Academic Courses

Each summer, students from around Northeast Ohio stretch their intellectual horizons at US.

US academic courses offer both University School and non-University School students the opportunity to learn from our expert faculty. Students can get a head start with credit offerings or discover something new in non-credit courses. Students will experience our science, math, humanities, art, and design technology programs in our state-of-the-art labs and design spaces.

Our robust educational opportunities will keep your child learning all summer long!

Art & Design

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

FabLab Art

Coed, Grades 9 - 12

Dates: June 9 - July 11 (No class 6/19 and 7/4)
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $525.00

This course is devoted to hands-on fabrications of projects related to art, technology, design, and engineering using our state-of-the-art equipment, including a 3D Printer (plastic), laser cutter (cardboard and wood), and CNC plasma cutter (steel). Through class demonstrations and individual attention, each student will complete several design projects that will challenge them to think more creatively with an emphasis on personal expression and originality.

This course is led by US art teacher Enrique de la Mata. The Fab Lab Art class allows students to explore their ideas using the tools and techniques found in a digital fabrication lab while earning a full semester elective credit in art. All materials are supplied and all the projects can be taken home at the end of the course. No class 6/19 and 7/4.
Painting

Coed, Grades 9 - 12

Dates: June 9 - July 11 (No class 6/19 and 7/4)
Time: 9:10 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $525.00

Learn the fundamental techniques of watercolor painting and explore different paintings while developing new skill sets with confidence. We will cover composition, color theory, and a variety of paint application techniques. Through class demonstrations and individual attention, each student will complete several art projects that will challenge them to think more creatively with an emphasis on personal expression and originality, while earning a full semester elective credit in art.

This course is led by US art teacher Enrique de la Mata. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to try new things, push your creativity to new levels, and be the best artist you can be. All materials are supplied, and all the projects can be taken home at the end of the course. No class 6/19 and 7/4.
Photography

Coed, Grades 9 - 12

Session I
Dates: June 9 - July 11 (No class 6/19 & 7/4)
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $525.00

Session II
Dates: June 9 - July 11 (No class 6/19 & 7/4)
Time: 9:10 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $525.00

Back by popular demand!

Summer photography is back this year, and led by US art teacher Michael Starinsky. 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, or if you anticipate needing a break in your challenging schedule due to advanced courses during your upper school years.

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

This course will serve as a one-semester arts credit for University School students. Outside students are welcome.

Economics

List of 1 frequently asked questions.

History of American Capitalism

Coed, Grades 10 - 12

Dates: June 9 - June 20 (No class 6/19)
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $1400.00

This one-semester, half-credit course utilizes 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 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. No class 6/19.

Health & Wellness

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

Health

Boys, Grades 9 - 12

Session I - Five Weeks
Dates: June 9 - July 11 (No class 6/19 & 7/4)
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $525.00

Session II - Three Weeks
Dates: June 9 - June 27 (No class 6/19)
Time: 9:10 a.m. - 11:10 a.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $525.00

This course introduces safety and first aid, personal care and body systems, disease and disorders, coming of age, wellness, orientation to the fitness center, chemicals and your mind, healthy and safe relationships, mental and emotional health, and human development and sexuality. Various outside experts present on topics. Students will be certified in CPR/AED/First Aid.

This course fulfills the freshman health requirement at University School. Non-University School students are welcome.
Health - Virtual

Boys, Grades 9 - 12

Dates: June 9 - July 11 (No class 6/19 & 7/4)
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.
Location: Online
Tuition: $525.00

This virtual course introduces safety and first aid, personal care and body systems, disease and disorders, coming of age, wellness, orientation to the fitness center, chemicals and your mind, healthy and safe relationships, mental and emotional health, and human development and sexuality. Various outside experts present on topics. Students will be certified in CPR/AED/First Aid.

Please note that this course will be taught online, with some elements requiring time on campus with the instructor. No class 6/19 & 7/4.

This course fulfills the freshman health requirement at University School. Non-University School students are welcome.
Leadership, Creativity, and Performance: Three-Day Mindfulness Adventure

Boys, Grades 7 - 12

Session I
Dates: June 24 - June 26
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $295

Session II
Dates: July 8 - July 10
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? Unlock your potential with this three-day mindfulness program that will help you master the skills that matter most. Through reflective journaling, outdoor experiences, and personal storytelling, you’ll discover how to sharpen your focus, spark your creativity, and stay calm under pressure.

Each session offers fresh writing prompts and unique activities, so you will gain new insights if you join both. Bonus: you’ll craft stories for standout college essays. From nature walks to time canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, clear your mind outdoors as you boost your confidence with better habits for happiness and success. Spots are limited. Sign up now to develop practices that will give you an edge in school, sports, and life.

Math

List of 1 frequently asked questions.

Calculus AB Accelerator

Coed, Grades 9 - 11

Dates: June 9 - July 18 (No class 6/19 & 7/4)
Time: 9:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $1,575

This course covers the material listed in the College Board syllabus for AP Calculus AB. It consists of a study of limits, differentiation, integration, differential equations, and applications. The course will meet for four hours per day for six weeks. Evaluation is by means of homework sets, quizzes, tests, and a final exam. The final exam will consist of an AP exam which will be graded on the AP scale.

University School students who take this course are required to earn a score of 4 or above on the final exam in order to qualify to take AP Calculus BC during the following school year. No class on 6/19 and 7/4.

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus (Accelerated or Honors), or Honors Math 3.

Science

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

Introduction to Biology

Coed, Grade 9

Dates: June 9 - July 11 (No class 6/19 & 7/4)
Time: 9:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $1,425

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. No class on 6/19 and 7/4.

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. Enrollment will be facilitated upon acceptance into the class.
Introduction to Chemistry

Coed, Grades 9 - 10

Dates: June 9 - July 11 (No class 6/19 & 7/4)
Time: 9:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $1,425

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. No class on 6/19 & 7/4.

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. Enrollment will be facilitated upon acceptance into the class.
Introduction to Physics

Coed, Grades 11 - 12

Dates: June 9 - July 11 (No class 6/19 & 7/4)
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $1,425

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. No class on 6/19 & 7/4.

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. Enrollment will be facilitated upon acceptance into the class.

Writing & Grammar

List of 1 frequently asked questions.

Writing Workshop

Coed, Grades 7-12

Session I
Dates: June 9 - June 20 (No class 6/19)
Time: 10:20 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $210

Session II
Dates: July 7 - July 18
Time: 10:20 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Hunting Valley Campus
Tuition: $210

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.

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.