The Academic Program at Cushing Summer is designed to spark curiosity, develop skills, and build confidence for academic success. Our engaging classes and activities give you the chance to craft a summer of exploration and excitement.
Spark Your Curiosity, And Get Ahead This Summer
Our Academic Program allows students to develop a fun, interesting, and dynamic summer experience of their design. Rising high school students enroll in one academic course in the morning and two enrichment options in the afternoon. (Afternoon programming includes visual and performing arts offerings, athletics, and additional academic classes). The result: a summer of curiosity and adventure.
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High School Academic Program Options
Half-Credit Courses
Our in-person half-credit courses transform traditional learning into active, immersive experiences. You don’t just study subjects— you practice them. With your fellow classmates, you’ll collaborate on physical prototypes and build real software. Abstract formulas come alive with interactive problem-solving and real-world market simulations. Your small classes foster vibrant group discussions, peer workshops, and mock debates. By focusing on project-based, hands-on learning, these courses empower you to master foundational concepts rapidly while building practical skills alongside passionate teachers and peers!
Taught by high school teachers who teach these same courses during the school year.
Expected Half-Credit Course Offerings: In-person instruction
Introduction to Computer Science
Introduction to Algebra II
Introduction to Economics
Creative Writing
International Relations I
Engineering the Future I
Topics in Geometry
Topics in Biology
Introduction to Spanish I
US History Capstone (full credit course, requires four Sunday capstone sessions)
Students attending Full Summer will receive .5 high school credit. Students attending One Term will not receive high school credit. All students will receive grades and comments.
Full Credit Courses: Partnership with One Schoolhouse
One Schoolhouse works hand in hand with Cushing Summer to advance our educational offerings. Through their Academic Program, One Schoolhouse provides expertise and capacity that meet students where they are and assist in delivering excellent, sustainable, and inclusive programs that equip learners for the future.
You will enroll with One Schoolhouse and their faculty provide full-credit courses taught in an 8-week, paced format. By partnering with them, students can take a full-credit course and still get the full Summer School experience: living away from home, participating in afternoon activities, enjoying field trips, and meeting people from all over the world.
Join highly motivated students from across the United States and around the world in our challenging summer courses. Start the course at home, and then join Cushing Summer for the full summer school experience! These asynchronous, for-credit courses are eight weeks long and designed for ambitious students who want to move forward in their math sequence, get ahead on graduation requirements or explore something new.
Upon successful course completion, Cushing will provide a refund for the pro-rated time the student is at Summer. (approximately $1,250 (Full Summer) or $750 (One Term), costs to be finalized in early 2027)
Expected Full Credit Course Offerings: One School House
Algebra I
Algebra II
Geometry
Precalculus
AP Precalculus
AP Statistics
Multivariable Calculus
AP Computer Science Principles
US History
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
*You will be expected to start your full credit course in mid-June, meeting the weekly expectations of One Schoolhouse for course credit. Upon arrival at Cushing, you will be assigned an academic advisor who will work with you daily on your morning academic plan as well as your evening study hall schedule, ensuring you meet credit obligations.
College Counseling Seminar
High School Students Only
Led by Cushing Academy college counselors, students enrolling in College Counseling receive guidance on exploring, selecting and applying to U.S. colleges and universities. The program starts with learning basic tools and tips to get your search started in the right direction and ends with a personal roadmap for your college application process and a step-by-step plan to achieve your goals!
Among the many topics covered are:
- How to select the best schools for you
- How to start the application process
- How to show demonstrated interest
- How to write essays that get noticed
- How to apply for scholarships and financial aid
- How to get the most out of college tours
In addition to on-campus seminar meetings, students will have the chance to practice tour skills by visiting New England colleges.
More Than 25 Afternoon Classes + Activities
Afternoons at Cushing Summer are an opportunity to further explore your interests. We offer additional academic classes to sharpen skills or explore new subjects, performing and visual arts classes to find inspiration and flex creative muscles, and athletic workshops to keep fit and active.
College Prep Options, Too!
Looking ahead to college? Our afternoon programming also includes options for College Counseling with members of the Cushing College Counseling faculty as well as SAT and TOEFL preparation.
Questions? Connect With Our Director
Our Director of Auxiliary Programs and Cushing Summer, Sarah Catlin, would love to connect with you! Send her an email at [email protected] or call (978) 827-7700.