6th Grade Academics

Fight the summer slide and continue learning! 6th Graders can get their first taste of being an SI student in this five-week, morning academic program. They will rotate through three classes each morning. Many students enroll in afternoon camps to create a full day on campus. Lunch is available for purchase on a daily basis or may bring a bag lunch. All details will be sent out a week before camp begins. 

2026 Dates: June 15 - July 17 (closed June 19 and July 3), Monday to Friday, 9:00 - 12:00 pm

All 6th-grade students will enroll in three classes:

1. Math (Math for 6th Graders or Pre-Algebra) 
2. Elective (Art, Marine Bio, Multimedia, or Ancient Rome)
3. English

*We will not be offering course-by-course options, every student must take all three courses. 

During registration, students will select their math preference and rank their Elective and English classes in order of preference. Classes are not guaranteed and are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis determined by the date your registration is received.  You will receive your final schedule on or before June 8 from St. Ignatius. 

Math

Math levels can be changed during the first week of summer school if necessary.

• Math for 6th Graders - This course is for students who are on grade level and want to practice specific skills expected in most 6th-grade common core math courses. Students will review and practice working with decimals, fractions, and simple variable equations. Word problems, simple geometry, measurement, and reading graphs will also be addressed. This course is designed to reinforce solid math skills and practice real-world applications of math.
• Pre-algebra - This course strengthens the student's foundation in fractions, decimals, percentages, and operations with negative numbers.  Students will also learn how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide variable expressions.

Electives

• Art - Let’s explore how the “design” we observe in Nature can be an inspiration for our own original art pieces. By looking at the structure, colors, and textures of things found in the natural world, such as trees, plants, shells, and clouds. We will create drawings, paintings, and mixed media works. Paint, wood, metal, glass, wire, and fabric are some of the elements we will use to create art pieces for you to take home.
• Marine Biology - Marine Biology introduces the students to the major groups of organisms that live in our marine environments. Students will learn how to: Explain a food web and how at each link some energy is stored in newly made structures but much energy is dissipated into the environment as heat; identify major phyla, the marine organisms within them, and adaptations of these organisms; hone skills of observation, analysis and interpretation; explain how habitat destruction, introduction of invasive species, and fishing methods can impact the health of our oceans. This is a science-based camp where you will learn and have fun!
• Digital Multimedia - This is an introductory computer graphic design course with a focus on graphics and video-editing software. Coursework includes a variety of web and print projects created with software programs Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, as well as music and video projects using Apple’s software Logic and Final Cut Pro. The learning of traditional art and design principles supports creative work and students are required to consider and critique mass media, the historic study of art and graphic design, and the study of contemporary multimedia artists and designers. Students will culminate their work with a digital portfolio.
• Roman History - Journey through over a thousand years of Roman civilization in this engaging course. From its legendary founding on the banks of the Tiber to the dramatic fall of the Western Empire, students will explore the political innovations, military conquests, cultural achievements, and social transformations that made Rome one of history's most influential civilizations. Students will explore mythological stories, historical events like the destruction of Pompei or the Sack of Rome. A great blend of historical and experiential, students will be able to discuss how the ancient Mediterranean world left an important mark on law, language, architecture, and governance.

English

Using The Eyes and the Impossible as a central text, this course aims to develop skills in reading and writing, as well as to explore historical and cultural context and draw connections to our current world. Students will be asked to read closely and analytically, to engage with their text and each other thoughtfully, and to write, edit, and present their own ideas clearly. Students are expected to come to class prepared and willing to participate, to try their best, and to ask questions.  By reading a fun novel and practicing their narrative, expository and persuasive writing skills, students will develop confidence in English Language Arts before entering the sixth grade. You will not have an option at checkout, you will be automatically enrolled in this course. The novel will be provided.

Optional Zero Period Add-on: 

Start your day an hour earlier and get more out of summer. This option runs every day of Summer Academics from 8:00-8:50am.

Study Skills & Organization

This course will assist students in developing the skills (Time Management, Test Taking Strategies, Note-Taking, and Study Environment) necessary to study effectively and productively and will provide practice in the strategies that will allow students to succeed in their classes.  

For more information and to register, visit Study Skills & Organization.

Prepare for Camp

• Review Release Forms: All participants agree to this Medical and Liability Release Form. 
• Class Schedule: Your Class Schedule will be emailed by Friday, June 6th
• What to wear? Comfortable, school-appropriate attire (pack a sweatshirt)
• What to bring? Water bottle, snack, notepad, or tablet
• Where to go? SI Main Entrance