Summer at Portledge offers a diverse range of enriching and educational courses for students from pre-nursery through 12th grade. Educational courses will bridge Portledge programs and Upper School credit courses.
Children will enjoy a half-day of engaging activities, including social play, art projects, exploration, outdoor games, music, and movement. This program offers a well-rounded experience that fosters creativity and interaction in a nurtured setting.
Children will engage in active outdoor play and creative exploration while diving into math, literacy, and writing through playful activities and hands-on learning. It’s the perfect way to make the most of summer and gear up for an amazing Pre-K year ahead.
Sample Schedule:
9 a.m. Arrival
9-9:30 a.m. Creative Play
9:30-10 a.m. Handwriting
10-10:20 a.m. Snack
10:20-11 a.m. Water Activities
11-11:30 a.m. Lunch
11:30-12 p.m. Arts and Crafts
12-12:30 p.m. Mathematical Thinking
12:30-1 p.m. Library
1-1:30 p.m. Specialty Class or Sports
1:30-2 p.m. Outdoor Play/Reflection
2 p.m. Dismissal
Price: $1,550 per 2-week session
Session A: June 30 - July 11
Session B: July 14 - July 25
Session C: July 28 - August 8
before-care from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. is available for an additional $50 per week
after-care from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. is available for an additional $100 per week
Students review what they have learned during the previous school year and are introduced to concepts for the upcoming school year in a nurturing environment. This program is meant to ease the transition between grade levels and help students enter the school year with confidence. With no homework or high-stakes assessments, students can focus on growth at their own pace, all while having fun. Lessons will be applicable to students in both public and private school settings. Classes will be taught by Portledge teachers and grades will be divided, as follows:
Rising K-1st: Ms. Schiller
Rising 2nd-3rd: Mrs. Bodo
Rising 4th-5th: Mrs. Pytell
Sample Schedule:
9-10 a.m. Math Explorations & Creative Problem-Solving
10-10:30 a.m. Active Play & Movement
10:30-11:30 a.m. Hands-On Science Adventures
11:30-12:30 p.m. Lunch & Outdoor Discovery Time
12:30-1:30 p.m. Literacy Fun & Creative Expression
Middle School students are grouped by grade and rotate through engaging sessions in creative writing, mathematics, and executive functioning. In this supportive environment, students review key concepts from the previous school year while also being introduced to new material for the year ahead. Designed to ease the transition between grade levels, this program helps students approach the upcoming school year with confidence and enthusiasm. With no homework or high-stakes assessments, the focus is on personal growth and exploration at each student’s own pace—all while enjoying the process of learning. The lessons are tailored to be relevant for students in both public and private school settings. While the program is a half-day, students interested in staying for a full day may have that option. For more information about full-day availability, please contact jmachover@portledge.org.
Dates: August 4-August 15
Price: Half-Day $1,200 for two-week session Full-Day $1,750 for two-week session
Algebra 1 is the study of the fundamental operations of algebra, introducing variables, algebraic expressions, equations, inequalities, functions, and multiple representations. In this class, students will develop the ability to explore and solve real-world application problems, demonstrate the appropriate use of graphing calculators, and communicate mathematical ideas clearly. This course lays the foundation for mathematical literacy that will help students succeed in every subsequent mathematics course.
Major topics of study include the evaluation of algebraic equations, exponent rules and manipulation, polynomials, solving and graphing linear equations, solving and graphing two variable inequalities, solving systems of equations, radicals, word problems, solving and graphing quadratic equations, and factoring.
*This course is available to public and private school students. Students must pass the final examination in order to receive credit for this course.
Precalculus builds upon the student's understanding of algebra, geometry, and mathematical functions. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts and relationships of functions while strengthening mathematical skills in preparation for Calculus. In addition to content mastery, students will further develop their problem-solving skills.
Major topics of study include functions and their graphs with special attention to polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, analytic trigonometry, complex numbers; systems of equations and inequalities; trigonometric identities; and trigonometric applications.
*This course is available to public and private school students. Students must pass the final examination in order to receive credit for this course.
Dates: June 30-August 15 (NO class the week of July 14) Time: 10-3 p.m.
Geometry continues students’ early study of geometric concepts of shapes and solids and focuses on the study of the properties of two and three-dimensional shapes; the symmetry, congruence, and similarity of these shapes, and uses deductive reasoning and logical arguments in formulating direct proofs. Students will acquire and demonstrate knowledge of Euclidean geometry including basic definitions, postulates, theorems, and corollaries implemented through mathematical modeling.
Major topics of study will include logical reasoning and formal proofs; properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, and circles; triangle similarity, triangle congruence, and right triangle relationships; analysis of area and volume; properties of two and three-dimensional geometric figures and solids; and geometric constructions and transformations.
*This course is available to public and private school students. Students must pass the final examination in order to receive credit for this course.
Dates: June 30-August 15 (NO class the week of July 27) Time: 10-3 p.m.
A laboratory course for students who want to understand the structure of matter, its properties, composition, and the changes that matter undergoes with some reliance on mathematical relationships of chemical reactions. Topics will include the structure of the atom, chemical formulas, types of (and balancing) chemical reactions, phases of matter, gas laws, bonding, molecular geometry, intermolecular forces, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. The emphasis in this course will be on understanding concepts, although problem-solving will require some basic algebra. Labs will provide “hands-on” experience for in-depth exploration of chemical laws and principles. Occasionally, technology will be integrated into the lab experiments.
*This course is available to public and private school students. Students must pass the final examination in order to receive credit for this course.
Algebra II continues to develop the fundamental algebraic skills needed for success in higher-level mathematics. Algebra II thoroughly studies functions, including parent functions, families of functions, and transformations. Students will develop the ability to create and apply models to situations represented by functions. The continued study of equations, systems of equations, inequalities, quadratics, factoring, and solving quadratic equations builds on Algebra I concepts in greater depth as students work to define new functions.
Major topics of study include linear and quadratic expressions, equations, and functions; polynomial, rational, and exponential functions; logarithmic functions, equations, and expressions; complex and imaginary numbers, sequences, and series. Trigonometric concepts involving right triangles are studied, and laws involving non-right triangles are also introduced.
*This course is available to public and private school students. Students must pass the final examination in order to receive credit for this course.
*NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS Portledge School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to, but is not limited to, educational policies, admission, financial aid, hiring and employment practices, use of school facilities, athletics, and other school-administered programs.