Academics
Upper School

Summer Session

Summer Session at Bryn Mawr offers credit-bearing summer courses for Upper School students entering grades 9-12.

In keeping with our Bryn Mawr Way strategic plan goal of allowing more flexibility and individualization in the Upper School curriculum, Summer Session will allow greater choice in how students complete their coursework. By taking credit-bearing classes during the summer, students can open up time for additional coursework or opt to create a better balance during the academic year.

We also offer non-credit summer review courses for students to refresh or strengthen knowledge and skills before the academic year.

Registration is open!

2019 Courses for Grades 9-12

Computer Science

List of 2 items.

  • AP Computer Science Principles - 1 Credit

    Dates: Meets every weekday June 17- July 24 8- 12 pm, Semester break July 4-5 (5 Weeks)
    Students: Open to rising 10th-12th-grade students
    Prerequisites: Completion of Introduction to Computer Science
    Location: Innovation Lab

    AP Computer Science Principles offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles also gives students the opportunity to use current technologies to create computational artifacts for both self-expression and problem-solving. Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science. The AP Computer Science Principles exam is comprised of two parts: creating a digital portfolio and taking a paper-based AP Exam in May. Students will complete the digital portfolio portion of the exam during the summer course and take the the second half of the AP exam in May. In anticipation of the May AP exam, review materials will be provided to students in early spring and a time will be established for an in-person review session.

  • Introduction to Computer Science - 1/2 Credit

    Dates: Meets every weekday June 17-July 3; 8-12pm; (2.5 Weeks)
    Students: Open to rising 9th-grade students
    Prerequisites: none
    Location: Innovation Lab

    This project-based course examines computers and computing as they relate to the emerging technologies of today's world. Students will learn to think algorithmically and methodically to solve problems and write efficient programs. Students will learn to program in Python. Additionally, students will apply these skills to tangible projects. Throughout the course, students will have an opportunity to discuss trends in technology and the future of technology based on current research. Troubleshooting skills will be addressed for all platforms used on campus.

English

List of 1 items.

  • Introduction to Upper School English - not for credit

    Dates: Meets every M-Th June 17- July 3 1-3 pm, (3 Weeks)
    Students: Open to rising 9th-grade students only
    Location: Howell Building
    Cost: $300

    Join a Bryn Mawr Upper School English teacher for a course geared towards introducing the skills, methods, and style of our Upper School English class. Expect lively discussion, individualized attention to critical writing skills, and a chance to encounter some interesting poems and short stories that will pique you interest for the courses you will take throughout upper school. This class is recommended for students who would like additional writing and critical discussion practice, students new to Bryn Mawr, or any student who enjoys literature and wants to jump right into great literature and great discussion.

Fine and Performing Arts

List of 2 items.

  • Studio Art Foundations - 1/2 Credit

    Dates: Meets every weekday July 8-July 24; 8-12pm; (2.5 Weeks)
    Students: Open to rising 9-12 grade students
    Prerequisites: none
    Location: Upper School Art Studio

    This course focuses more on Design themed elements such as composition, sequential art, typography, and basic graphic design. We will learn how to make an image that sends a message. Observation, independent thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills are developed and explored using the creative process. Students will learn to manipulate the basic elements of art and design through the exploration of a variety of subject matter and media. Drawing, painting and 3D components will develop the student’s expressive abilities and pave the way for emergent artistic vision. Lessons on art history are included to give context and inspiration through discussion and analysis.

  • Contemporary Art Practices - 1/2 Credit

    Dates: Meets every weekday July 8-July 24; 12:30 - 4pm; (2.5 Weeks)
    Students: Open to rising 10-12 grade students
    Prerequisites: none
    Location: Upper School Art Studio

    This course provides an intensive, interdisciplinary approach to contemporary art that is born out of ideas and employs the materials, practices, and processes required to express them. Contemporary artists work in a globally influenced, culturally diverse, and technologically advancing world. In this course. emphasis is placed on the design process including research, multiple solutions, exploration of materials and techniques, reflection, and presentation. Empowered by the process, students will create work that conveys meaning and powerful ideas. The course includes development of drawing and painting skills, a writing component, and media choice for completed work.

History

List of 2 items.

  • Humanities in the 21st Century - 1/2 Credit

    Dates: Meets every weekday June 17-July 3; 8-12pm; (2.5 Weeks)
    Students: Open to rising 10-12 grade students
    Prerequisites: none
    Location: Howell Building

    What are the Humanities good for? As it turns out, a lot! This course, available only through Summer Session, focuses on content and skill-development for internships related to the humanities. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to: advertising, the arts, counseling, journalism, government and policy, law, public service, public relations, writing, and publishing. Through a combination of practical skill-building projects and opportunities to learn directly from professionals in these fields, students will begin cultivating the tools they need for success. Professions highlighted in this course rotate annually. Summer 2019’s fields of focus include: advertising, the arts, journalism, writing, and publishing.

  • United States History - 1 Credit

    Dates: Meets every weekday June 17- July 24 8- 12 pm, Semester break July 4-5 (5 Weeks)
    Students: Open to rising 11th-12th-grade students
    Prerequisites:
    Location: Howell Building

    This course is an introduction to the history of the various peoples who have inhabited the geographical boundaries of the United States from the diverse Native American societies of the 15th century to the contentious groups of Americans of the early 21st century. The interactions, both positive and negative, of these peoples drive forward the narrative of U.S. history and have made the United States what it is today. We will explore these interactions through the lens of a series of themes, including the balance of the individual and community, struggles for liberty and power, and complex diversity. The course will also focus on developing key critical thinking and analytical writing skills. Students will participate in historical simulations, write analytical essays, and complete at least one research paper. The course will conclude with an exam that covers the period from 1865 to the present.

Math

List of 2 items.

  • Algebra 1 Topics - not for credit

    Dates: Meets every M-Th June 17- July 11 8-12 pm, break July 4-5 (4 Weeks)
    Students: Open to rising 9th-grade students only
    Location: Howell Building
    Cost: $400

    This course is a review of Algebra 1 topics, designed to make sure students have a strong foundation to build upon in Algebra 2. The course is ideal for students who have just completed Geometry and would like to revisit the topics they have not used for awhile, or for students who have just completed Algebra 1 and found it very challenging. Exploration and discovery, guided and independent practice, games and technology will help students sharpen their Algebra 1 skills. This is a great introduction to the Upper School in a challenging but not-for-credit learning environment.

  • Advanced Functions and Trigonometry - 1 Credit

    Dates: Meets every weekday June 17-July 24; 8:00am - 12:00pm; Semester break July 4-5 (5 Weeks)
    Students: Open to rising 10th grade students
    Prerequisites: An Honors level Algebra 2 course is a prerequisite for this course., Mathematics Department approval is required.
    Location: Howell Building

    Advanced Functions and Trigonometry is a comprehensive honors level course. The course focuses on the mastery and development of critical thinking and new skills necessary for success in subsequent math courses. Students will grow in their conceptual understanding of the topics and in their ability to reason abstractly. Topics include analyzing polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions. An Honors level Algebra 2 course is a prerequisite for this course. Mathematics Department approval is required.

Science

List of 1 items.

  • Principles of Engineering - 1/2 Credit

    Dates: Meets every weekday July 8-July 24; 8-12pm; (2.5 Weeks)
    Students: Open to rising 9-12 grade students
    Prerequisites: none
    Location: Howell Building

    This course introduces students to a variety of engineering disciplines while encouraging student creativity and collaboration through group projects that require independent research. Students will become acquainted with the foundations of technical drawing using AutoCAD software and will use their knowledge to prepare blueprints of their projects. Students will develop understanding of materials and the analysis of forces on a structure before embarking on their own design projects. Projects will include analyzing tall buildings, bridges, sails, and flying structures. These projects will also introduce the student to the iterative nature of the design process.

Program Details

Dates and Costs

The full Summer Session will run for five weeks in June and July 2019. Students may complete a one semester/half credit course during Session I or Session II, or a full year/one credit course during the full Summer Session.

2019 Dates:
Session I: Monday, June 17 to Wednesday, July 3
Session II: Monday, July 8 to Wednesday, July 24
Full Session: Monday, June 17 to Tuesday, July 23 (includes “semester break” over July 4-5)

Cost:
$1495 for each full credit course
$995 for a each 1/2 credit course
Review courses: $400 (Financial aid is available for review courses. Please contact Justin Curtis for more information.)

Info Session

Summer Session Information Session Event
Date: Friday, March 29th 5:30-6pm
Location: Middle School - North Building 1st Floor
Bryn Mawr reserves the right to cancel a Summer Session class if the minimum student numbers are not reached. We would make that decision before students make course selections for the 2019-20 school year.

Offerings by Grade Level

9th Grade

10th Grade

11th Grade

12th Grade
Intro to Comp Sci (1)
Humanities in the 21st c. (1)
Humanities in the 21st c. (1)
Humanities in the 21st c. (1)
Engineering (2)
Engineering (2)
Engineering (2)
Engineering (2)
Studio Art Foundations (2)
Studio Art Foundations (2)
Studio Art Foundations (2)
Studio Art Foundations (2)
Math Review (1)
 Contemporary Art Practices (2)
Contemporary Art Practices (2)
Contemporary Art Practices (2)
English Review (1) Advanced Functions and Trigonometry (3)
US History (3)
US History (3)
AP Computer Science Principles (3)
AP Computer Science Principles (3)
AP Computer Science Principles (3)

Key:
1- denotes class running from June 17-July 3
2 - denotes class running from July 8 -July 24
3 - denotes class running from June 17-July 23

FAQs

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

Questions? Contact Us

Justin Curtis
Director of Technology
410-323-8800, x1387
curtisj@brynmawrschool.org
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, The Bryn Mawr School is a private all-girls kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school with a coed preschool for ages 2 months through 5 years. Bryn Mawr provides students with exceptional educational opportunities on a beautiful 26-acre campus within the city limits. Inquisitive girls, excellent teaching, strong student-teacher relationships and a clear mission sustain our vibrant school community where girls always come first.