Summer School 2023

June 26 – July 28, 2023

Middle School

for students entering grades 7–8
The Middle School provides a balanced array of academic and enrichment courses for students, both Hopkins and non-Hopkins, who will enter grades 7–8 in the fall.

Five weeks in length, the summer session runs from June 26 through July 28, and is held on the tranquil 104-acre Hopkins School campus overlooking the city of New Haven.

Two core courses are offered to the Middle School: Pre-Algebra in the morning which can be paired with Expository & Creative Writing in the afternoon. In addition, Squash programs are also available. Classes are kept small, typically averaging between 8 and 10 students. The Summer School reserves the right to cancel a class that does not reach the minimum enrollment of four students. The academic day begins at 8:00 am and ends at 1:15 pm. In honor of July 4th, we will not have school on Tuesday, July 4.

Middle School Courses

List of 3 items.

  • Pre-Algebra

    Open to students entering grades 7–8.
    Class meets 9:00–11:00 AM, June 26 through July 28.

    The pre-algebra review course is designed to offer students an introduction to elementary algebra, while at the same time broadening their understanding of the inter-relationships among different mathematical disciplines. Three content themes—applied arithmetic, basic algebra, geometry and measurement—are interwoven in this course. An emphasis is given to real world applications and operations. This class caps at 10 students.
     
    Cost: $1,200 (code #130)
    If taken in combination with Expository & Creative Writing or Middle School Science: Cost: $2,000.
     

  • Expository & Creative Writing

    Open to students entering grades 7–8.
    Class meets 11:15 AM–1:15 PM, June 26 through July 28.  



    This course builds upon fundamental skills and seeks to improve the quality of writing through the composition and revision of essays and other short pieces of written work. Based upon our belief that clear writing comes from clear thinking, the writing course emphasizes various approaches to the logical development of ideas and to methods of organizing ideas. Sentence structure, paragraph coherence, and common writing errors will be examined and discussed. Assignments will cover various types of expository writing, allowing as much latitude for creativity and originality as possible. This class caps at 10 students.
     
    Cost: $1,200 (code #102)
    If taken in combination with Pre-algebra or Middle School Science: Cost: $2,000. 


     
     

  • Middle School Science

    Bacteria, Bugs, & Biotechnology - a fun survey of cool things Biologists get to do!

    Open to students entering grades 7–8. Class meets 9:00 – 11:00 am or 11:15 am – 1:15 pm, June 26 through July 28.  
    Join us for a summer of Biology exploration! Students will study the invisible microbial world that surrounds us, exploring biodiversity in the Hopkins forest, and delve into the mysterious workings of cells. Members of class will engage in activities and hands-on investigations, such as: 
    • Creating homemade pH indicators
    • Researching their favorite pathogen
    • Collecting and studying invertebrates (respiration rate and behavior investigations)
    • Solving epidemiological mysteries 
    • Turning E. coli blue with the magic of molecular genetics
    No prior experience with Biology needed (but a curiosity about the world around you encouraged!)

    Cost: $1,200 (code #120)
    If taken in combination with Pre-algebra or Expository & Creative Writing: Cost: $2,000. 

Squash Program

The Hopkins Squash Camp is a co-educational instruction program which offers students an opportunity to strengthen foundation skills while acquiring the techniques necessary to improve or excel. Our instruction occurs in a positive, age-appropriate atmosphere conducive to both learning and fun.
Participants are grouped according to their age and ability and enrollment is limited to ensure that individual and small group instruction provide a superior experience. Expert coaching, always a hallmark of Hopkins athletics, focuses on honing existing skills and individual strengths. In addition, concepts and tactics are taught through game or match situations.

Financial aid is not offered for Squash Camp.

List of 2 items.

  • Squash: Beginner and Intermediate, Levels I and II

    Forbes magazine named squash as the world’s healthiest game for its excellent physical and mental demands, low risk of injury, and lifetime availability. US Squash Level II coach, Brad Czepiel, and his staff of trained coaches and advanced players teach proper stroke mechanics, graceful court movement, and effective match strategy for new and intermediate players. Individual and group coaching, and a variety of on- and off-court activities inspire the budding squash player. A mid-practice video break allows campers a time to refresh for the final hour’s action.

    Equipment: Players are welcome to borrow Hopkins’ racquets, glasses, and shoes.

    Week 1: June 26–30, Cost: $300 (code #307)
    Week 2: July 3, 5-7, Cost: $240 (code #308)
    Week 3: July 10-14, Cost: $300 (code #309)

    Some court space is open to campers and supervised by coaches 11:00 am – 1:30 pm for extra play.
     

  • Squash: Advanced, Level III

    Squash Level III builds experienced players’ fundamentals to help them get even more power, finesse, and success from their game. Each week focuses on central, critical skills, though other related on- and off-court elements will be addressed. Throughout, the camp makes an asset of Hopkins’ hot courts; the pace is high, and outright winners are very difficult, a combination that acclimatizes players to the long, creative points of advanced junior squash. Camp limited to 12 players.

    Squash Level III Coaches - see below

    We select coaches based on their ability to communicate with and inspire junior players. We have had coaches from Trinity College, Yale College, and the PSA tour. We have found great success with coaches from A-level prep schools and private clubs.

    We maintain a 3:1 (or better) player:coach ratio, which is extraordinarily low.

    Week 1: Building points - Oscar Lopez-Hidalgo is the assistant coach for Trinity College's women's team. As a coach at his alma mater, the University of Rochester, he and his fellow coaches were awarded Coaching Staff of the Year by the Liberty League. Prior, he coached top juniors and developed a successful squash program at the  Genesee Valley Club in Rochester, N.Y.
    - Shot placements and sequences; accuracy work
    - Drills working on technical constructs of the game
    June 26–30
    Cost: $395 (code #310)

    Week 2: Strategies - Oscar Lopez-Hidalgo is the assistant coach for Trinity College's women's team. As a coach at his alma mater, the University of Rochester, he and his fellow coaches were awarded Coaching Staff of the Year by the Liberty League. Prior, he coached top juniors and developed a successful squash program at the  Genesee Valley Club in Rochester, N.Y.
    - Setting up points
    - Understanding and deploying tactics
    July 3, 5-7
    Cost: $320 (code #311)

    Week 3: Matchplay - Whitney Stewart began playing at age seven with World Champion Hashim Khan.  As a junior, Whitney won US Junior Nationals twice, Canadian Juniors twice, and was consistently ranked #2 or #3. At Yale, she played #1. Currently, Whitney coaches the Hopkins Varsity Boys team.
    - Implementing tactics across a match
    - Assessing and adapting
    July 10-14
    Cost: $395 (code #312)

    All squash camps meet in Hopkins’ six-court Kneisel Squash Center located at the top of the quad and most easily accessed via the 94 Knollwood Drive entrance.
986 Forest Road
New Haven, Connecticut 06515
(203) 397-1001