PROGRAM PILLARS
Proprietary Academic Curriculum for Gifted Students
- Designed specifically for gifted, talented, and highly proficient students
- Fosters critical and creative thinking skills through hands-on multidisciplinary curriculum
- Challenges them to push the limits of their knowledge
- Encourages students to embrace their individuality and thrive in a community of inclusive and like-minded peers
- Students refine soft skill development and build confidence
- Programming for the whole person – academics combined with social, cultural and recreational opportunities
Fun Activities On and Off Campus
- Helps students build friendships and skills to thrive in social environments
- Program traditions, arts and crafts, team challenges, community events, pool parties, and more
- Visits to city landmarks, sporting events, cultural activities, theme parks, museums and more
- Off-campus activities, events, and residential life creates a completely immersive summer experience inside and outside the classroom
5Prestigious University Campus Programs
24/7Summer Discovery Campus Staff & Nurse Availability
Proprietary STEAM+ Curriculum
Our proprietary STEAM+ curriculum focuses on applying creative thinking across multiple disciplines to solve real-world problems. Academic classes offer a variety of interdisciplinary studies in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, arts, humanities, fitness, and recreation with the goal of developing both the intellectual, social, and emotional needs of high-potential youth.
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Challenging academics and experiential activities with like-minded students.
Challenging academics and engaging coursework allow students to discover their own academic motivation, strengthen passions and skills, explore new interests, and improve public speaking, independent thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. Unparalleled experiential adventures, social activities, recreation, and entertainment foster social enrichment and personal growth.
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OUR CORE VALUES
Advancing the Development of Gifted and Talented Students
Engaging coursework allows students to explore new interests. Social enrichment supports soft skill development, such as socialization, communication, team building, and collaboration. Enjoy unparalleled experiential adventures, social activities, recreation, and entertainment. This community of like-minded learners creates a safe space that nurtures friendships, self-confidence, self-discovery, and self-advocacy.
The Institute for the Gifted allows students to discover their own academic motivations. It also improves their public speaking, independent thinking, teamwork, and problem solving.
The counselors are positive role models and love working with students. This environment promotes independence and college preparedness. Residential life management fosters basic life lessons, such as independence, responsibility, and time management.
A Day In The Life
Residential/Commuter
- Live like a college student in a secure residence hall
- Eat in university dining halls each day
- Enjoy program traditions, like Banner Night and Brain Bowl
Day Program
- Full-day and half-day options available (select campuses)
- Get a taste of learning in a university setting
- Enjoy rec hour with friends
- Eat lunch in the dining halls
SAFETY & SECURITY
Age appropriate supervision, prioritized wellbeing.
- Staff must clear thorough criminal background checks and complete specialized training for working with minors.
- Middle and high school students may move around specific campus areas in groups of three or more at designated times.
- While students have a sense of freedom, staff constantly keep in close communication with middle and high school students to ensure they are where they need to b
- Teaching assistants monitor the dining hall.
- Nurse lives on campus and is available 24 hours/day. No student is allowed off campus without supervision.
Student to Staff Ratios
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MIDDLE SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the instructors?
Program instructors are experienced gifted and talented instructors with advanced degrees in area of teaching specialization. All staff receive a thorough background check and are required to complete special training for working with minors.
Is lunch provided on campus? Are special dietary meals provided?
Yes, lunch is provided on all campuses for residential and commuter students. Additional meals are provided for residential students. Special meals may be accommodated but parents must advise the administrative team on campus of the student’s dietary needs in advance.
Will my child be in class with students of different ages?
Academic courses are offered to students of the same grade grouping. However, if you feel your student is better suited for another grade band, please contact us to complete a Grade band Waiver. (We do not offer cultural/recreational classes) Class grouping accommodates varying ability levels.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Institute for the Gifted?
All students must demonstrate eligibility by providing one of the following options. This documentation is required when completing an Institute for the Gifted application.
- Test Scores: Nationally normed testing scores at the 95th percentile on intellectual, achievement, or creativity within the last 5 school years.
- Gifted Program Participation: Documentation of acceptance into a gifted program or gifted school or participation in a talent search or comparable alternative gifted summer enrichment program in the last 5 years.
- SIG Recommendation: Request a SIG recommendation from one core subject educator (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies).
Gifted Campus Offerings
Choose from a variety of top-tier universities, from Yale University to UC Berkeley and beyond.
UCLA
Cornell University
Yale University
Bryn Mawr College
Fairfield University