How is our summer program different? 

When and where?

Experience Academy runs throughout the summer from June 3rd to August 2nd at Webster University.  Experience Academy days are Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm, with optional extended sessions that start at 8am and end at 5:30pm.

The Academy is structured as three 3-week sessions with unique STEM themes and core academics that build throughout.  Sign up for all three to turbo charge your summer of learning and adventure!  Or pick and choose as your schedule permits.  

What to expect from Experience Academy 

Can you tell me where my kid is academically and show me their growth?

• Yes we can. We administer core subject diagnostics at the beginning of the program using adaptive testing platforms and will present the results to you before the start of the session.

• Then we continue to measure growth and mastery of specific standards and skills throughout the program. We show that to you too.

How do you individualize learning to each student? 

• Based on these diagnostics and digital platforms we curate a personalized learning pathway for each learner in Math and English Language Arts -- Reading and Writing.  This includes individual practice and guided learning, group work, and full class instruction.

What resources will be used for ELA and Math? 

• The resources are selected based on the versatility, rigor, richness, and user-friendliness of their digital interface and print/supplemental materials, as well as positive parent feedback. 

• We have developed a versatile and rigorous ELA curriculum that includes writing, spelling, grammar, vocabulary and reading integrating themes from literature and STEM units.

• For Math we will utilize the Beast Academy digital platform and print resources, along with Stanford University’s youcubed math resources

Will I know what my kid is doing every day? Can I be involved?

• You will!  We are about daily communication and full transparency.  We also provide resources to extend learning at home.

• We meaningfully engage parents… as resources and mentors, sharing skills & experiences, and encourage them attending their children’s presentations at the end of each session. 

What makes your STEM units different?

• Our STEM units teach children the science, literacy, mathematical, and computational concepts they would need to design, develop, and test authentic and meaningful projects. It is the combination of content, hands-on learning with real-world applications that helps develop a variety of skill sets, including creativity and 21st-century skills.

• Families may choose the STEM unit that interests their child(ren) most in a specific session.  

Is the program all work and no play?

• Absolutely not! Work hard, play hard, we say.  We challenge kids academically, but the program is designed to engage children in hands-on activities and encourage friendships among peers. Even with individualized learning pathways in the core subjects, group collaborations are part of every day’s schedule, along with physical activity and recess.

Will there be any focus on soft skill development?   

• You bet! Learners will engage daily in activities promoting socio-emotional learning (SEL), which build towards specific SEL standards. Like we said, no more vague learning outcomes!

• Our learning units are geared towards respectful and productive collaborations and experiences amplifying student voice, choice, self-control, and advocacy of self and others.

Summer Program Logistics