Freshman Summer Courses
Summer academic and enrichment classes offer a fun and engaging way for any student to prepare for her freshman year. On-campus, hands-on courses give her the opportunity to hone her skills and explore new interests, meet her classmates, and get to know her teachers and our school.
Summer classes will be offered between June 20 and July 28. Registration is now open for enrichment courses; math and English courses will open following placement testing in May.
Academic Courses
Bridge to Algebra I
This class is by invitation only, based on recommendations after placement testing for freshmen. Do not register for this course without recommendation from the Math Department Chair.
Dates: June 20 - 30 and July 10-21 (No class week of July 4) from 8-9:30 a.m,
Description: A strong base of conceptual understanding, together with good mathematical skills, is essential for a successful high school mathematics experience. To that end, this class will be tailored to the individual ability of each student. In general the topics that will be taught and re-enforced include: operations with positive and negative integers and fractions, simplifying and evaluating numeric expressions, prime factors, GCF, LCM, working with exponents with numeric bases, developing number sense, principles and properties of algebra, and solving algebraic equations.
Tuition: $500
Bridge to Accelerated Algebra I/Geometry
By invitation only, based on recommendations after placement testing. Do not register for this course without being recommended by the Mathematics Department Chair.
Dates: Jun 20 - 30 and Jul 10-21 (Single session - no class week of July 4) from 8-9:30 a.m.
Description: This course is for students who need to hone their Algebra I skills before moving beyond Algebra I at Visitation. Upon successful completion of this course and teacher recommendation, a student may enroll in Accelerated Algebra I/Geometry for her freshman year. Algebra I topics covered include: operations on polynomials, exponent rules, factoring, algebraic fractions, solving linear, quadratic, and rational equations, linear functions, and operations with radicals.
Tuition: $500
English Enrichment
Open to all incoming freshmen; priority to recommended students.
Dates: June 20-30 and July 10-21 (Single session - no class on the week of July 4) - 60-minute class from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Description: The English Enrichment course offers the opportunity to improve and hone skills necessary for English I. We will focus on reviewing and reinforcing basic grammar and writing skills through daily instruction and practice. We also will foster an increased understanding of the characteristics of fiction through the study of short stories. All work will be completed within the parameters of class time, so homework will not be assigned.
Requirements: Students enrolled in this class must have completed their technology setup and introduction before the course begins. More details to follow.
Tuition: $500
Enrichment Courses
Board Games for Strategic Thinking, Problem Solving, Collaboration, and FUN!
Dates: July 5 - July 7 (3 days) from 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Description: In this course, participants will play cooperative board games. "That's it?" you say? "Not competitive," you say? There are so many great cooperative board games that are out there that are so much fun! And when you win, everyone wins! Of course, there will be added benefits that encourage great life skills: problem solving, strategic thinking, and collaboration along with the opportunities to spend time outside the digital realm, get to know others, and build community.
Instructor: Ms. Buranen - Religion Teacher
Tuition: $90
- Enrichment
- Freshmen
- Upperclassmen
Visi Visionaries
Dates: July 5 - July 14 from 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Description: This course is geared towards students with no prior entrepreneurial experience. Over this two-week class students will use their creativity and ingenuity to launch a mock startup. We will begin by examining the characteristics behind successful startups and learning how to validate a new business venture. Students will then have the opportunity to put these ideas into practice by working in small groups to launch their own mock company. Although the company doesn’t exist (yet), groups will interview real potential customers, create marketing materials, and practice how to verbally “sell” their idea. The class culminates in each group delivering a final pitch to their peers about why their startup might be the next billion dollar idea.
Instructor: Mr. Thomas - Science Teacher
Tuition: $240
- Enrichment
- Freshmen
Musician Shed
Dates: June 20 to June 23 from 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Description: Improve your instrumental skills, meet new musicians, and jam out in this rockin’ course. We will play different genres of music and learn how to improvise. The ability to sight read is not a requirement, but encouraged. Any and all instruments are welcome! Instruments provided: Keyboards/Piano, Drums. All other instruments must be personally provided.
Teacher: Mr. Neptune Pringle, Director of Performing Arts
Tuition: $120
Grades: 9 - 12
- Enrichment
- Freshmen
- Upperclassmen
The History of Life, the Universe, and Everything
Dates: July 17 - 21 from 1:45 - 3:15 p.m.
Description: We all know what History is right? Names, dates, immutable unchanging fact, determined by the winners, etc. If correct, congrats on passing a course on the History of Clichés, but actual historical study is far more complicated, baffling, and frankly unpredictable. In this course we will explore unique, unexpected moments in global history from bizarre and curious angles to better understand how the experiences of the past better explain the complicated nature of our existence. This course has no homework, but requires active participation as we collectively consider the complex answers to eccentric but vital historical questions. Such questions include “Did we fight World War II over trees?” “Can we write histories of the future?” “Does New Zealand exist?” This course will use unconventional historical discussions to sharpen your critical thinking and intellectual engagement skills while building teamwork and global literacy. So, if you want to figure out “Does anything ever change?” What happened when the sky fell?” and many other unexpected historical oddities. See you in class!
Instructor: Dr. Derrick Angermeier - History Teacher
Tuition: $150
Grades: 9-12
- Enrichment
- Freshmen
- Upperclassmen
Introduction to Life on 35th Street
Dates: July 17-21 from 12-1:30 p.m. or July 24-28 from 1:45-3:15 p.m.
*Please sign up for only one session
Description: Join us for an introduction to campus life, expectations, and tips of the trade for a successful transition to Visitation. Meet administrators and teachers who will walk with you on your journey to support you to make your experience meaningful and memorable.
Instructor: Mrs. Ponzio - Principal
Tuition: $150
- Enrichment
- Freshmen
Introduction to Painting
Dates: June 20-23 (4 days) or June 26-30 (5 days) from 1:45 - 3:15 p.m.
*Sign up for only one session
Description: Students will explore the elements of art (color, light, line, composition) through the creative process. Participants will use acrylic paint to create a color wheel, tint and shade chart, then a monochromatic masterpiece on canvas. To end the session, students will create a plein-air piece (outdoor painting) on Visitation’s beautiful campus.
Instructor: Mrs. Smith - Fine Arts Chair
Tuition: $130 (June 20-23) or $160 (June 26-30)
- Enrichment
- Freshmen
Introduction to Visitation Leadership: One-Day Workshop
Dates: June 20 or 22 from 12 - 3 p.m. (Choose one session)
Description: Leadership is a skill that anyone can learn. Discover what it means to be a student leader and what leadership opportunities Visitation offers. Even before you meet the rest of the class at Orientation, you will have the opportunity to learn more about yourself and others, what strengths you bring to a group situation, and the importance of communication as you work to accomplish goals. We will talk about goal setting, how to be a role model for others, and expectations of leaders at Visitation and beyond. No prior leadership experience at your previous school is necessary.
Instructor: Mrs. Singleton - Director of Student Activities
Tuition: $60
- Enrichment
- Freshmen
Creative Writing
Dates: June 26 - 30 or July 24 - 28 from 12 - 1:30 p.m.
*Sign up for only one session
Description: Short story writer and novelist Flannery O'Connor once said that anyone who has survived his or her life to the age of fifteen has enough material to last a lifetime. The creative writing - prose class will give you the opportunity to use your writing skills for self-expression. We will take a look at all the things that interest and fascinate us, and spend our time turning them into prose works of either fiction or non-fiction. The work you write will be something you can hold onto throughout your four years at Visitation, and look back on at the end to see what you were thinking when you came in, and how you have grown during your four years here. Look forward to a fun, exciting, and creative time together!
Instructor: Mr. D’Agata - English Teacher
Tuition: $150
- Enrichment
- Freshmen
- Upperclassmen
A (Brief) History of Washington, D.C.
Dates: July 24 - July 28 from 8 - 11 a.m.
Description: In A (Brief) History of Washington D.C., students will examine Washington as a living city: a city whose politics, economy, neighborhoods, architecture, culture, and population have evolved over time. In addition, the course emphasizes the importance of students learning how to ask thoughtful questions about their environment, finding ways to answer these questions, and effectively communicating their answers. Excursions into different neighborhoods and guest speakers will happen daily.
Instructor: Mr. Petri - History Teacher
Tuition: $300
Grades: 9-12
- Enrichment
- Freshmen
- Upperclassmen
Metacognition: Learning How to Learn
Dates: July 10 - 14 or July 24 - 28 from 12 - 1:30 p.m.
*Sign up for only one session
Description: Students will be introduced to the principles of metacognition—awareness and knowledge of one’s own learning and thought processes. Demonstrations and strategies to improve attention, perception, and short-term and long-term memory will be presented so that students can explore what research-based approaches work best for their own personal learning styles. The class will be fun and interactive, and will introduce students to skills that can be used throughout their high-school careers.
Instructor: Ms. Fay - History Teacher and Department Chair
Tuition: $150
- Enrichment
- Freshmen
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location: Enrichment courses are offered on-campus unless otherwise noted. Visitation adheres to D.C. Health guidance to ensure the safety of our students and faculty.
Registration: Registration for enrichment classes will open later this spring. Full tuition is due at registration. Enrollment is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitation will maintain a waitlist in Veracross in the event of cancellations. Visitation reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet the minimum enrollment.
Financial Aid: A limited amount of financial aid is available for Summer Enrichment courses. If you would like to apply for aid, please email Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Janet Keller at janet.keller@visi.org.
Credit: Students do not earn credit for summer courses.
iPads: iPads are required for math and English classes to take and organize notes, submit assignments, and view some course materials. The courses will introduce apps that students will use during the school year, such as Notability. Other classes may also require an iPad.
Lunch: Lunch is NOT provided. Students taking multiple classes are responsible for their own lunch / snacks.
Questions: Contact Summer Enrichment Coordinator Eric Chalfin at eric.chalfin@visi.org.