Summer Academy

SRDS Summer Academy provides students an opportunity to maximize their learning experience beyond the
normal school day. Classes include full-credit advancement and elective courses, semester-credit electives,
and non-credit enrichment courses. Unless otherwise noted, all classes will be conducted in a hybrid format, so
students may choose to join in-person or remotely. The Summer Academy will run Monday-Friday, beginning
June 26 - see each course title for exact dates and times. Course registration begins immediately and will
continue until June 19 (individual courses may close earlier -- first come, first served) -- tuition structure is
based on credit value and duration of course.

Please take some time to review the Course Descriptions below, and enroll via the link below to ensure a seat in your desired class. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Tony Maccarella, Head of Upper School, tmaccarella@saddleriverday.org.

Registration is closed

Full-Credit Advancement Courses

All advancement courses offered at Honors and CP levels -- SRDS students may select Honors ONLY with prior teacher rec.

Full-Credit Courses earn 3 credits on SRDS transcripts upon successful completion (Final grade of B or better). Non-SRDS students should check with their schools for transfer credit requirements.

Algebra I

Algebra I integrates algebraic skill development with the broader framework of developing concepts. Functions
and relations (including linear, quadratic, polynomial, and exponential) are used as a main theme in this study
of algebra. Application-based problems are introduced throughout the curriculum. Graphing calculators and
computer technology are integrated into topics to assist in understanding and visualizing statistics and data,
linear equations, and other algebraic functions. An introduction to radicals is the concluding topic of Algebra I.
Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra or Math 8
June 26 through July 28 --- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Tuition: $1600

Geometry

Geometry offers the student a comprehensive study of two-dimensional Euclidean geometry. The language of
geometry, polygons, and circles are studied in depth. The understanding of proof is an objective of the course.
Additional topics of study are: area of plane figures, constructions (where applicable), transformations, and
right triangle trigonometry. Algebraic and geometric concepts are reviewed in tandem to reinforce their
mathematical connections. Applications are studied throughout the curriculum. Graphing calculators are used
where appropriate. Prerequisite: Algebra I
June 26 through July 28 --- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Tuition: $1600

Algebra II

Algebra II reviews, sustains, and extends the knowledge of the real number system introduced in Algebra I.
Polynomials, factoring, and graphing are discussed and explored in depth. Mathematical models are utilized in
the discussion of coordinate geometry, problem solving, and in the detailed study of linear and quadratic
functions. Also included is the study of irrational and complex numbers, fractional exponents, systems of
equations, and logarithms. Graphing calculators and computer technology are integrated into the course to
assist in the understanding of solutions of equations and functions. The concluding topic is the study of
rational expressions. Prerequisites: Algebra I and Geometry
June 26 through July 28 --- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Tuition: $1600

Precalculus

Precalculus offers the student a comprehensive study of algebraic and transcendental functions. The course is
constructed to aid students in developing their proficiency in algebraic techniques and in strengthening their
understanding of the underlying concepts. Real-life problems, many using real data, are integrated throughout
the curriculum. As appropriate, the graphing calculator is utilized to augment student understanding of the
mathematical concepts. Prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II
June 26 through July 28 --- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Tuition: $1600

Calculus

Calculus topics include an in-depth study of functions: algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic.
Students investigate the concepts of limits and continuity. Differential calculus and its applications to curve
sketching, maximum and minimum problems, velocity, acceleration, and related rates of change are also
explored in depth. Prerequisite: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Precalculus
June 26 through July 28 --- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Tuition: $1600

Computer Science Principles

Computer science provides students with an introductory level understanding of computer programming.
Students learn the fundamentals of program design and programming languages. Projects are assigned for
each topic that allow students to gain and develop proficiency at planning, writing and executing programs.
June 26 through July 28 --- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Tuition: $1600

Biology

Biology focuses on the study of life from an evolutionary and sociological perspective. Students will explore
selected topics through lecture, experiments, and inquiry based activities. A basic appreciation of biological
science is emphasized through real life examples wherever possible. Topics covered may include, but are not
restricted to evolution, ecology, genetics, cell structure, and cell processes.
June 26 through July 28 --- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Tuition: $1600

Chemistry

Chemistry focuses on the study of natural processes from a physical and observational perspective. Students
explore selected topics through investigation, experimentation, and inquiry-based activities. Chemistry is
emphasized through real life examples wherever possible. Topics covered may include, but are not restricted
to stoichiometry, periodic properties, reactions in aqueous solutions, nomenclature, solutions, and gasses.
Prerequisites: Biology, Alg I
June 26 through July 28 --- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Tuition: $1600

Physics

Physics is a detailed and analytical study of the physical world. Precise and accurate measurement methods
are utilized during observations to describe or interpret general laws of nature. Theoretical and higher
mathematical concepts and skills are employed throughout the course. Students develop a conceptual
understanding of the physical world and use problem-solving skills to further that understanding. Prerequisites:
Biology, Chemistry, Alg II (Precalculus for the Honors level)
June 26 through July 28 --- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Tuition: $1600

French I

French I is an introductory level language course that allows students the opportunity to learn cooperatively,
while exploring the topics of any traditional high school curriculum for introductory French. Instruction
emphasizes development of the skills of listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing in French with
primary emphasis on speaking. Awareness of and appreciation for the French speaking community and its
culture are among the ultimate objectives of this course.
June 26 through July 28 --- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Tuition: $1600

Spanish I

Spanish I is an introductory level language course that allows students the opportunity to learn cooperatively,
while exploring the topics of any traditional high school curriculum for introductory Spanish. Instruction
emphasizes development of the skills of listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish
with primary emphasis on speaking. Awareness of and appreciation for the Spanish speaking community and
its culture are among the ultimate objectives of this course.
June 26 through July 28 --- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Tuition: $1600

Full-Credit Elective Classes

Full-Credit Courses earn 3 credits on SRDS transcripts upon successful completion (Final grade of B or better). Non-SRDS students should check with their schools for transfer credit requirements.

Anatomy & Physiology

Human Anatomy and Physiology is a course designed to study two complementary branches of science,
anatomy and physiology, which provide us with the concepts to understand the human body. Anatomy is the
concrete study of the structure of body parts and their relationship to each other. Physiology studies the
functioning of the body’s structural machinery, in other words, how all the body parts work and carry out their
life-sustaining activities. Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry.
June 26 through July 28 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Tuition: $1600

Astronomy

Astronomy offers a conceptual exploration of the universe and its wonders. Topics include Cosmology, Gravity
and Light, The Solar System, The Earth-Moon System, The Formation and Evolution of Stars, Galaxies, and
Frontiers of Exploration. Some time is dedicated to discussing the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life,
including recent discoveries of distant solar systems and future plans for finding Earth-like planets.
Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra II.
June 26 through July 28 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Tuition: $1600

Environmental Science

Environmental Science is a comprehensive science elective applying the fundamentals of biology, chemistry
and physics to challenges facing the environment today. The course is taught using case studies to illustrate
scientific topics. It is a lab science course and students will engage with current environmental science topics
to understand the cycles and earth science forces at work. Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra II
June 26 through July 28 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Tuition: $1600

Professional Science: Introduction to the Research Process

Ever wonder what the job of a scientist actually entails? While many real scientists wear lab coats and mix
mysterious substances, all scientists - whether they be the epidemiologists trying to understand a novel
disease (think Covid!), or computer scientists and engineers trying to bring quantum computing to your
fingertips, or climate scientists trying to predict the fate of our planet - follow the same basic research process.
In this class, you will learn the steps professional scientists take in every project they do, from interpreting
existing research papers, to data analysis techniques, to communicating research to other scientists and the
broader society. Whether you just want a deeper understanding of how scientific knowledge is created, or you
are interested in doing scientific research yourself, take your science literacy one step further than your
traditional science classes in this 5-week, project-based research course.
June 26 through July 28 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Tuition: $1600

Marine Biology

This course is a comprehensive, in-depth scientific study of the marine environment. It is designed to give
students a full understanding of the ways in which marine organisms interact with each other and with their
physical environment. It also strives to educate students about the importance of marine ecosystems to
terrestrial ecosystems and to humankind. Prerequisite: Biology
June 26 through July 28 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Tuition: $1600

Graphic Arts

Graphic Arts combines digital and visual arts skills and applies them to the creation of advanced graphic
design artworks. Programs include Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Indesign and Photobooth.
Students face the challenge of real world projects, which include corporate identity, portraits, CD design, print
advertisements, packaging design, multimedia imagery, editorial design, book design, as well as graphic
pieces for school functions. Students gain a basic foundation of the history of graphic design, and create
artworks in the style of various well-known graphic designers. Prerequisite: Studio Art
June 26 through July 28 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Tuition: $1600

Semester-Credit Elective Classes

Semester-Credit Courses earn 1.5 credits on SRDS transcripts upon successful completion (Final grade of B or better). Non-SRDS students should check with their schools for transfer credit requirements.

Research and Writing

This course builds the skills necessary for writing a long-form research paper. Topics include research
questions, keyword research, organization, thesis writing, bibliographic style, and the revision process from
rough draft to final paper. Students will be guided through the entire process from initial topic to final draft in
the first trimester, and given a bit more independence in each subsequent term. In all, every student will
complete three full-length research papers by the end of the year, and they will be prepared with all the skills
and practice needed to tackle any future research papers.
Two Sections: June 26 - July 12 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM -- or -- July 13 - July 28 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Tuition: $850

The Writer's Workshop

The Writer’s Workshop gives student authors the opportunity to hone their craft in a workshop setting. In a
workshop environment, students progress at their own pace and receive feedback through individualized
teacher conferencing, and by engaging in peer and self-evaluation. Students use group discussion to analyze
elements of good writing and then apply these features to their own work. Students will produce one main
literary piece and several smaller pieces each quarter. Genres include poetry (narrative and lyrical), short
stories, drama, expository, and research-based. Skills include descriptive technique, narrative style,
vocabulary, and syntax, as well as adapting writing style to different audiences. Students interested in
generating longer works, such as novels, will have the chance to receive feedback during the class.
Two Sections: June 26 - July 12 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM -- or -- July 13 - July 28 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Tuition: $850

Speech and Debate

Success in life is often measured by the ability to communicate effectively with others. This course
emphasizes development of speech and rhetoric skills that may be used in the formal debate context as well
as life situations. Students will learn argumentation and public speaking skills to participate in different styles
of debate and speaking. Students will participate in philosophical and topical debates in different formats
including single debate and partner debate, while improving skills in communicating with others, and preparing
and delivering formal public speeches. Opportunities in a number of different speaking styles and interpretive
reading presentations will be provided.
Two Sections: June 26 - July 12 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM -- or -- July 13 - July 28 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Tuition: $850

Philosophy

This course is an introduction to the roots and key concepts of philosophical thinking. We will discuss notable
philosophers and analyze their thoughts on the biggest questions of humanity. Students will use film, literature,
and class discussion to study the views of these great thinkers and dive deeply into their own answers to life’s
greatest quandaries.
Two Sections: June 26 - July 12 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM -- or -- July 13 - July 28 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Tuition: $850

Leadership

In this course, students will learn about the skills necessary to become a leader in and out of the classroom.
We will outline leadership theories that can improve confidence, build character, and assist students with
influencing and empowering those around them.
Two Sections: June 26 - July 12 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM -- or -- July 13 - July 28 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Tuition: $850

Non-Credit Enrichment Electives

Pre-Chemistry

Chemistry is notorious for beating students down, especially in the first few months of school. The combination
of unfamiliar science concepts, advanced math skills, and intense instructional pacing can be more than some
students can bear. This course seeks to serve as a primer for the initial concepts and skills of Chemistry.
Completion of Pre-Chemistry will provide students with the foundation necessary to hit the ground running in
September.
Two Sections: June 26 - June 30 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM -- or -- July 17 - July 21 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Tuition: $450

Pre-AP History

Teachers of any AP History subject will agree that writing, historical reasoning, and document analysis skills
are essential to achieving top scores on their AP exams. Unfortunately, students often arrive in September
without some of these very skills. AP History is so content-heavy that, depending upon their level of weakness,
students may lack the time necessary to learn both the content and these essential skills during the regular
school year. This course is intended to help students entering any AP History class to develop the essential
skills before they are immersed in and overwhelmed by the content.
Two Sections: June 26 - June 30 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM -- or -- July 17 - July 21 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Tuition: $450

Pre-High School Study Skills

Every student needs to develop the skills necessary for learning in school, but too often they gain these skills
too late for academic success. The Study Skills course will help students hone their notetaking, reading, and
questioning skills. It is perfect for students entering the upper school or for those who want to improve their
facility with learning – in high school and beyond.
Two Sections: June 26 - June 30 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM -- or -- July 17 - July 21 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Tuition: $450

Design Thinking

Whether you pursue a career in Engineering, Computer Programming, or Graphic Design, you will need to
understand and apply the Design Process. This course introduces students to the process and uses
project-based learning to apply the process to student work.
Two Sections: June 26 - June 30 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM -- or -- July 17 - July 21 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Tuition: $450

Cooking and Baking

Everyone wants to eat the best tasting food, but few people can create those dishes at home. Follow a
professional chef on a journey through the kitchen. Students will learn the fundamental techniques for stovetop
dishes and baked goods. If your mouth is starting to water, this is the course for you!
Two Sections: June 26 - June 30 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM -- or -- July 17 - July 21 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Tuition: $450

The Genius Hour

Genius hour is a movement that allows students to creatively explore their own passions in the classroom. The
idea stems from several places, including Google, which gives its developers time to research and work on a
project that interests them with the understanding that it will advance the company. This course is an
opportunity for students to strengthen their research skills, expand their creativity, and reignite their passion for
learning. Students pick a topic/question that interests them, develop an open-ended question to explore
allowing them to research independently, and create a final product to showcase what they learned for the rest
of the community. Some examples of a final product is a website, documentary, game, TED Talk, model
presentation/simulation, but anything that explains the topic and findings to be shared is acceptable. Students
will share their final presentations in a showcase on the last day of the course.
Two Sections: June 26 - June 30 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM -- or -- July 17 - July 21 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Tuition: $450

Financial Literacy for the 21st Century

Apple Pay, Venmo, Bitcoin -- these are the financial tools of the 21st century. We will talk about all of these as
well as how to buy a car (loans, leases, and trades), rent an apartment (leases, utilities, and insurance), and
buy property (mortgages, escrow, HOA’s, and investment properties). You will practice managing electronic
payments and learn to avoid the traps that they create. Finally, you will learn about legacy financial tools that
continue to have value today -- budgets, bank accounts, credit cards, and retirement accounts. This course is
meant to prepare students for the real world financial challenges that adults face every day. Whether you want
to accumulate great wealth, start and build businesses, or just make an honest living without struggling from
paycheck to paycheck, this course is for you!
Two Sections: June 26 - June 30 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM -- or -- July 17 - July 21 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Tuition: $450

Stop-Motion Animation

Would you like to learn how to create a stop motion animated film? This animation technique uses objects that are physically manipulated with small changes between individual frames so that they will appear to exhibit motion or change when the frames are played back.

You can animate any object from Playdoh, to Lego minifigures and Barbies, to puppets, or even hand drawn artwork. You will design and develop your own story and make your own animation from start to finish!

June 19-23 9:00-12:00 (open to all MS students)
Tuition: $450

SAT/ACT Prep -- READING

This course will give students a jump start on how to succeed on the reading, writing and language sections of
the SAT. Practical methodologies, hacks, tips, and tricks that will allow students to excel in a competitive
environment. Statistically students score higher on the SAT in the fall, so this class is the perfect supplement
to a summer preparation for the college board exams.
Two Sections: June 26 - June 30 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM -- or -- July 17 - July 21 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Tuition: $450

SAT/ACT Prep -- MATH

This course is designed to help students excel on the mathematics section of the SAT. Laid out meticulously
and orderly students will find all of the tools, tips, tricks, and hacks needed to succeed on the exam.
Statistically students score higher in the fall, so this summer preparation course is exactly what students need
to excel in a competitive environment.
Two Sections: June 26 - June 30 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM -- or -- July 17 - July 21 --- 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Tuition: $450

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