X
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this website, you consent to our use of these cookies.

Grades 9–12

Welcome to La Jolla Country Day School’s summer programs! We are excited that you are spending some (or all!) of your summer with us. If you’re returning from last year, welcome back, and thank you for choosing our program again.

Sessions run from June 6–August 5. There will be no camp on Monday, June 20 and the week of July 4–8. Sign up for a morning or afternoon class or stay for a full day of fun. Register for classes based on the grade level your child will be entering in fall 2022.

Morning classes run from 8:30–11:30 a.m. Drop-off for morning classes begins at 8 a.m. Afternoon classes run from 12:30–3:30 p.m. Drop-off for afternoon classes begins at 12 p.m. If your child is staying with us for the morning and the afternoon, they will enjoy a complimentary box lunch with their new friends between 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

See General Info or FAQs for more details. Registration closes at noon two weeks before the start of each session.
 
Classes are subject to change. Visit the registration website for the most up-to-date schedule.

Morning

List of 4 items.

  • Biology Class (Grade 11) 

    Interested in completing your biology requirement over the summer? This laboratory course covers the traditional biology curriculum—cellular structures, genetics, evolution, human systems and experimentation—but in an accelerated format that reimagines how education can be delivered across space and time.  

    Key Points
    • Not available for honors credit
    • Completing this course does NOT allow an LJCDS student to take 4 classes during the school year. They must still enroll in a minimum of 5 classes
    • Offered in a hybrid online/offline model across two sessions
    • Students must complete both sessions to earn credit
    • UC/CSU approved and fulfills the LJCDS biology requirement
    • Cannot be used to earn a recommendation for an AP/honors science course

    Session 1: Online (June 27–July 15, 3 weeks)
    The first three weeks of the course are offered online in an asynchronous format. There are no set class times, so students can choose when and where to learn. However, the course is not self-paced (meaning students cannot finish the course as quickly or slowly as they want). Instead, session 1 is paced in weekly modules. Students work 15-20 hours a week for all three weeks. This weekly pacing maximizes collaboration with classmates and support from the instructor. The goal of the online component is to give students a strong understanding of the fundamental concepts of biology (e.g., the cell as the fundamental building block of life, how evolution and natural selection shape the natural world, and why DNA is the universal alphabet). Students MUST have regular access to reliable, fast internet during session 1.

    Session 2: In-Person (July 18–August 5, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., 3 weeks)
    The last three weeks of the course occur in person on the LJCDS campus. Students apply the core concepts from session 1 to various popular topics such as sleep, sports and nutrition (e.g., How is sugar processed by the cell? Is there a genetic basis for elite athletic performance? What is the evolutionary purpose of dreaming?). This session relies heavily on field experiences (field trips, labs, data collection, etc.) that otherwise could not be offered during the traditional bell schedule. As such, in-person attendance is a requirement. Students who miss more than two classes will be evaluated by the Upper School administration to determine if they can receive credit.

    For more information, please contact Chris Uyeda, cuyeda@ljcds.org, or read the Summer Biology Frequently Asked Questions. 

    June 27–August 5 (6 weeks)
    $2,250
    Credit eligibility: 1 science credit (1-year equivalent) 
    Minimum 5; maximum 15
    Led by Upper School science educator Chris Uyeda

  • Ceramics — Hand Building (Grades 6–12) 

    Explore ceramics through traditional hand-building methods. Coiling, pinching and slab techniques are covered via functional and non-functional art forms. Students work on sculptural techniques to enrich their understanding of this ancient and beautiful craft while also exploring surface design techniques such as stamping, carving, slip decoration, wax resist and glaze application methods. 

    *Note: This class does not work on the pottery wheel. Please see the Ceramics – Wheel Throwing class.

    June 21–24 (LJCDS is closed June 20)
    June 27–July 1
    July 11–15
    July 18–22
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    $370 ($296 for June 21–24)
    Maximum 15 students
    Led by LJCDS Upper School ceramics educator Alexis Grinbold

  • Summer Reading — Toni Morrison, Beloved (Grades 11–12) 

    This reading course introduces students to Toni Morrison's novel Beloved. Throughout the course, students examine slavery in the U.S., violence against women, personal trauma, historical memory and the difficulties of recording the magnitude of collective trauma. Students hone their critical reading and writing skills by reflecting on and analyzing how Morrison develops these themes in the novel.
     
    June 13–17
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    $370
    Led by LJCDS Upper School humanities educator Kailey Giordano

  • The Wonderful World of Equations (Grades 9–12) 

    Students review the core equation-creation and equation-solving techniques that arise in introductory algebra, geometry and intermediate algebra. As time permits, students may explore the wonders of linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, radical, logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric equations. Students completing this review are better equipped to tackle the rigors of advanced mathematics courses and the challenges of standardized testing. 
     
    June 13–17
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    $370
    Led by LJCDS Upper School math educator Dave Schall 

Afternoon

List of 7 items.

  • Ceramics — Wheel Throwing (Grades 6–12)

    It’s time to explore personal expression through the versatile and oh-so-messy medium of clay using the pottery wheel. Students learn various forming techniques with an emphasis on wheel throwing and the production of functional pottery forms. Surface design techniques such as stamping, carving, slip decoration, wax resist and glaze application methods are covered. Class is limited to 13 students.

    June 21–24 (LJCDS is closed June 20) 
    June 27–July 1
    July 11–15
    July 18–22
    12:30–3:30 p.m.
    $370 ($296 for June 21–24)
    Maximum of 13 students 
    Led by LJCDS Upper School ceramics educator Alexis Grinbold

  • IGNITE (Grades 9–10) 

    The IGNITE program is an engaging and interactive experience designed to help teens build a strong sense of self, navigate the challenges they face and develop the skills needed to thrive in the world using tools like mindfulness and empathy.

    Developed by the Conscious Leadership Academy at the University of San Diego using research from the fields of leadership, social-emotional learning, psychology, and education, this program allows students to practice using their voices to advocate for themselves and create personal boundaries.

    While this camp prepares teens to thrive in the world and become the next wave of leaders, it is based on connecting with others, learning about the self, and having fun. Facilitators prioritize creating a safe and inviting environment for the participants to learn and grow. 

    June 21–24 (LJCDS is closed June 20) 
    12:30–4 p.m.
    $400
    Led by The Conscious Leadership Academy Dare to Be facilitator team

  • IGNITE Youth Leadership: Dare to Be Summer Camp (Grades 8–10)

    The IGNITE program is an engaging and interactive experience designed to help teens build a strong sense of self, navigate the challenges they face and develop the skills needed to thrive in the world using tools like mindfulness and empathy.

    Developed by the Conscious Leadership Academy at the University of San Diego using research from the fields of leadership, social-emotional learning, psychology, and education, this program allows students to understand and explore the skills that are required to be effective leaders. They are encouraged to accept the responsibility of making their environment a better place by paying attention to issues such as inclusion and belonging. 

    While this camp teaches teens critical skills to thrive in the world, it is based on connecting with others, learning about the self, and having fun. Facilitators prioritize creating a safe and inviting environment for the participants to learn and grow. 

    June 27–July 1
    12:30–4 p.m.
    $500
    Led by The Conscious Leadership Academy Dare to Be facilitator team

  • Introduction to Metalworking (Grades 9–12)

    Have you ever wanted to work with metal? Now is your chance. Sign up for an intensive week to be introduced to sheet metal working, the lathe and the mill in the Innovation Lab. Get a crash course in the tools of the trade including layout tools, files and abrasives. Work to a precision narrower than a human hair; learn methods to cut, bend and join metals like aluminum, brass and steel. Make a variety of cool and useful projects to bring home. This program involves some light homework such as watching videos or sketching ideas to prep for the next day’s activities.
     
    July 18–22
    12:30–3:30 p.m.
    $425
    Minimum 3; maximum 6 
    Led by King-Chavez Community High School biology and STEM educator Daniel Mulvihill

  • San Diego Opera—A Restorative Arts Approach to Songwriting, Scriptwriting and Spoken Word: Telling Stories with Music (Grades 9–12) 

    Students work with professional artists to explore personal storytelling by composing, rehearsing and performing a song, spoken word or script, either independently or collaboratively with peers. A restorative approach includes student voice and experience and a supportive learning environment that encourages high performance and a sense of purpose.
     
    This six-week course includes live performances by professional artists, an exploration of identities and creative source material, and an overview of skills and techniques. Artist-instructors then provide guidance and support during the creative process, and the course culminates with rehearsals and a final performance open to the community.
     
    June 21–July 29 (LJCDS is closed June 20 and July 4–8) 
    12:30–3:30 p.m.
    $857 (five weeks)
    Minimum 5; maximum 10
    Led by the San Diego Opera and Community Partners
     
    For non-LJCDS students who wish to inquire about receiving a limited number of SD Opera scholarships, before registering, contact John Gabriel at John.Gabriel@sdopera.org.

  • San Diego Opera—Italian for Spanish Speakers with a Focus on Opera! (Grades 7–12) 

    This six-week course provides a rigorous, enjoyable way for Spanish-speaking students to accelerate their learning of Italian, build confidence and strengthen Spanish skills. Understanding these skills is an asset in their post-secondary education and future careers. The course is unique for its bridge-building method and arts-integration component. Language-learning materials for acquiring conversation, reading and writing skills are drawn from the study of three opera libretti (El último sueño de Frida y Diego, Gianni Schicchi, Tosca). San Diego Opera singers enrich language study as language learning is enlivened and enhanced by visual, auditory, kinesthetic and cultural connections. 

    Prerequisite: This course is for students in Grades 7–12 who have heritage Spanish or at least two years of Spanish courses. One year of Spanish will suffice for highly motivated students.

    June 13–July 29 (LJCDS is closed June 20 and July 4–8) 
    12:30–3:30 p.m.
    $1,035 (six weeks) 
    Minimum 6; maximum 20  
    Led by Stephanie Jed, Ph.D., UC San Diego Emerita of Italian and Comparative Literature
     
    For non-LJCDS students who wish to inquire about receiving a limited number of SD Opera scholarships, before registering, contact John Gabriel at John.Gabriel@sdopera.org.

  • The Hidden Meaning of Chinese Symbols (Grades 9–12) 

    Learn the history and hidden meanings of Chinese symbols and totems starting from the oracle bone inscriptions. Identify the significance of symbols and their many interpretations today. Auspicious symbols or patterns are important components of Chinese traditional culture. The class will end with a field trip so students can apply what they’ve learned at the East Asian Art Gallery of the San Diego Museum of Art. There will be a scavenger hunt and prizes.
     
    July 11–15 
    12:30–3:30 p.m.
    $400 + $25 (Field trip to San Diego Museum of Art)
    Minimum of 6 students 
    Led by San Diego Chinese Academy educators Jojo Ni and Marian Liu

Morning

List of 1 items.

  • The Global Leadership Youth Program (Grades 9–12)

    The Global Leadership Youth Program features four week-long morning modules for students from across the globe to learn about international affairs and diplomacy while building their conflict-resolution and negotiation skills. With a unique itinerary of guest speakers, diplomacy simulations, group projects and cultural enrichment activities, this program is ideal for students looking to increase their cultural understanding and global acumen while building their resumes and connections with other students. 

    LJCDS Upper School students have the option to receive course credit. This requires completing all four Upper School–level modules (June 27–July 1 and July 11–29), asynchronous readings, a research paper and an original diplomatic simulation. LJCDS students meeting these requirements earn a one-semester Upper School humanities elective credit.

    Students not attending LJCDS interested in earning credit MUST receive prior written approval from their school before the start of the program. Please contact Jonathan Shulman at jshulman@ljcds.org for assistance. 

    Non-credit price: $510 per module 
    For-credit price: $2,160 (must complete all four modules) 
    Students have the option of attending these courses on the LJCDS campus or virtually.

    If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Director of the Center for Excellence in Citizenship Jonathan Shulman at jshulman@ljcds.org.

    For non-LJCDS students who wish to inquire about receiving a limited number of San Diego Diplomacy Council scholarships, before registering, contact Lulu Bonning at lulu@sandiegodiplomacy.org.

List of 2 items.

  • Module 1: Introduction to International Relations (June 27–July 1)

    One-time National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski once remarked that “a great deal of world politics is a fundamental struggle, but it is also a struggle that has to be waged intelligently.” From growing up in pre–World War II Poland to his accession as the U.S. President’s top advisor on threats to international peace, Dr. Brzezinski’s observation comes from the authority of one who has witnessed the results of military conflict personally and globally. This module provides students with an understanding of global interactions among actors with different interests and ideas, and it examines the importance of international diplomacy in maintaining peace under the threat of war. Students are challenged with a conflict resolution simulation concerning a nuclear proliferation crisis.  

    June 27–July 1
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Led by the San Diego Diplomacy Council

  • Module 2: Pandemic Diplomacy: Infectious Disease as a Global Challenge (July 11–15)

    Over the past two years, the risks, costs and challenges of infectious diseases have become clear: Such diseases and viruses are a threat not only to individual countries but to the international community. As we have seen, an epidemic has the potential to spread across countries and continents, affecting every corner of the earth. Preventing the spread of outbreaks and providing access to vaccines and treatments necessitate international cooperation and coordination on a global scale. This session examines how the international community has responded to the rise of the current COVID-19 pandemic as well as other global epidemics of the past century. 

    July 11–15
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Led by the San Diego Diplomacy Council

List of 2 items.

  • Module 3: From Discrimination to Genocide: Racism & Systemic Inequality (July 18–22)

    The events of 2020 ushered in a racial reckoning across the globe. Black Lives Matter marches have drawn millions of demonstrators worldwide, protesting against the pervasive racial injustices that plague our societies. In many countries, structural discrimination and the legacies of slavery continue to blight the lives of minorities, while hate speech and hate crimes are on the rise. And as history shows us, when these currents aren’t opposed, governments can turn to genocide or ethnic cleansing as a way to unify and mobilize their supporters. This session explores the destructive effects of racism and systemic inequality in the U.S. and abroad as well as how governments and citizens can combat these injustices. 

    July 18–22
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Led by the San Diego Diplomacy Council

  • Module 4: Climate Action: How to Keep 1.5 Alive (July 25–29)

    Since 1995, global leaders have met 26 times in an attempt to mitigate climate change. While some are lauding the global dedication to sustainable progress and longevity of the planet, others are lamenting the lack of aggressive goals and universal commitments. On the road to COP 27, three things are clear: First, change is non-negotiable. Second, action needs to be taken—and fast—to keep the promise alive of limiting global warming temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Third, the planet’s biggest advocates are not members of parliament, cabinet leaders nor CEOs; they are sitting in classrooms around the world. In this module, students learn about the important role we all have to play in ensuring a healthy planet. Greta Thunberg has made the stakes very clear to all of us: “You must take action. You must do the impossible. Because giving up is never an option.”

    July 25–29
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Led by the San Diego Diplomacy Council

La Jolla Country Day School

9490 Genesee Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-453-3440

© 2021 La Jolla Country Day School

Privacy Policy

COVID-19 Safety Plan

COUNTRY DAY CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

Accredited by: