<p>Hi! I'm looking into summer programs for my son, who's finishing up 8th grade. (We'll try CTY for after 9th grade)---didn't know if anyone had good, academic suggestions for this summer? </p>
<p>My son's pretty talented in math--he seems to have maxed out the offerings in his Middle School, and wanted him to get some good college prep stuff. (tho MathPath is pretty pricey)</p>
<p>Are most people doing camps at this time? Or a combo of public service & academics? Trying to find the best thing.</p>
<p>Thank you smifish!! We did a CTY distance program 2 years ago--not too useful or enjoyable (unfortunately--it sure sounded good!).</p>
<p>Seems like there are lots of residential offerings at this age (we could try to make it work, pricewise if worthwhile). However, seems like it would be <em>a lot</em> for an 8th grader (8 hrs a day of math, for two weeks away from home?). </p>
<p>Maybe people have had positive experiences, though, w/this sort of thing?</p>
<p>One more question, simfish---I think my son could take college level courses (maybe) like you did--but could you opt out of your HS ones? It seems like I'd be advancing him, then he'd be <em>stuck</em> in these basic (though advanced) courses anyway (that's been our experience in other classes w/him in the past, as well).</p>
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Thank you smifish!! We did a CTY distance program 2 years ago--not too useful or enjoyable (unfortunately--it sure sounded good!).</p>
<p>Seems like there are lots of residential offerings at this age (we could try to make it work, pricewise if worthwhile). However, seems like it would be <em>a lot</em> for an 8th grader (8 hrs a day of math, for two weeks away from home?).</p>
<p>Maybe people have had positive experiences, though, w/this sort of thing?</p>
<p>Thanks!!!!!! :-)
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<p>These programs are suitable for some people and unsuitable for others. Also, is your focus primarily on education or education + having fun? CTY is education + fun but with a lot of additional cost and you could just get the same education through a distance course (since you're talking about a math course here). Personally, I don't think CTY is worth it because there are summer programs for older students that cost just as much as CTY but are much longer.</p>
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One more question, simfish---I think my son could take college level courses (maybe) like you did--but could you opt out of your HS ones? It seems like I'd be advancing him, then he'd be <em>stuck</em> in these basic (though advanced) courses anyway (that's been our experience in other classes w/him in the past, as well).</p>
<p>Appreciate your insights!!!!
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<p>Unfortunately, that's a matter of your school district. Some school districts are incredibly inflexible with taking advanced courses. Before taking any course that could necessiate advanced placement, always contact the school to see if it's willing to place the student at a higher level after taking the course. If not, then umm... take action but I know how difficult taking action could be...</p>
<p>If you had a minute, any quick references as to programs other than CTY that would be less costly but still good? (I've been all over the web, it seems, and most appear about the same, pricewise).</p>
<p>I'm also a little afraid of burning him out/fostering some resentment if I go 'all academic' over the summer---want to mix some fun in there. He's taking straight honors courses next year in HS (probably not unusual to people here, though!). :-)</p>
<p>Thank you SoundsofSilence!! I'm working my way through that list...it's quite extensive! </p>
<p>Of course, this a.m. I ran the idea of 'four weeks doing math 6 hours a day' by my 14 yr old son---he was not loving this possibility! Have to work on that...! </p>
<p>For summer programs after 8th grade - you can look at individual prep school's websites and find some there (Taft, Choate, Miss Porter's School, etc.) and can look at university websites and click on 'summer programs' - some of those are for younger students.</p>
<p>Thank you, Lefthandofdog! (the dyslexic deity? no offense..!). :-)</p>
<p>I will try that...I've been searching through local colleges (in NJ/PA) and there is not much so far...mainly support programs for disadvantaged youth (very laudable, but not for us).</p>
<p>My D completed Honors Algebra I and II before 9th grade. Took Honors Geometry and Physics in 9th, will be taking honors pre-calc in 10th, and calc bc in 11th. She could skip pre-calc and take calc ab in 10th but the school discourages taking any calc before 11th grade as they believe it is better to wait. She took SAT I in 8th and scored near 700 in math and over 650 in verbal. She took a CTY program for 3 weeks after 8th grade and loved it. It was her first time away from home. Starting 9th, her teachers noted a greater level of confidence and maturity about her, which I believe was the result of the CTY program. Between 9th and 10th grade, this summer, she will be going to college and taking college courses for credit. She will be away for 8 weeks. It is something she wants to do. She explored several colleges focusing on the ones where she wants to apply for undergraduate admissions. So, we visited those colleges during breaks like all other hopeful junior and seniors. She ended up applying to one of the Ivy colleges and even though they don't admit high school students before junior year, she made a case and to my surprise was accepted.
So, my advise is to start out slow with a 3 or 4 week program like the ones offered by CTY and if that goes well then the following summer maybe go for college level course(s). Also, you should encourge your son to explore subjects other then math or science if that is his strength. Take a course that you can't get in his high school and enjoy.</p>
<p>It looks like we are a little late for the CTY (or Duke) program this summer. Too bad, because it would have been a good time (ready to be away at this point). </p>
<p>Interesting about your daughter taking courses for college credit! Does she get to skip those courses in HS? I would assume so, although others have said it depends on the school. </p>
<p>Neat that she wants to take those challenges! Do you think that having her attend an Ivy league institution is going to significantly impact her resume, or would she get the same advantage from taking those types of courses at another (non-Ivy) college.</p>
<p>Right now (since we've missed the cut-off for most high-end academic camps) our best bet might be to do some SAT prep & public service (I think).</p>
<p>My Ds did summer enrighment programs as well. But I also had them do regular good ole fun summer camps- with hiking, and boats, and bug juice swimming etc. Its important that kids have this experience as well. One reason is that if they are in accelerated programs, they may not mingle as much with kids their age. And, it gives them the chance to just have fun!</p>
<p>HS will give credit but she's really not interested as she will be taking courses that are either not offered or she's not planning on taking at the HS level.</p>
<p>For example, this summer she will be taking a governement and a english course that her HS does not really offer. That will be 8 credits. </p>
<p>As to your question if it helps in the grand scheme of things getting into an ivy after HS, I guess my best answer is that it can't hurt provided that you do well in the courses. Taking courses and getting good grades of B or better will demonstrate to the admissions that (1) you can handle the material and (2) if you have taken advantage of the opportunities presented and networked well that you really want to be there.</p>
<p>That's interesting that your daughter was able to take physics in 9th grade. My son (maybe) could have done that, but he's already doing the highest classes his school offers. He's done algebra II & geometry in MS, but they are making him retake a HS form of that in 9th grade next year. </p>
<p>I wonder if there is a way around this...it feels like he's being kept at a slower track (the hardest stuff is easy for him) because that's all that's offered.</p>
<p>True about having fun in the summer! Son has applied for part-time work at little, local icecream shop (lots of kids work/go there) plus he'll have time to play w/his friends, do a 1 week church outdoor camp, visit family.</p>
<p>My D goes to a private school known for its strength in Math and Science. She was tested in the 3rd grade and as a result was bumped up two grades in Math. So, in 7th grade she took HS Algebra I and 8th, Algebra II. Now in 9th she is taking Honors Physics and Geometry which are generally taken in 10th or 11th. She can still take an AP Physics course if she desires.</p>
<p>If your son feels that he is strong enough in Algebra and doesn't need to retake it then I would talk to the head of the HS math department. However, I would suggest that they test him to assure sufficient competency in the subject matter. If the results proof up, then he should take pre-calc, which will refresh his algebra and trig skills and introduce calculus. If he performs well in pre-calc, then he should consider Calc BC instead of Calc AB. It's a tougher course but again if he does well then he could take the SAT II Calc BC test which carries much more wieght on the resume.</p>
<p>Also, it goes without saying that any course offered at the HS level as honors or AP are preferable.</p>