoming Fear: Uncover the psychological barriers to public speaking and learn strategies to overcome fear and anxiety. Engage in exercises designed to build confidence and prepare you mentally for public appearances.
2. Technique Mastery: From crafting your message to delivering it flawlessly, master the techniques that will make your speech stand out. Learn about the power of storytelling, the use of rhetorical devices, and how to structure your speech for maximum impact.
3. Nonverbal Communication: Discover how body language, facial expressions, and eye contact can enhance your message and engage your audience. Practice posture, gestures, and movement to add depth to your presentations.
4. Vocal Dynamics: Explore the nuances of tone, volume, and pacing. Learn vocal exercises to improve your voice projection and articulation, ensuring your message is heard clearly and effectively.
5. Feedback and Improvement: Engage in constructive critique sessions and receive personalized feedback to hone your skills continuously. Learn how to incorporate feedback for ongoing improvement in your public speaking abilities.
Course Instructor: Ms. Jessica Martin, English Faculty
Course Dates: June 23-27
Course Times: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: On-Campus, Room TBD
Cost: $250/Student
Special Notes: Rising students in grades 6-12
Course Description
A specialty course designed focused on the art of Rhetoric, public speaking, debating, and persuasive arguments. Students can expect a customized curriculum that relies heavily on their participation, input, and debate topics of interest. In general, these classes will involve moving around, A LOT of public speaking, and writing that helps focus their ideas, take notes, and make edits to material to denote where emphasis/meaning should be included.
Students will be able to:
- Communicate confidently
- Speak to a wide-range and diverse audience with comprehensive knowledge of their topic(s)
- Emote, empathize, and understand their topics when presenting
- Provide clear and repeatable methods of presenting topics that can be utilized across multiple formats
- Debate confidently, respectfully, and accurately using both their topics and debate standards as tools to persuade their peers and/or audience
Course Instructor: Mr. Enrique Lopez, Social Studies Faculty
Course Dates: July 7-10
Course Times: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: On-Campus, Room TBD
Cost: $250/Student
Special Notes: Recommended for rising 7th-12th grade students.
Course Description
To introduce and prepare incoming students and/or middle school students to what to expect at S.T.A. High School. Students can expect a generalized overview of the courses, expectations, society, environment, and identity found at S.T.A., while also honing their own academic skills. This course aims at presenting interested students with a full overview of what “STAndardizing” their academic practices looks like while preparing them for the rigor expected of an S.T.A. student. Students with ample questions about high school, a drive for preparation, and/or an eagerness to succeed are encouraged to apply!
Students will be able to:
- Identify, recognize, interpret, and execute instructions
- Share and collaborate on best practices
- Understand the impact of S.T.A.’s religious identity on our school culture
- Navigate a complex high school schedule and instructor expectations
- Self-reflect on their goals for their education and where their interests fall
Course Instructor: Mr. Enrique Lopez, Social Studies Faculty
Course Dates: July 21-24
Course Times: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: On-Campus, Room TBD
Cost: $200/Student
Special Notes: Recommended for STA transfer students in addition to those listed above.
Course Description
This summer program aims to strengthen and expand upon student’s science abilities and curiosities. This intensive will build on core physical science concepts to prepare students for future high school science courses. Students will dive into the history of the atom and build models of atoms, learn about the unique organization of the periodic table, perform lab investigations to characterize and understand the properties of matter, and compete in challenges to improve lab techniques, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. This course is appropriate for anyone with a love of science and a desire to improve lab skills and physical science knowledge.
Course Instructor: Dr. Kelleigh Kennedy, Science Faculty
Course Dates: July 21-27
Course Times: 1:00-3:30 PM
Location: On-Campus, Room TBD
Cost: $250/Student
Special Notes: Recommended for incoming high school students
Course Description
In many cases of disease, personalizing the medicine for every individual’s unique genetic sequence to the specific mutated protein to a specialized medicine to fit perfectly to that mutated protein, is the future of treatment. This summer program aims to dive deep into biochemistry, molecular biology, and medical chemistry to look at how this process works from genes to medicinal synthesis reactions. Students will isolate and extract genes then express these genes to grow proteins of interest which will then be isolated and purified. Students will also take a computational approach and look at computer modeling to help identify unique pharmacological targets and drug design. Finally, students will model the process of medicinal chemistry by completing an organic synthesis reaction.
Course Instructor: Dr. Kelleigh Kennedy, Science Faculty
Course Dates: July 21-25 & July 28-August 1
Course Times: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: On-Campus, Room TBD
Cost: $500/Student
Special Notes: Recommended for current high school students only (completed Biology)
Course Description
We live in a video-based culture, which means that most of our formation comes from television, film, and social media. The Church, rather than run from this new reality, encourages us to meet people where they are. In that spirit, this course, which will be aimed at eighth graders, will demonstrate that many popular films can, in fact, communicate profound faith-based messages, often in surprising ways. We will study a variety of contemporary films, which could include The Lego Movie, The Prince of Egypt, Spider-Man 2, and Queen of Katwe, among others.
The format will be as follows:
General introduction: What can stories teach us? How might we learn lessons about faith from stories? Overview of the course.
Themes: Vocation and the call to holiness. Service/Works of Mercy. Prayer.
Structure: Students will receive an overview of the particular theme, the film we will watch, and then we’ll watch the film. Students will be expected to work through questions while watching the film and will be expected to have thoughtful discussions about its themes. At the end of the course, students will complete a project.
Course Instructor: Mr. Jon Bishop, Theology Faculty
Course Dates: July 28-August 1
Course Times: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: On-Campus, Room TBD
Cost: $250/Student
Special Notes: Recommended for rising 8th graders
Course Description
Embarking on the journey to higher education, the college essay stands as a pivotal element of your application, offering a unique opportunity to showcase your voice, experiences, and writing prowess.This course is designed to provide students with a robust foundation and a head start in crafting compelling college essays.
Throughout this course, participants will delve into the critical aspects that constitute an effective college essay. We will explore the essence of what makes a college essay stand out, from the thematic depth to the clarity of expression. We will work through the strategic use of figurative language, enabling students to add texture and depth to their narratives.
By the end of this course, students will not only have a comprehensive understanding of what makes a powerful college essay but also leave with a draft tailored to make a lasting impression on admissions officers. Whether you’re just starting to brainstorm or seeking to refine your final draft, this workshop will equip you with the insights and skills necessary to navigate the college essay writing process with confidence.
Course Objectives:
1. Understanding the College Essay: An overview of the role and importance of the college essay in the admissions process, including analysis of successful examples.
2. Structural Mastery: Guidance on organizing your essay for maximum impact, including how to effectively introduce themes, develop a coherent narrative, and conclude with a compelling resolution.
3. Writing Techniques: Hands-on instruction in writing techniques that elevate your essay, with a focus on voice, tone, and use of language.
4. Personal Narrative Exploration: Strategies for selecting and refining your essay topic to ensure it reflects your individuality, strengths, and aspirations.
5. Figurative Language Usage: An in-depth look at how metaphors, similes, and descriptive language can enhance your storytelling.
6. Workshop and Peer Review: Interactive sessions where students draft, share, and receive feedback on their essays, fostering a supportive learning environment.
Course Instructor: Ms. Jessica Martin, English Faculty
Course Dates: July 28-August 1
Course Times: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: On-Campus, Room TBD
Cost: $250/Student
Special Notes: Recommended for rising 11th and 12th grade students.
Course Description
This course is ideal for anyone who has felt intimidated by Shakespeare’s works, whether due to the language barrier, the depth of thematic content, or simply not knowing where to start. This course is designed for students who wish to conquer their fear of reading Shakespeare and immerse themselves in the richness of his works. Recognizing that William Shakespeare’s texts can seem daunting at first, this course is set up to ease learners into the linguistic beauty and complex narratives that have captivated audiences for centuries. Discover the timeless relevance and beauty of Shakespeare’s works, transforming your reading experience and confidence.
Course Objectives:
1. Demystify Shakespeare: Break down the barriers of early modern English, making Shakespeare’s texts more accessible and enjoyable.
2. Explore Symbolism and Themes: Uncover the common symbols and recurring themes throughout Shakespeare’s plays, providing a deeper understanding.
3. Deep Dive into the Language: Engage with Shakespeare’s innovative use of language, including his wordplay, metaphors, and the rhythm of iambic pentameter.
4. Historical Contextualization: Offer background knowledge on the Elizabethan era to enrich the understanding of the social, political, and cultural influences on Shakespeare’s work.
5. Interactive Learning: Through readings, discussions, and performances, participants will actively engage with the material, fostering a personal connection with the texts.
6. Overcoming Shakespeare Anxiety: Through techniques and practice, students will foster confidence and enjoyment in reading and discussing Shakespeare’s plays.
Course Instructor: Ms. Jessica Martin, English Faculty
Course Dates: July 28-August 1
Course Times: 1:00-3:30 PM
Location: On-Campus, Room TBD
Cost: $250/Student
Special Notes: Recommended for rising 7th-12th grade students.