Middle School

List of 8 items.

• Robot Rumble! Build, Code, Discover

  Class meets 9:00-11:00 am or 11:15 am-1:15 pm, June 22-July 24

  Open to all students entering grades 7–9.

  In this immersive, five-week robotics camp, students jump into the world of engineering as they design, build, and program their own custom robot! Using a microcontroller, small groups will wire LEDs, buttons, sensors, and motors to build a robot, then bring their creations to life with beginner-friendly MicroPython code.

  
  

  As the weeks progress, each group’s robot will evolve from a simple rolling chassis into a smart machine that can navigate courses, dodge obstacles, and power a mechanism like a claw, arm, or launcher. Along the way, students will learn how robots sense their environment, how code controls motion, and how engineers test, troubleshoot, and improve their designs.

  
  

  The class culminates in the Robot Rumble—a friendly and fun challenge where robots race through mazes, complete missions, or score points in a custom game. No prior coding or robotics experience is required—just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to experiment.

  
  

  Session A - 9:00-11:00 am - Cost: $1,250 (code #201)

  Session B - 11:15 am-1:15 pm - Cost: $1,250 (code #202)

  If taken in combination with a second course: Cost: $2,000 Total.

• Expository & Creative Writing

  Class meets June 22-July 24
  Session A: 9:00–11:00 am
  Session B: 11:15 am–1:15 pm
  Open to all students entering grades 7–9.
  

   

  
  
  
  
  
  

  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.

   

  Session A - 9:00–11:00 am - Cost: $1,250 (code #203)

  Session B - 11:15 am–1:15 pm- Cost: $1,250 (code #204)

  If taken in combination with a second course: Cost: $2,000 Total.

• Bacteria, Bugs, & Biotechnology - A Fun Look at the Cool Things Biologists Do!

  Class meets 11:15 am–1:15 pm only, June 22 through July 24.  
  Open to students entering grades 7–8. 
  

  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 is encouraged!)

  
  

  
  Section B: 11:15 am–1:15 pm, Cost: $1,250 (code #206)

  If taken in combination with a second course: Cost: $2,000 Total.

• Pre-Algebra

  Class meets June 22 through July 24.
  Section 1: 9:00–11:00 am
  Section 2: 11:15 am–1:15 pm
  Open to students entering grades 7–9. 
  

  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. 

  This class serves as a preview of the full-year Pre-algebra course.

  
  Section A: 9:00–11:00 am, Cost: $1,250 (code #207)
  Section B: 11:15 am–1:15 pm, Cost: $1,250 (code #208)

  If taken in combination with a second course: Cost: $2,000 Total.
  
  Financial aid is not offered for Pre-algebra class.

   

• HMC Young Global Leaders Program by the Harvard Model Congress

  Class meets 9:00 am–3:00 pm, June 29 -July 2.

  Open to all students entering grades 6–8.

  The mission of the HMC Young Global Leaders Program is to engage students from around the world with strong leadership potential through immersive learning engagements, discussions, and mentorship. The program will focus on leadership, problem-solving, communication, public speaking, and critical thinking while working with the students toward a final ‘Actionable Project’.

  
  

  Students will work in small groups throughout the program on an impactful ‘Actionable Project’ that is designed to tackle real-world problems, stimulate ideas for future collaborative projects, and mold young learners into future leaders. Participants will immerse themselves in a classroom experience inspired by some of the most engaging subjects taken by the student mentors themselves and participate in leadership and collaborative work activities during the course of the program.

  
  

  Cost: $750 / $650 for New Haven Public School Students (code #164)

• Summer Model UN Explo

  Class meets 9:00-11:00 am or 11:15 am-1:15 pm, July 6-July 24
  Open to students entering grades 7–9. 
  

   

  Get ready to step into the shoes of a diplomat! Our Model UN camp is designed for rising 7–9 graders who love to debate, solve problems, and have fun. You'll learn about international relations, public speaking, and critical thinking skills. You'll also have the chance to represent a country, negotiate with other delegates, and write resolutions to global issues in a MUN Conference. It's a great way to make new friends, develop leadership skills, and have a blast!
  
  

  Session A - 9:00-11:00 am - Cost: $800 (code #210)

  Session B - 11:15 am-1:15 pm- Cost: $800 (code #211)

  If taken in combination with a second three-week course: Cost: $1,250 Total.

• Summer Adventurers Guild: Dungeons & Dragons

  Class meets 9:00-11:00 am or 11:15 am-1:15 pm, July 6-July 24
  Open to students entering grades 7–9. 
  

  The Junior School Adventurers Guild is an activity where students new to the game can come together to play Dungeons and Dragons, one of the most famous tabletop roleplaying games.  Players will go on adventures, fight monsters, discover treasure, and explore a mystical world.  D&D also promotes teamwork, creativity, memory building, and even math skills! The party works together as a team towards a common goal.  Other details influence the game, but at its core, it is about going on an adventure with friends and having fun! 
  
  

  Session A - 9:00-11:00 am - Cost: $800 (code #212)

  Session B - 11:15 am-1:15 pm - Cost: $800 (code #213)

  If taken in combination with a second three-week course: Cost: $1,250 Total.

  
  
  

• Summer Chess Camp

  Class meets 9:00-11:00 am or 11:15 am-1:15 pm, July 6-July 24
  Open to students entering grades 6–9.
  

  
  

  Do you like to play chess? Do you want to learn? Then the chess club is for you! Whether you are advanced, play occasionally, or have never played at all, you will develop skills and refine your strategic thinking.  Major Chess tournament to end the session! Join the club and see what it’s all about!

  
  

  Session A - 9:00-11:00 am - Cost: $800 (code #214)

  Session B - 11:15 am-1:15 pm - Cost: $800 (code #215)

  If taken in combination with a second three-week course: Cost: $1,250 Total.