Academic Courses

Be Challenged and Empowered.

Summer academic courses are taught by our inspiring US faculty members and are open to US and non-US students. Move ahead with science accelerator courses, or get a jump on the year with week-long writing or math intensives. Some courses, including those in the arts, count toward academic credit requirements.

Art & Design

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

FabLab Art

Coed, Grades 9 - 12

Dates: June 15 – July 17 (No class on 6/19 and 7/3)
Time: 9:10 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $525

This hands-on course focuses on artistic and technical fabrication using our state-of-the-art equipment, including the laser cutter (cardboard and wood) and CNC plasma cutter (steel). Students will learn to design and prepare their own digital files using Adobe Illustrator, gaining the skills needed to translate their ideas into laser-cut and plasma-cut projects. Through demonstrations and individual guidance, each student will complete several creative works that emphasize personal expression, originality, and problem-solving through art and design.

Students will explore the tools and techniques found in a digital fabrication lab. All materials are provided, and every finished project can be taken home at the conclusion of the course.

FabLab Art is taught by University School art teacher Enrique de la Mata.

University School students earn a full semester elective credit in art. Outside students are welcome.
Painting

Coed, Grades 9 – 12

Dates: June 15 – July 17 (No class on 6/19 and 7/3)
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:10 a.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $525

This course introduces students to the fundamental techniques of watercolor painting while giving them the opportunity to explore a range of painting styles. We will study composition, color theory, and a variety of paint application methods, all designed to help students build confidence and develop their personal artistic voice. Through class demonstrations and individual guidance, each student will complete several paintings that emphasize creativity, originality, and strong craftsmanship.

No prior experience is needed, only a willingness to experiment, take creative risks, and grow as an artist. All materials are provided, and every artwork can be taken home at the end of the course.

Painting is taught by University School art teacher Enrique de la Mata.

University School students earn a full semester elective credit in art. Outside students are welcome.
Photography

Coed, Grades 9 - 12
Directed by Mike Starinsky

Session I
Dates: June 15 - July 17 (No class on 6/19 and 7/3)
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $525

Session II
Dates: June 15 - July 17 (No class on 6/19 and 7/3)
Time: 9:10 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $525.00

Begin the summer with wet process darkroom techniques and end the five weeks understanding your Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera better than you ever thought you would. Learn about the history of photography and artists who worked in this medium for nearly two hundred years. This is the perfect course if you love photography.

All cameras are furnished by the school if needed, or you are welcome to bring your own personal camera.

Photography is taught by University School art teacher Michael Starinsky.

University School students earn a full semester elective credit in art. Outside students are welcome.

Economics

List of 1 frequently asked questions.

History of American Capitalism

Coed, Grades 10 - 12

Dates: June 8 - 18
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $1,400

This equivalent of a one-semester, half-credit course uses a series of readings to analyze the history and development of the American free enterprise system with a focus on management. We begin with a brief look at the emergence of a capitalistic economy in Manchester, England, in the early 19th century. Students study the growth of the modern American corporation beginning with the railroads in the late 19th century.

We then take a detailed look at the automotive industry in the first half of the 20th century through a comparison of the management of General Motors, Ford, and Toyota. We examine management trends in the second half of the 20th century with a study of McDonalds’ franchise system, Ken Blanchard's One Minute Manager, and Jim Collins' Good to Great. We conclude the semester with Tony Hsieh’s Delivering Happiness-Zappos and Catherine Turco’s The Conversational Firm with a look at managing the “digital native employee.”

The course will study/practice real-world scenarios and require business professional protocol from students daily.

History of American Capitalism is taught by University School entrepreneurship teacher Dr. Celena Roebuck.

University School students earn a one semester half credit. Outside students are welcome.

French

List of 2 frequently asked questions.

French Exploration Camp

Coed Grades 5 - 8

Dates: July 20 - 24 and July 27 - 31
Time: 9:00 -11:00 a.m.
Location: Shaker Heights Campus
Tuition: $250

This two-week program led by Nicholas Waugh, US Middle School French Teacher, invites students to strengthen and expand their French skills through engaging, hands-on activities. Participants will learn and practice French through games, crafts, skits, and creative language tasks designed to build confidence and communicative ability. Whether students are looking for extra support before the school year, a way to practice their French skills in fun and exciting ways, or eager to explore the basics of the language, this course offers a fun and collaborative environment for learners of a wide range of experience levels.
Family French Workshop

Open to Families- all ages!

Dates: July 20 - 24 and July 27 - 31
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Shaker Heights Campus
Tuition $225 per person

This two-week course invites families to learn French together, whether they are preparing for an upcoming trip, hoping to better understand their child’s French class, or simply looking for a fun and meaningful shared experience. Led by US Middle School French Teacher, Nicholas Waugh, and drawing on research-based methods from the field of Applied Second Language Acquisition, parents and children will build essential vocabulary, practice conversational skills, and explore effective strategies for language learning. Participants will also receive next steps and resources to continue their French study long after the course ends.

Math

List of 2 frequently asked questions.

Middle School Prep - Pre-Algebra

Coed, for students entering freshman-level mathematics (Integrated Math I or Algebra I).

Dates: August 3 - 7
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Shaker Heights Campus

Tuition: $225 for each Middle School Prep course, or $600 for three

Students in this course will review linear patterns, slope, plotting lines, and solving one-variable equations. Students enrolled in this course will not only benefit from the review of these topics, but also from getting back into the instructional academic habits of organizing work and implementing study strategies.

Middle School Summer Prep is designed to do just that: prepare students to make the best of their middle school experience! We do this by providing classes staffed by University School faculty that give students the opportunity to polish essential academic skills, enjoy a highly stimulating and fun learning environment, and build personal connections with fellow students and faculty.

This course is taught by University School math teacher Keith Kneisel.

Non-University School students should contact summer@us.edu before enrolling.
Middle School Prep - Arithmetic

Coed, For students entering grades 6-8 level of mathematics.

Dates: August 3 - 7
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Shaker Campus

Tuition: $225 for each Middle School Prep course, or $600 for three

Students in this course will review the concepts and procedural skills of the four mathematical operations as they relate to rational numbers (fractions, integers, and decimals). Students enrolled in this course will not only benefit from the review of these topics, but also from getting back into the instructional academic habits of organizing work and implementing study strategies.

Danny Jones, US Middle School Math Teacher, is the instructor for this course.

University School Middle School Summer Prep is designed to do just that: prepare students to make the best of their middle school experience! We do this by providing classes staffed by current University School faculty that give students the opportunity to polish essential academic skills, enjoy a highly stimulating and fun learning environment, and build personal connections with fellow students and faculty.

Class size is limited. Non-University School students should contact summer@us.edu before enrolling.

Character & Leadership

List of 2 frequently asked questions.

Human Agency in the Age of AI: Attention, Authorship, and Responsible Technology Use

Boys, Grades 9 - 12

Dates: July 7 - July 9
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $295

How can you use powerful technology without losing your focus, voice, or independence as a thinker?

This three-day course helps you navigate AI and digital tools with clarity and intention. Instead of shortcuts, you’ll focus on attention, ethical decision-making, and ownership of your ideas.

Through guided discussions, journaling, writing workshops, and supervised exploration of AI tools, you’ll learn when technology can support your learning, and when it’s better to step away. The goal is agency: helping you remain an active thinker, responsible learner, and confident communicator in an increasingly digital world.

This course is taught by University School English teacher Kevin O'Brien.
Leadership, Creativity, and Performance: Three-Day Mindfulness Adventure

Boys, Grades 7 - 12

Dates: June 23 - June 25
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $295

Are you ready to level up your leadership, creativity, and performance?

This three-day mindfulness program helps you build the skills that matter most—in school, sports, and life. Through reflective journaling, outdoor experiences, and personal storytelling, you’ll learn how to sharpen your focus, spark your creativity, and stay calm under pressure.

From nature walks to canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, you’ll clear your mind outdoors while developing habits that boost confidence, well-being, and success.

Bonus: you’ll craft personal stories that can support future academic or college essays.

This course is taught by University School English teacher Kevin O'Brien.

Writing & Grammar

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

Writing Workshop

Coed, Grades 7-12

Session I
Dates: June 15 - June 26 (No class on 6/19)
Time: 10:20 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $210

Session II:
Dates: July 6 - July 17
Time: 10:20 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $225

This two-week course will give students the opportunity to improve their academic and creative writing skills. Students will practice strategies for writing effective paragraphs and essays and review the basics of punctuation and grammar. This course will also give students the opportunity to write their own original short stories, essays, and poems and discuss their classmates' and established writers' works as engaged writers and critical readers.
Middle School Prep - Writing Review

Coed, Grades 6 - 8

Dates: August 3 - 7
Time: 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Shaker Campus
Tuition: $225 for each Middle School Prep course, or $600 for three

This Academic Readiness Camp is designed to help students review and fine-tune their academic writing skills using University School’s Middle School Writing Manual, a cross-curricular resource used in grades 5–8 and applicable to academic writing at any institution. Students will read a short story and move step-by-step through the writing process with individualized support and one-on-one conferencing led by the Middle School English Department Chair.

Throughout the week, students will build confidence in crafting clear, focused topic sentences and in selecting strong, relevant textual evidence to support their claims. Emphasis will also be placed on thoughtful analysis that clearly explains how evidence supports each claim. Students will engage in guided editing and revision, with particular attention to seamless quotation integration, academic tone, and correct use of the literary present tense. Whether your student needs support gaining confidence in putting ideas on paper or wants to strengthen skills in literary analysis, this camp offers a focused and supportive opportunity for growth.

Middle School Summer Prep is designed to do just that: prepare students to make the best of their middle school experience! We do this by providing classes staffed by University School faculty that give students the opportunity to polish essential academic skills, enjoy a highly stimulating and fun learning environment, and build personal connections with fellow students and faculty.

This course is taught by University School English teacher Melissa Hamburg.

Non-University School students should contact summer@us.edu before enrolling.
Middle School Prep - Grammar Boot Camp

Coed, Grades 6 - 8

Dates: August 3 - 7
Time: 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Shaker Campus

Tuition: $225 for each Middle School Prep course, or $600 for three

This Academic Readiness Camp focuses on strengthening the foundational grammar and mechanics skills that support clear, effective writing across all subjects. Students will review parts of speech, parts of the sentence, and core grammatical concepts while learning how different sentence structures can be used to enhance clarity, style, and sophistication in their writing.

Throughout the week, students will explore a variety of grammatical skills and immediately apply those concepts to their own written work. Instruction emphasizes both accuracy and purpose, helping students understand not just what the rules are, but why they matter. Because grammar and mechanics are essential to strong writing, students can expect to see lasting benefits from this camp well beyond the summer. This camp is ideal for students who want to build confidence in their writing mechanics and develop tools they can rely on for years to come.

Middle School Summer Prep is designed to do just that: prepare students to make the best of their middle school experience! We do this by providing classes staffed by University School faculty that give students the opportunity to polish essential academic skills, enjoy a highly stimulating and fun learning environment, and build personal connections with fellow students and faculty.

This course is taught by University School English teacher Melissa Hamburg.

Non-University School students should contact summer@us.edu before enrolling.

Science

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

Introduction to Biology

Coed, Grade 9

Dates: June 15 - July 17 (No class on 6/19 & 7/3)
Time: 9:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $1,450

This accelerator course covers the foundational topics and laboratory skills typically included in the yearlong course. Students who successfully complete this course take Chemistry as a freshman and are required to take AP Biology as a sophomore or junior.

To be considered for enrollment in this course, please review the additional details and complete the questions in this document: Summer Science Self-Assessment. This completed document should be sent to Dr. Sara Laux at slaux@us.edu.
Introduction to Chemistry

Coed, Grades 9 - 10

Dates: June 15 - July 17 (No class on 6/19 & 7/3)
Time: 9:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $1,475

This accelerator course covers the foundational topics and laboratory skills typically covered in a yearlong course. Students who successfully complete this course the summer before freshman year typically take Biology as a freshman and are required to take AP Chemistry as a sophomore or junior. Students who successfully complete this course before their sophomore year are required to take AP Chemistry in their sophomore or junior year.

To be considered for enrollment in this course, please review the additional details and complete the questions in this document: Summer Science Self-Assessment. This completed document should be sent to Dr. Sara Laux at slaux@us.edu.
Introduction to Physics

Coed, Grades 10 - 12

Dates: June 15 - July 17 (No class on 6/19 & 7/3)
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $1,475

This accelerator course covers the foundational topics and laboratory skills typically included in a yearlong course. Students most often take this course before their junior or senior year, although some have opted to complete the course prior to their sophomore year. Students who successfully complete this course are required to take AP Physics.

To be considered for enrollment in this course, please review the additional details and complete the questions in this document: Summer Science Self-Assessment. This completed document should be sent to Dr. Sara Laux at slaux@us.edu.

Questions? Contact summer@us.edu or 216.371.6809.

Shaker Heights Campus

20701 Brantley Road
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
JUNIOR K – GRADE 8
Phone: 216-321-8260

Hunting Valley Campus

2785 SOM Center Road
Hunting Valley, Ohio 44022
GRADES 9 – 12
Phone: 216-831-2200

University School serves over 850 boys in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 on two campuses in suburban Cleveland, Ohio. The School’s mission is to inspire boys of promise to become young men of character who lead and serve. Dedicated faculty, rigorous curriculum, and experiential programs foster intellectual, physical, creative, and moral excellence. University School is a diverse and inclusive community where each boy is known and loved.