Summer Programs  |  Elementary School  |  Middle School  |  Upper School  |  Outdoor Courses 

Session I, for-credit courses offered June 18 through July 6 (no classes on July 4th).  Depending on demand, a few for-credit courses will be offered in Session II from July 9 through July 27.  Other courses available throughout the summer.

Through our Summer School, students may take high school courses for trimester, academic credit at the Community School or at other schools. Students taking summer, for credit courses can then lighten their load during the regular school year when they have a demanding athletic schedule of ski and snowboard competitions, hockey, basketball, swimming or ice skating. Students may also use credits earned in the summer to advance in the curriculum to ensure that they are taking the most challenging program Community School offers. Other students may choose a more non-traditional learning experience such as learning to kayak, rock climb, fly fish or getting certified in Wilderness First Aid. Community Summer Programs are a great place to enrich a student's learning, advance in the curriculum, build skills for leadership, or gain some new experiences and friends. Please click here for the high school program daily schedule. (Course offerings and times are subject to change depending on enrollment.)

Community School policy allows a student to take up to three terms of credit in the summer with permission of both the Head of School and the Upper School Head. More information about our Flex Plan is available at Academic Calendar Flex Plan.

Summer Homework: Students should expect about an hour and a half of homework each night in the core summer classes: English, history, math, science or language. This is essential in covering a full term's worth of content and reading.

Absences during academic courses: Due to the intensive nature of summer school courses, missing even one day has a significant effect on the learning experience. Please plan to take vacations before or after the summer school dates. For snow sport athletes, we have worked with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation coaches and directors to choose weeks for summer school that have the fewest conflicts with training camps. Naturally, if your child is sick, keep them home, and we will make arrangements to make up the work. Just like during the school year, excessive absences can result in an inability to obtain credit for the course. In general, our policy is that students should not register for Summer School if they are unable to attend the announced dates for the courses.  Direct any questions about absences to Mike Wade.

You may download a registration form by clicking the image to the right, or you may request a registration form by e-mailing mwade@communityschool.org.  An electronically fillable form will be sent to you immediately. Complete the registration form and return it via e-mail or mail it to: Mike Wade, Community School Summer Program Director, Box 2118, Sun Valley, ID 83353. If any course you have registered for involves off-campus travel, an "Assumption of Risk" form and an "Emergency Release" form will be sent to you separately.

English Courses

English 9 (winter term credit) - offered in both the 1st and 2nd sessions
English 10 (winter term credit)
English 11 or 12: Literature course TBA (one credit, any term)
English 11 or 12: Immigrant Experience in Literature (one credit, any term)
Junior Thesis  (one credit, any term)

History Courses

History 9: Ancient History  (winter term credit)
History 10: Modern World History (winter term credit)
History 11:  U. S. History (winter term credit)
History 11 or 12: Introduction to Psychology (one credit, any term)
Junior Thesis (one credit, any term)

World Languages Courses

Peruvian Adventure! (optional winter term credit in the Senior year)
Intermediate Conversational Spanish

Math & Science Courses

Planetary Astronomy  (one term credit)
Algebra 2 (three term course, full year credit)
Introduction to Computer Science (one term credit)

Art and Music Courses

Visual Art:  Drawing & Painting (one term credit)
Visual Art:  Ceramics (one term credit)
The Art & Craft of Digital Photography (one term credit)

Outdoor Education Courses

Expedition Planning and Leadership (one term credit)
Wilderness First Aid
Learn to Kayak
Rock Climbing:  Beyond Top Roping
Backpack the White Clouds

Standardized Test Prep Courses

PSAT/SAT Prep Course

Study Skills Course

Study Skills for the Middle to High School Transition

Enrichment Courses

Driver's Education

Sports Camps

5B Boys' Basketball Camp
5B Boys' Lacrosse Camp

Community Summer High School Daily Schedule*
Session I: June 18-July 6

English 9 (winter term credit)
This for-credit course covers the winter term curriculum of English 9 Foundations in Literature at the Community School. Get excited to be exposed to new cultures and ideas in a variety of genres: poetry, fiction, non-fiction, short stories and drama. Plan on spending a few hours of homework daily in order to read the texts and write and revise papers. Students will receive helpful feedback on their emerging reading, writing and speaking skills from veteran Community School teacher JoEllen Collins.
Open to students entering the 9th grade
Teacher: JoEllen Collins, B.A., M.A. UCLA
Maximum class size of 12
Session I:  June 18-July 6 (plus a final assignment due by July 13th)
Session II:  July 9-July 27 (plus a final assignment due by August 3rd)
Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 10:30 am
Tuition: $1,000
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English 10 (winter term credit)
In this course, we will critically think, read, write and discuss as Literary Critics, applying different modes of Literary Theory to our thinking, reading, writing and discussion.  Specifically, we will critique Shakespeares's Hamlet, as well as parts of Milton's Paradise Lost, followed by opportunities for both expository and creative writing.  Don't miss this chance to improve your critical thinking, reading, writing, and speaking skills with Community School English teacher JoEllen Collins.
Open to students entering the 10th grade
Teacher: JoEllen Collins, B.A., M.A. UCLA
Maximum class size of 12
June 18-July 6 (plus a final assignment due by July 13th)
Monday-Friday, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Tuition: $1,000
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English 11/12: Literature course TBA (one term credit)
This course is still under development.  It will be a Junior/Senior level literature course which will count as a one term English credit. Depending on demand, this course will be offered in Session II as well.
Open to students entering the 11th or 12th grades
Teacher: TBA
Maximum class size of 12
Session I:  June 18-July 6 (plus a final assignment due by July 13th)
Session II:  July 9-July 27 (plus a final assignment due by August 3rd)
Monday-Friday, 8:30 - 10:30 am
Tuition: $1,000
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English 11/12: Literature Course TBA (one term credit)
This course is still under development.  It will be a Junior/Senior level literature course which will count as a one term English credit. Depending on demand, this course will be offered in Session II as well.
Open to students entering the 11th or 12th grades
Teacher: TBA
June 18-July 6 (plus a final assignment due by July 13th)
Monday and Friday, 12:30 - 2:30 pm
Tuition: $1,000
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Research Methodologies and Thesis (one term credit)
This course allows students to complete their Junior Thesis and counts as a term credit. It's a great way to relieve the heavy research required during the junior year. This course requires independent research and the ability to meet deadlines throughout the researching and writing processes. Students will engage in ‘true’ thesis research, meaning they will read a series of texts, organize their research, compose their own thesis statement and write a corresponding ten page paper, properly formatted. An oral defense of the thesis before a faculty panel is required after the paper has been successfully completed.  The work is largely independent, but students will be guided from initial brainstorming through the final completion of this graduation requirement.
Open to students entering the 11th grade
Teacher:  Connor Wade, B.A. Boston College
June 18-July 6
Monday-Friday, 12:30 to 2:30pm
Tuition: $1,000
Maximum class size of 10
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History 9 (winter term credit)
From the rise of the Roman Empire to its fall and subsequent rise of other great empires, the second term of Ancient history follows changes in the world through trade, war and expansion.  Looking into the world shaped by the exchange of ideas and growth of new centers of power, Asia, Europe and Africa start to experience the spread of religions, languages and goods.  Concluding with the crusades and the clash of the Christian and Islamic worlds, we see Europe on the brink of the Renaissance while the Mongols and Tang Dynasty establish power structures further East.
Open to students entering the 9th grade
Teacher: Eric Covington, B.A., Barton College, M.A. University of Georgia
Maximum class size of 12
June 18-July 6 (plus a final assignment due by July 13th)
Monday-Friday, 12:30 - 2:30 pm
Tuition: $1,000
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History 10 (winter term credit)
This for-credit course covers the winter term curriculum of History 10:  Modern World History at the Community School. The focus of the course is on understanding cultural forces, national movements and concepts that influence government, philosophy, religion, commerce, science and art.  The overall goal is to provide students with an understanding of the movements that have shaped societies.  The time period is 1800 to 1920.
Open to students entering the 10th grade
Teacher: Eric Covington, B.A., Barton College, M.A. University of Georgia
Maximum class size of 12
June 18-July 6 ( plus a final assignment due by July 13th )
Monday-Friday, 8:30 - 10:30 am
Tuition: $1,000
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History 11:  U.S. History (winter term credit)
This for-credit course covers the winter term curriculum of History 11:  U. S. History at the Community School and is taught by veteran history teacher Jenny Kroncke who also teaches the course during the regular school year. Moving from the early years of the republic through the turn of the 20th century, a wide range of topics and skills are introduced in this portion of the curriculum. Writing and analytical skills are a focus in the course, and the many fascinating events of this period are a great vehicle for discussion and work on these particular skill sets.  The Civil War will hold the most prominent position in the course.
Open to students entering the 11th grade
Teacher: Jenny Kroncke, B.A., Duke University; M.Ed. Kennesaw State University
Maximum class size of 12
June 18-July 6 ( plus a final assignment due by July 13th )
Monday-Friday, 10:30am-12:30pm 
Tuition: $1,000
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Introduction to Psychology (one term history credit)
This introductory course will offer students an overview of the ever-burgeoning field of Psychology. Students will examine past, present and future applications, from psychoanalysis and abnormal psychology to neuroscience to social psychology. Classroom focus will be on student-directed dialogue and will incorporate discussions of current and historical research, methods, and events.
Teacher: Connor Wade, B.A. Psychology, Boston College
June 18-July 6 ( plus a final assignment due by July 13th )
Monday-Friday, 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Tuition: $1,000
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Peruvian Adventure! (optional Senior year, winter term credit)
Travel to Peru and explore ancient archeological sites and the civilization that created them. Learn about the Spanish conquest by visiting several colonial towns. Students speak Spanish, volunteer at a local school or orphanage and visit Peru's most amazing sites: Lima, Cusco, the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, Mara, Moray, Chinchero and many others. Those taking the course for credit will read and write in Spanish about the history and culture of Peru and practice their speaking and listening skills with native speakers. Students will meet for one week of class after the trip to cover important grammatical concepts if taking the course for credit.
Teacher:  Pilar Lindahl, B.A. University of Madrid, M.A. UC-Santa Barbara
Peru Dates:  June 16 to June 30
Cost:  $4,870 - all inclusive except personal spending money
Course credit option: additional $800 tuition
Dates: July 2 - July 6, 1.5 hours/day, or by arrangement with the teacher
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Intermediate Conversational Spanish (This is a non-credit course.)
This course immerses students in the oral and written language of Spanish.  It involves, broadens, refines and solidifies students' knowledge of the Spanish language and Hispanic culture.  It encompasses aural/oral skills, reading comprehension, grammar and optional compositions.  Course content includes the arts, history, current events, literature, culture and sports.  Students will be able to understand spoken Spanish in various conversational situations, and they will be able to read Spanish prose and poetry and develop oral and written persuasive arguments.  The course will be conducted in Spanish.
Open to middle and high school students .
Teacher:  TBA
Dates:  June 18 to July 6
Monday-Friday, 12:30 - 2:30 pm
Cost/Tuition:  $800
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Planetary Astonomy (one term credit)
This study of astronomy will begin with a look into the sky we view each night and how its vastness can be studied. Some history of astronomy will be covered which will lead us to telescopes, how they work and how to use them. We'll turn to our solar system and the celestial bodies that inhabit it and move outward to study the stars, their physical characteristics, evolution an death. The course will culminate with a broader view of the universe as we study galaxies and the birth and evolution of the universe.  There will be some night-time labs to observe the planets and stars. Successful completion of the class will satisfy one term of the Junior or Senior year science requirement at the Community School.
Teacher:  Paul Hartl, B.A., B.S, M.S., Ph.D.
Dates:  June 18 to July 6
Monday-Thursday, 2:30 - 4:30 pm, plus evening labs
Cost/Tuition:  $1,000
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Algebra 2 (three term course, full year credit)
This seven week course covers the material of a full year algebra 2 course for students who have successfully completed algebra 1.  Topics will include modeling with linear and quadratic functions, complex numbers, parent functions, transformations, inverse functions, higher degree polynomials and their zeros, rational functions and asymptotes, conics, exponential and logarithmic functions, multivariable linear and nonlinear systems of equations, conic sections, probability, sequences and series and an introduction to non-right triangle trigonometry. Veteran math teacher, Claire Cassidy, makes this course exciting and accessible to all students.  Technology is used extensively in delivering the curriculum. (The course may be taken for fall term and winter term credit in the first 5 weeks.)
Teacher:  Claire Cassidy, B.A., University of Kansas
Dates:  June 18 to August 3
Monday-Friday, 2:30 - 5:00 pm
Cost/Tuition:  $3,000 (or $1,000 per term)
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Introduction to Computer Science (one term credit)
This class introduces basic programming concepts using the Java programming language. Topics covered are variable types, functions, data structures, control commands, object oriented programming, applet and AWT libraries. By the end of the class, students will be able to create basic programming objects and simple applets with visual graphics. Students should be very familiar with computers and comfortable working with new software. Independent work on challenging projects both in and out of class will be required. It's best if students bring a laptop but computers are available at the school if needed.  Textbook purchase required. 
Teacher:  Willy Felton, B.S., Willamette University, M.A.T. Western Governors University
Dates:  June 18 to July 6
Monday-Friday, 10:30am - 12:30 pm
Cost/Tuition:  $1,000
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Visual Art:  Drawing & Painting (one term credit)
This course is an exploration of drawing and painting in a variety of media and techniques.  The students will create artwork in both two and three dimensions.  Everyone will keep a visual notebook to use for sketching, experimenting with media and class notes.  We will investigate the artwork and environment of the Wood River Valley as part of our inspiration.  This course fulfills a one term art/music graduation requirement for high school students, but is also open to Middle School students.
Teacher:  Anne Aganon, B.A., Wesleyan University, B.F.A. San Francisco Art Institute
Dates:  June 18 to July 6
Monday-Friday, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Cost/Tuition:  $1,000
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Visual Art:  Ceramics (one term credit)
This course explores the excitement of working with clay by introducing a variety of handbuilding  techniques and throwing on the wheel. There will be emphasis on using glazing and surface texture to create works that are self-expressive. It includes the examination of contemporary sculpture in clay.  The intention is to introduce the abundant creative possibilities which clay has to offer.  This course fulfills a one term art/music graduation requirement for high school students.
Teacher:  Anne Aganon, B.A., Wesleyan University, B.F.A. San Francisco Art Institute
Dates:  June 18 to July 6
Monday-Friday, 12:30 - 2:30 pm
Cost/Tuition:  $1,000
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The Art & Craft of Digital Photography (one term credit)
This class will take you from the technical basics of photography to the ultimate goal of creating compelling photos with your digital camera. We will cover light, metering, ISO, lens choice and composition. You will learn how to control motion and depth of field, and how to use your camera in manual mode. We will work both in the classroom as well as go out into the field. Beginners as well as experienced photographers welcome.  You provide your own digital SLR camera that can be used in manual mode.
Teacher:  Anne Aganon, B.A., Wesleyan University, B.F.A. San Francisco Art Institute
Dates:  June 18 to July 6
Monday-Friday, 8:30 - 10:30am
Cost/Tuition:  $1,000
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PSAT and SAT prep course
Bob Brock, Community School college counselor and thirty-year veteran teacher, has taught his legendary PSAT/SAT Prep course for many years and has allowed countless students to maximize their potential on the SAT. Bob prepares students to improve their test taking strategies in the Math, Reading and Writing sections of the PSAT and SAT.  Don't miss this opportunity to make your SAT score an asset on your college application. Open to students entering grades 9-12 .
Teacher:  Bob Brock,B.A. Amherst College, M.A.T Harvard College
Dates / Times:  July 30-August 3 (9:00am-Noon) and August 6-10 (Noon-3:00pm)
Tuition: $450. for one week/$775. for both weeks 
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Study Skills for the Middle to High School Transition
This course is designed to enhance study skills for students as they transition from middle to high School. Study skills covered include: time management, reading comprehension, annotation of texts, grammar, note-taking, notebook organization and public speaking. This is a great opportunity for students to hit the first semester of their high school career with the skills required for academic success.
Instructor:  JoEllen Collins, B.A., M.A. UCLA
August 13-17
Monday-Friday, 12:30 - 2:30 pm
Tuition:  $225
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Expedition Planning and Leadership (one term credit)
The course teaches the skills needed to plan and lead a backcountry trip.  Students will learn how to select appropriate routes, research the area’s regulations, develop a trip plan, communication plan, risk management plan, food plan and equipment list, all within the context of planning their own expedition.  Students will also get hands on training in the care and repair of equipment.  The course will explore the fundamentals of effective leadership and decision-making.  Successful students will put their new skills to work planning and leading their own expedition later in the summer.
Teacher:  Rob Landis, Outdoor Program Director, B.A., Boise State University
Dates:  June 18 to July 6
Monday-Friday, 2:30 - 4:30am
Cost/Tuition:  $1,000
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Backpacking in the White Clouds
Travel through the high-mountain lake country of the White Clouds with veteran Community School teachers and outdoor educators who know where the lunkers live. This trip has become a tradition for our summer program and a rite of passage for those who love to fish and camp in the backcountry. Students are encouraged to bring their fly rods; instruction in fly casting, selection and presentation is an integral part of the experience. You don't want to miss the opportunity to spend time with some of our most avid outdoorsmen. This course will fill up quickly.
Trip Leader: Pete Webb, B.A., M.A., Middlebury College
July 23-26
$520
Course details and packing lists
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Learn to Kayak
Community School Summer Programs in partnership with White Otter Outdoor Adventure invite you to spend four days learning to whitewater kayak safely and competently. We'll meet at 8am on July 30th at the Community School in Sun Valley and travel north to White Otter Headquarters in Sunbeam, Idaho, on the Salmon River. We'll spend the next four days and three nights learning the skill and art of whitewater kayaking. The class will camp together at Sunbeam. We will return to the Community School by 6pm on August 2nd. Open to kids ages 12-18. No experience necessary.
July 30 - August 2
$450 (includes all boating equipment, food, transportation, instruction and supervision)
$400 (if you provide your own boating equipment)
For additional information, please contact Rob Landis at the Community School (208.622.3960, ext. 121) or Doug Fenn at White Otter Adventures, (208.788.5005)
Course details and packing lists
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Rock Climbing: Beyond Top Roping
The Community School Summer Program invites you to spend four days learning the skills to go "beyond top-roping" to multi-pitch climbing and lead climbing. We will meet at the Community School in Sun Valley at 7am on July 16th and drive to City of Rocks National Reserve in southern Idaho for four days of rock climbing instruction and camping. We will return to Sun Valley by 7pm on July 19th. Open to kids ages 12-18.
July 16-19
$450 (includes all climbing gear, food, transportation, instruction and supervision)
For additional information, please contact Rob Landis at the Community School (208.622.3960, ext. 121)
Course details and packing lists
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Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
The Community School, in partnership with the Wilderness Medical Institute, is offering a two-day Wilderness First Aid Course. If you plan to spend time in the backcountry or leading outdoor trips, you need to be prepared. Fast paced and hands-on, this two day course covers a wide range of wilderness medicine topics for people who travel and work in the outdoors. If you plan on leading trips through the Community School Outdoor Program, this course prepares you to do so.
Open to rising 10th graders or older
Instructors: Wilderness Medicine Institute
Dates /Times:  Saturday, June 23-Sunday, June 24
8am-5pm approx.  (16 hours total)
Tuition:  $215.00
Course details and packing lists
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Driver's Education
Long time Community School teacher, Stacey Ward, has owned and operated the Sun Valley Driving School for many years.  Stacey and her Driver's Education course are certified by the State of Idaho and students taking and passing the course will receive the certification required by the State to apply for a driver's license.  To enroll, students must provide proof of residency in Blaine County and that their age is at least 14 years and 6 months by the start of the class.
Open to Blaine County residents age 14 years and 6 months or older.
Teacher:  Stacey Ward, B.S., University of Wyoming
Session I:  begins June 11
Session II:  begins July 23
Cost:  $575
Contact Stacy at sward@communityschool.org for course details.
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5B Boys' Basketball Camp (grades 9 to 12)
Former Division III standout and international player, Liz Clark, leads this intense  camp that focuses on developing the skills needed to play the wonderful game of basketball. Each session will be filled with player development, teamwork, competition and interactive drills that focus on further developing all the fundamental skills from shooting and ball handling to how to play defense the right way. This is the perfect camp for high school players gearing up to make the most of next year's varsity or junior varsity basketball season.
Head Coach:  Liz Clark, B.A., George Fox University, M.A.T., Concordia University
June 11-14, Mon-Thur, 1:00 to 4:30pm
$125
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5B Lacrosse Camp (boys - grades 6 to 12)

Learn the game of lacrosse at the Community School's remarkable Sagewillow facility with former University of Denver, Division I lacrosse player, Tim Price, as well as a full staff current college players and experienced coaches.  Whether you are new to the game or building on years of experience and looking to push it to the 'next level', this camp will provide both the fun and the individualized instruction you would expect from the 'fastest game on two feet'. Players provide their own equipment: stick, gloves, helmet, mouthpiece, elbow and shoulder pads, cleats.  Bring a sack lunch each day.
Head Coach:  Tim Price, B.A., M.A. University of Denver
Monday-Thursday, 9:00am-2:00pm
July 9-12
$190
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