Upper School Summer Enrichments
The Art of Problem Solving
June 9–12
9 a.m.–1 p.m. (bring a lunch)
This course is designed to help the student develop the ability to think critically and solve problems creatively. Students will reason, model, and draw conclusions or make decisions with quantitative information. This class will not focus solely on the "correct" solution but also on the defense of the student's arrival at that solution. It will emphasize learning and understanding methods
This class is open to students in grades 9th through 12th who have completed Algebra 1
Teacher - Jeff Chambless
Algebra I Refresher (Prep for Algebra 2 and PreCalculus)
June 15 –18
9 a.m.–1 p.m. (bring a lunch)
This non-graded course provides a targeted review of Algebra. Intended for the student who has studied Algebra 1 level topics but seeks a solid review to proceed with higher math courses or to prepare for standardized testing. Successful completion of this course will not substitute for Algebra I credit for transcript purposes. This would be a great course for students about to enter Algebra II, rather than memorizing formulas, enabling students to solve large classes of problems.
This class is open to students in grades 9 through 12 who have completed Algebra 1
Teacher - Jeff Chambless
Summer Poetry Course
June 1-11
1 p.m.–3 p.m.
In this course, we will explore the power of words and how the poet wields them to call attention to the wonders of this world and the lives lived upon it. This will be a very practical workshop, in which students will write and revise several poems in addition to doing several exercises to help them see, think, and hear like poets. The course will focus on observation (nature) poems, poems about the human experience, and religious poems. In addition to writing poetry, we will also read other poets’ work, review peers’ poems, and eat cookies.
This course is open to rising 8th through 12th grades.
Teacher - Nicholas Ireland
Let’s Make an Adventure Game!
Dates: June 8th-18th
Time: 9–11 a.m.
In this class, we will learn about table-top adventure game design: rules, settings, maps, scenarios, and refereeing the game. This class has a bit of everything: creative writing, drawing, drama, even a little math! If you enjoy adventure games (like WSOM's Game Club) and wonder how to make and play your own, this class is for you.
- Note: This is not a video game programming course! We are making games you play with pencil, paper, and dice.
This class is open to all Upper School students.
Teacher - Dr. Grubbs
Discovering Your Design: Strengths, Learning & Calling
Dates: June 8th-11th
9 a,m.–1 p.m. (bring a lunch)
Or June 22-25
9 a.m.–1 p.m. (bring a lunch)
In this interactive workshop, students will use two powerful assessment tools — the Highlands Ability Battery and the Working Genius for Students — to discover their natural strengths, learning patterns, and energizing roles.
Students will gain insight into how they think, solve problems, and process information, as well as which types of tasks bring them the most motivation and satisfaction. They will learn practical study strategies tailored to their individual wiring and develop language to articulate their strengths with confidence.
This course helps students move beyond comparison and guesswork. Instead of asking “What should I be?”, students begin by understanding “How am I designed?” — a foundation that informs academic choices, leadership opportunities, and future career exploration.
By the end of the workshop, students will leave with greater self-awareness, personalized learning strategies, and a clearer sense of where they are likely to thrive and find joy in their work and contributions.
This class is open to students in grades rising 8th through 11th
(rising 12th graders will be offered the same assessments starting July 1st)
Teacher - Kim. Fulcher