Cadets working on laptops in classroom.

Summer Classes

Our Summer Program is open to current students and students new to Hargrave. Many families use the Summer Program to try out life at boarding school.

Parents and students choose the Hargrave summer experience because Hargrave’s Summer Program is built on the same character-building standards as our academic year with academic opportunities and resources tailored to fit the four-week summer term. A summer boarding student must fill two academic blocks each day.

All courses incorporate the presentation and reinforcement of Hargrave’s How to Study program. All courses require daily homework that will be completed in a supervised study hall monitored by the Hargrave faculty.

Enrichment Classes

Advanced Reading / Creative Writing Techniques

This course will be a reading-writing workshop (based on the successful approach developed by Nancie Atwell). Students will read from selections of modern poetry and canonical and Young Adult short fiction covering a range of genres. They will analyze these selections with an eye toward the authors’ use of language, plot, character, setting, point of view, irony, and theme in the crafting. Students will also craft their own works as part of a writer’s group, engaging in creative expression, participating in peer discussion workshops, and taking projects from concepts to a final product. Journal writing will be a daily element of class. Writing will involve a review of basic concepts and building new skills with an emphasis on their use in day-to-day and formal writing.

Introduction to Aerodynamics / Drone (SUAV) Piloting

This course will introduce the students to the general aerospace fundamentals and principles and their application to small UAV (drone) operations (piloting). The course is broken down into weekly components: aerodynamics, introduction to maneuvering and flight, flight skills development/challenges, and coding to fly and control drones.

Introduction to Computer Science

This course is for students with no computer programming knowledge to give them an overview of the power of computer science in today’s world. The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. This course also allows students to use current technologies to create computational artifacts for both self-expression and problem solving. These aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science.

Introduction to Digital Arts Literacy

Digital Arts Literacy is a college preparatory high school level introductory art course. It assumes no prior knowledge of art, design, or computer programs. The course introduces students to various online computer art programs emphasizing photo manipulation, editing, and animation.

Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Personal Investment

This course is designed for students who are serious about learning about personal investment in general and in particular, the challenges of building a small business. No previous experience or knowledge is required. Personal investment topics include the skills required to navigate the most common individual financial transactions, build wealth, negotiate bull and bear market scenarios using market-based investment plans, utilize real estate, use collectibles to store wealth, and how to invest. In exploring entrepreneurship, students will design an entrepreneurial option, develop a marketing and sales plan, prepare the documents needed to apply for bank financing, develop an operating budget, initiate a simple record-keeping system, manage their money realistically, and assess the profitability of their small business. Guest speakers who have owned and are often still operating their own businesses will visit the class.

Introduction to Leadership & Ethics

This course is designed to provide students with fundamental leadership skills. Students will learn leadership traits and principles and the importance of positive character attributes in leaders. The intent of this course is to prepare students to assume leadership roles in their school, church and community. Students will understand the importance of positive character in leaders, define leadership, and understand the objectives of effective leadership. They will develop and state their individual leadership philosophy after studying leadership traits, principles, and the stages of effective problem solving.

SAT/ACT Prep & the College Application Experience

This summer course is designed to aid students in preparing for the college application process. The course includes an introduction to the new SAT and ACT tests, test-taking strategies, vocabulary skills, critical reading practice, the direct writing portion of the SAT and ACT, tips on avoiding the most common mistakes in English usage, and a review of arithmetic, geometry, and word problem concepts. Students will also complete SAT and ACT practice tests during this course and will practice test questions via specially designed software as well as internet resources. In addition, students will visit several area colleges and research a college of their choosing to understand college acceptance requirements. Finally, each student will also begin writing college application essays to facilitate his future application process.

STEM Projects (Design, Robotics, Computer Programming)

The curriculum for the STEM Projects course is based around an age-appropriate learning experience to lead students to a systematic approach to formulating workable solutions. The course presents a series of problems modeled around real-world applications. Students will use processes such as computer programming, logical thought, mechanical and building skills, time management and teamwork. Students will use visual and text-based programming to solve robotic problems by utilizing inputs from sensors and controllers to maneuver or manipulate the environment. Students will apply computer programming to develop games using a game engine and will have an opportunity to learn advanced level editing, simple 3D modeling, intermediate event scripting, and the impact of game play on user experience.

Middle School (CIS) STEM Projects (Design, Robotics, Computer Programming)

The curriculum for CIS STEM Projects is based around the ultimate desire for students to internalize a systematic approach to formulating workable solutions to a series of problems modeled around real-world applications. Students will use processes such as computer programming, logical thought, mechanical and building skills, time management, and teamwork. Students will use visual and text-based programming to solve robotic problems by utilizing inputs from sensors and controllers to maneuver or manipulate the environment. Computer programming will be applied to developing games using a game engine and students will have an opportunity to learn advanced level editing, simple 3D modeling, intermediate event scripting, and the impact of game play on user experience.

Middle School (CIS) Introduction to Character and Leadership

The Character Development Course is designed to provide students with the fundamental followership and basic leadership skills. Students will learn the importance of positive character attributes in followers. It is the intent of this course to prepare students to be productive members in their school and community. The course will expect students to read/watch, reflect, and journal on case studies of character traits. Students will navigate Hargrave’s Obstacle Course and Leadership Reaction Course as they learn practical applications of effective communication, trust, and group dynamics.

Middle School (CIS) English

This course concentrates on developing oral, reading, and writing skills, highly targeting proper usage of grammar and mechanics, as well as the broadening of vocabulary by way of context recognition and consistent practice as examined in a writing workshop. Literary devices are studied in an anthology of world literature, and students will read at least one novel and discuss their reading throughout the summer session.

Middle School (CIS) Math

This course is designed to build a strong foundation and expand on fundamental mathematical concepts needed in Pre-Algebra and Algebra I courses. Topics include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percents. This course ensures that students will have the necessary tools to approach word problems strategically by teaching problem-solving as a planned step-by-step process. These problem-solving skills help students understand how to approach real-world problems strategically both inside and outside the classroom.

Students who exhibit a strong foundation after the review will be introduced to topics and skills from Algebra 1. Students will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in performing operations on integers, simplifying algebraic expressions, solving algebraic equations, algebraic symbolism, probability, and data analysis. The Rule of Four Template (symbolic, graphic, verbal, and numerical) will be emphasized throughout this course. Real-world modeling and applied problems will be used to enhance student understanding.

Intensive English as a Second Language (ESL / ELL)

This one-month intensive ESL course is designed to develop the student’s ability to cope with reading comprehension, writing skills, and vocabulary necessary for success in the mainstream classes at Hargrave Military Academy. It will quickly increase students’ basic English ability to the level needed for everyday living in an English speaking environment. It will also enhance the student’s ability to construct meaningful and grammatically correct sentences and paragraphs.

Repeat and Recovery Classes

These courses are presented in an intensive instructional classroom environment and include over 70 hours of instruction over the course of the summer program. Students enrolled in these courses should have previously attempted the course for high school credit.

Algebra I

This course is designed to extend the topics covered in Pre-Algebra and build on foundational mathematics content learned in previous courses as students make the transition from concrete material to symbolic. The main focus of this course is to provide students with a thorough and extensive study of linear and quadratic functions, continuing to use the Rule of Four as well as applied problems. Students will be able to apply techniques of graphing, algebra, and factoring to solve various quadratic problems. By the end of this course, students will have the knowledge necessary to solve and graph equations and inequalities. They will also be able to apply this knowledge to other areas of math, such as word problems, ratios and proportions. Students will be introduced to the basic concepts of geometry and will use technology to enhance understanding by mathematical modeling and problem solving.

Biology

General Biology is a laboratory science course. General biology begins with.simple forms of life and culminates in complex organisms. The major topics covered are cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, evolution, ecology, prokaryotes and viruses, protists and fungi, plants, invertebrate zoology, and vertebrate zoology. The activities included in this course develop a range of important science skills in data collection, modeling and exploration.

Chemistry

General Chemistry is a course for college-bound students, structured around community issues related to Chemistry. Chemical concepts are explored in the context of the environment, the home, and in industrial applications. This laboratory course utilizes “hands-on” experiences and decision-making activities that give students practice in applying their chemistry knowledge in everyday decision-making situations. Concepts are presented on a “need-to-know” basis, allowing students to experience the use and application of their chemistry learning. Topics studied include solutions, materials (structure, behavior, and uses), organic and petrochemicals, gases, and chemical reactions.

Common Core/NC Math 1

Student knowledge will be extended throughout the Math 1 course with students using hands-on manipulatives, application problem solving and critical thinking. Math 1 covers the following concepts: solving equations and inequalities, graphing linear and nonlinear equations, systems of equations, factoring, functions, polynomials, and radicals. The Standards for Mathematical Practice apply throughout the course and, together with the content standards, require that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations. Objectives taught during this course are aligned with the Common Core Mathematics Standards.

English 9

This course consists of four parts: literature, grammar, composition, and vocabulary. Literature is emphasized, using selections from a literary anthology, photocopied works, and a novel. The literary selections cover a wide range of genres. They will be organized according to key literary elements, such as plot, character, setting, point of view, symbol, irony and theme. Compositions will include smaller journal writing assignments as well as formal essays. Grammar will involve a review of basic concepts and the building of new skills with an emphasis on their use in day-to-day and formal writing. New vocabulary will be studied and assessed weekly.

English 10

This course consists of four parts: literature, grammar, composition, and vocabulary. Literature is emphasized, using selections from a literary anthology, photocopied works, and a novel. The literary selections cover a wide range of genres. They will be organized according to key literary elements, such as plot, character, setting, point of view, symbol, irony and theme. Compositions will include smaller journal writing assignments as well as formal essays. Grammar will involve a review of basic concepts and the building of new skills with an emphasis on their use in day-to-day and formal writing. New vocabulary will be studied and assessed weekly.

English 11

This course consists of four parts: literature, grammar, composition, and vocabulary. Literature is emphasized, using selections from a literary anthology, photocopied works, and a novel. The literary selections cover a wide range of genres. They will be organized according to key literary elements, such as plot, character, setting, point of view, symbol, irony and theme. Compositions will include smaller journal writing assignments as well as formal essays. Grammar will involve a review of basic concepts and the building of new skills with an emphasis on their use in day-to-day and formal writing. New vocabulary will be studied and assessed weekly.

Geometry

This course is designed to introduce students to geometry through the deductive development of relationships in a plane. Included in this course will be properties of geometric figures, trigonometric relationships, and reasoning to justify conclusions. Methods of justification will include two-column proofs and verbal arguments. This set of standards includes emphasis on two- and three-dimensional reasoning skills, coordinate and transformational geometry, and the use of geometric models to solve problems. A variety of applications and problem-solving techniques, including algebraic skills, will be used to implement these standards and will use technology to enhance understanding of topics covered.

Accreditation

Academic courses provided by Hargrave’s summer school and camp are fully accredited by both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) via AdvancED and the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS). AdvancED includes over 6,000 private U.S. schools in its network. VAIS reviews and accredits private schools in Virginia.

Given our accreditation most credits will transfer to both public and private academic institutions. If you have any questions, please contact our Academic Dean. He can work with you to resolve any issues.

A student taking a “new” high school one-credit course (a course that he has not attempted during his regular academic year) will fill both academic blocks with that course. This provides for 157.50 teacher contact hours of instruction at Hargrave. Only one full credit course may be taken during the summer term. A “new” half-credit course fills a single academic block and may be taken in conjunction with a repeat course or another “new” half-credit course.

A “repeat” one-credit course (an academic course the student has previously attempted) fills a single academic block. A single academic block provides for 78.75 teacher contact hours of instruction during the twenty-one day academic program for repeat and half-credit courses. A summer cadet may take up to two repeat or recovery courses during the summer.

All middle school courses fill one academic block. Middle school student may attempt high school credit courses if he meets the course prerequisites. Please contact the Academic Dean for more details.