Summer Academy
Overview/Welcome
Welcome to Summer Academy
Lake Forest Academy’s Summer Academy provides a remarkable learning opportunity for high school students and middle school students. High school students will engage in a rigorous curriculum taught by LFA teachers. Current LFA students will have the option to earn transcript credit. Non-LFA high school students can have a transcript sent to their high school, and acceptance of credit will be determined by the student's school/district policies. Middle school students will explore a plethora of topics and have fun developing and sharpening their critical thinking skills while having the opportunity to learn on our campus.
The Summer Academy high school program will run from June 9-July 2, with additional half-credit, eight-day sessions running June 9-18 and June 23-July 2. The high school program will hold classes between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day with a 30-minute complimentary lunch in the Academy's dining hall located in the JC Cowart Student Center. All classes will be held at Lake Forest Academy's campus, although the possibility of field trips does exist. The cost for the full-credit high school program is $3,000 and the half-credit program is $1,500. For students registering from the same household, please contact Shannon Dey to inquire about the sibling discount of 10 percent.
See High School Credit Course tab above for course details.
See High School Credit Course details below.
The Middle school program will run from June 9-20 with no classes on June 19th. All classes will also be held on Lake Forest Academy's campus. The Middle School program will have a variety of offerings over two weeks – a week-long morning session from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and a week-long afternoon session from 12:15-3:15 p.m. (campers can participate in both sessions and have a complimentary lunch on campus). The cost of Middle School camps will be $500/camp during session one, $400/camp during session two, and a discounted total of $1,600 for four sessions over the two weeks of Summer Academy for middle school students. Please contact Shannon Dey to receive the four session discount code that can be applied at checkout. For campers registering from the same household for all four sessions, a sibling discount of 10 percent is available.
See Middle School STEAM Camp tab above for camp details.
See Middle School STEAM Camp details below.
Registration
High School Credit Courses
8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Full-Credit: June 9-July 2 | Half-Credit Session 1: June 9-June 18 | Half-Credit Session 2: June 23-July 2
Courses that run will be dependent on enrollment numbers.
Full Credit: June 9-July 2
Geometry
Length: 3½ weeks of full day classes
Dates: June 9-July 2 (no camp 6/19)
Time: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Teacher: Emily Hansen
[One Credit]
This standard Geometry course covers concepts of Euclidean geometry including definitions, postulates, and theorems. Areas of study include angles, parallel lines, congruent and similar triangles, polygons, the Pythagorean Theorem, trigonometry, circles, area and volume. The content is also explored through analytical geometry, and the students work to improve their algebraic skills. Additionally, the course includes a proof component. A mathematics laboratory is utilized to allow students to have actual hands-on experience with technology and real-world mathematical modeling.
Students will need a scientific calculator that is capable of trigonometry.
Algebra 2
Length: 3½ weeks of full day classes
Dates: June 9-July 2 (no camp 6/19)
Time: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Teacher: Dieter Villegas
[One Credit]
This Algebra 2 course looks at topics both symbolically and graphically. Major topics include polynomials (linear, quadratic, and higher degree), rational functions, powers and roots, exponentials and logarithms. Within these areas, transformations, systems of equations, inequalities, applications, and modeling are addressed. Also, a mathematics laboratory is utilized to allow students to have actual hands-on experience with technology and real-world mathematical modeling.
Web Development
Length: 3½ weeks of full day classes
Dates: June 9-July 2 (no camp 6/19)
Time: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Teacher: Stella Choi
[One Credit]
This Web Development: Programming Languages: HTML and CSS course introduces students to the fundamentals of web development, focusing on understanding how the Internet works and building skills in HTML and CSS. The primary goal is to equip students with hands-on experience in the web development process, enabling them to create functional and visually appealing websites. Students will have significant time to work on individual projects, fostering creativity and practical application of skills learned during the course. Instead of a traditional final exam, students will present a final project, which can be included in a digital portfolio for college applications. This course emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for web development and will serve as a foundation for more advanced courses such as AP Computer Science Principles (APCSP) or AP Computer Science A (APCSA). For students with prior experience in these courses, this class provides an opportunity to work independently on personal projects, further developing their expertise and ideas.
Chemistry 1
Length: 3½ weeks of full day classes
Dates: June 9-July 2 (no camp 6/19)
Time: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Teachers: Stephanie Ramirez & Kevin Ingram
[One Credit]
Chemistry 1 is an introductory course that studies the principles that determine the behavior of matter. It provides a lifelong awareness of both the potential and limitations of science and technology. Topics covered will be molecular bonding and structure, the mole, stoichiometry, solids, liquids and gasses, the periodic chart, acids, and bases. Students engage in numerous laboratory investigations, problem-solving exercises, and group activities.
iBook is REQUIRED for this course on day one.
Chemistry
Thandi Buthelezi, Laurel Dingrando, Nicholas Hainen & Cheryl Wistrom
Category: Textbooks
Biology 1
Length: 3½ weeks of full day classes
Dates: June 9-July 2 (no camp 6/19)
Time: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Teachers: Ruth Smith & Kevin Hagen
[One Credit]
The Summer Biology 1 course is designed to give the student an introduction to the major concepts and processes of Biology. The material is categorized into larger units to emphasize the connections between topics. The units focus on the major principles of life and is divided into the units of; the Nature of Science, Biochemistry (building block of life), Cell Structure, Cellular Metabolism, and Cellular Replication, Heredity, Genetics, Evolution, the History of Life, Classification, Ecology and the Human Body. Labs and hands-on activities will also be performed throughout the course to enhance the lessons, and give the students the opportunity to apply the material. While the classes will provide reinforcement of the topics, the student is expected to read and review outside of class and complete assigned work. This course is strongly aligned with the year-long Biology 1 course, although student expectations to keep up with material are a necessity to keep this alignment. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will have a better appreciation of the natural world around them and be prepared for any intro level biology course in college.
Students must have the course book on day one of class or before class begins.
Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections 10th edition – Pearson; 10th edition (2020) – ISBN-13: 978-0135269169
Eight Day Session 1: June 9-18
One-half Credit Courses
Digital Photography
Length: 8 full day classes
Dates: June 9-18
Time: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Teacher: Gillian Teichman
[One-half Credit]
This Digital Photography course introduces the essentials of using a camera, focusing on mastering manual settings to take full creative control. Students learn not only to capture compelling images but also to refine and transform their work using Photoshop, blending traditional photography techniques with modern digital tools. Over the eight-day course, students develop their skills and creativity, culminating in the creation of a personalized photo series. All levels of learners are welcome.
Eight Day Session 2: June 23-July 2
One-half Credit Courses
Digital Art & Design
Length: 8 full day classes
Dates: June 23-July 2
Time: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Teacher: Gillian Teichman
[One-half Credit]
This Digital Art & Design course provides an introduction to creating digital artworks using a variety of programs. Utilizing Adobe Creative Cloud, students explore techniques such as designing GIFs in Adobe Express, blending drawing and photography in Photoshop, and creating frame-by-frame animations in Adobe Animate and Photoshop. All levels of learners are welcome.
Non-credit Enrichment Courses
Mindful Executive Functioning
Length: 8 full day classes
Dates: June 23-July 2
Time: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Teacher: Teal Griffin
[Non-credit Enrichment Course]
In this course, students will learn executive functioning skills, including flexible thought, organizing and prioritizing materials and time, study methods and memory skills, self monitoring skills, and self regulation mechanisms. Students will participate in daily mindful exercises, such as visualization, meditation and yoga, complete a long term project, and will leave with several tools and templates that they can use to organize themselves and prepare for the upcoming school year.
*open to rising 9th graders
Middle School STEAM+ Camps
Week 1: June 9-13 | Week 2: June 16-20
Morning Session: 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Afternoon Session: 12:15-3:15 p.m.
For rising 6th, 7th, 8th, & 9th graders.
Courses that run will be dependent on enrollment numbers.
Week 1 – June 9-13
Morning Camps
Executive Functioning
Prepping for High School
Length: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 9–13
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:15-3:15 p.m.
Teacher: Teal Griffin
Level up your brainpower! In this camp, campers will unlock essential executive functioning skills like flexible thought, organizing and prioritizing materials and time, study methods and memory skills, self-monitoring skills, and self-regulation mechanisms. Campers will leave with several tools and templates that they can use to organize themselves and prepare for the upcoming school year.
Introduction to Computer Science
Length: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 9–13
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Teacher: Stella Choi
This fun and engaging camp offers an exciting hands-on introduction to the world of computer science. Campers will dive into coding to solve puzzles, navigate maps, and learn about computational thinking. They'll develop problem-solving skills by breaking down complex problems into manageable steps and designing algorithms to find solutions. This camp provides an excellent foundation for campers interested in Advanced Computer Science Principles, with optional challenges around algorithms for those who want to explore more advanced concepts. It's a perfect starting point for anyone looking to build a strong understanding of computer science in a fun and interactive way.
Science Olympiad
Builds
Length: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 9–13
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Teacher: Kevin Ingram
Do you like to design things? Build or engineer things using everyday items? Test and modify designs to perfect their purpose? In this week-long camp, we will design, construct, and modify different building projects. It will be messy at times and some things won't work perfectly the first time (or the second time...). We will work to fix failed designs and improve working designs. In doing so we will collaborate with peers and think creatively and analytically. The projects we will work on are common build events in Science Olympiad competitions, such as mousetrap cars, miniature catapults, and marble runs.
Exploring Anatomy & Physiology
Length: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 9–13
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Teacher: Mathias Kerr
[Suggested for Rising 7th 8th & 9th grade]
In this interactive camp, you’ll experience a hands-on introduction to the science of Anatomy and Physiology. You’ll learn about the skeletal and muscular systems, the nervous system, the senses, and the circulatory system through cool activities, demos, and yes—dissections! While there will be some delivery of important information, most of the time will be spent in the lab, getting up close and personal with real biological specimens. On the final day, you’ll take part in the ultimate dissection—a fetal pig—where you’ll explore how all the body systems work together in one amazing specimen.
Afternoon Camps
Introduction to Ceramics
Length: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 9–13
Time: 12:15-3:15 p.m.
Teacher: Yue Chen
This introductory ceramics camp will expose campers to basic hand-building, including pinch, coil-building, slab-building procedures, and wheel-thrown techniques. Campers will construct a variety of utilitarian and non-utilitarian projects. Campers will also engage in fundamental glazing and basic electronic kiln firing techniques. All projects will include exposure to various tools, methods, and visual art elements and principles. Last but not least, campers will be introduced to a brief history and aesthetic appreciation of ceramics art via global lenses, as opposed to only European arts.
Mindful Movement
Length: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 9–13
Time: 12:15-3:15 p.m. (TBD)
Teacher: Teal Griffin
This Mindful Movement camp will boost your focus, improve your athletic performance, and feel more balanced. Through yoga in the gardens, calming meditations, and invigorating sensory walks, you'll discover the benefits of mindfulness. Learn practical tools to handle stress, improve concentration, and bring more awareness to everything you do – from schoolwork to sports and beyond. Get ready to move, breathe, and connect with yourself and the world around you.
This camp can be taken as a solo afternoon camp or as an extension to the Executive Functioning camp in the morning.
Introduction to AI
& Machine Learning
Length: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 9–13
Time: 12:15-3:15 p.m.
Teacher: Stella Choi
In this dynamic and creative camp, campers will discover the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and machine learning. They'll learn how computers use data to make decisions and predictions, gaining insights into the power of AI in real-world applications. Campers will develop machine learning projects around real-world data and will have the opportunity to design their own machine learning app to solve a problem that is personally relevant to them. The camp blends creativity with technology, allowing campers to explore how AI is shaping the future while giving them the tools to build their own AI-powered solutions.
Creating Chemical Potions
Length: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 9-13
Time: 12:15-3:15 p.m.
Teacher: Kevin Ingram
This program will give campers the opportunity to participate in inquiry-based hands-on chemistry experiments. Campers will separate dyes, turn copper into silver, determine how much blue dye is in sports drinks, make a potato clock, learn how to make ice cream (and then eat it!), solve a mystery and much more.
Week 2 – June 16-20
Please note: NO CLASS will be held on June 19th in observance of Juneteenth
Morning Camps
Blockly Games & Interactive Animations
Length: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 16–20 (no camp 6/19)
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Teacher: Stella Choi
This camp is designed to make learning to code both fun and interactive. Campers will engage with Blockly Games, solving puzzles and navigating mazes while learning programming concepts like loops, conditionals, and functions in a visual and easy-to-understand format. As the camp progresses, campers will use Game Lab to create their own animations and interactive games, further developing their programming skills. This camp is perfect for middle schoolers and beginners who want a hands-on, creative introduction to coding, allowing them to make their own projects and share them with friends and family in a fun and engaging way. Optional : available for minecraft game design.
Science Olympiad
Builds
Length: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 16–20 (no camp 6/19)
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Teacher: Kevin Ingram
Do you like to design things? Build or engineer things using everyday items? Test and modify designs to perfect their purpose? In this week-long camp, we will design, construct, and modify different building projects. It will be messy at times and some things won't work perfectly the first time (or the second time...). We will work to fix failed designs and improve working designs. In doing so we will collaborate with peers and think creatively and analytically. The projects we will work on are common build events in Science Olympiad competitions, such as mousetrap cars, miniature catapults, and marble runs.
Afternoon Camps
Creating Chemical Potions
Length: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 16-20 (no camp 6/19)
Time: 12:15-3:15 p.m.
Teacher: Kevin Ingram
This program will give campers the opportunity to participate in inquiry-based hands-on chemistry experiments. Campers will separate dyes, turn copper into silver, determine how much blue dye is in sports drinks, make a potato clock, learn how to make ice cream (and then eat it!), solve a mystery and much more.
Creative Makers
Design & Fabrication
Length: 1 week of ½ day classes
Dates: June 16–20 (no camp 6/19)
Time: 12:15-3:15 p.m.
Teacher: Ashley Kolovitz
This camp will teach you all about design and fabrication giving you the opportunity to create custom projects using 3D printing, vinyl cutting, and sublimation printing. You'll learn how to solve creative challenges, use cool technology, and design your own personalized items to take home! Along the way, you’ll explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) principles while having fun with hands-on projects. By the end, you’ll have new skills and cool creations that show off your creativity and problem-solving abilities!