Curriculum

Students may choose from a variety of options including theater, music, or the use of the Tremaine Visual Art Center for photograph, ceramics, drawing, painting, and graphic design. All students are encouraged to take advantage of the Summer Academy art offerings, from those who are novices in the woodshop and at the potter’s wheel to those who want to spend the summer creating a substantial art portfolio. You can take classes in the visual arts that include photography, painting & drawing, woodworking, graphic design, ceramics, music, and acting.
 

The effective use of technology in the classroom is an integral part of a Suffield education, and the Summer Academy is no different. A fully equipped technology center, student publications center, and multimedia lab are utilized by Summer Academy students.
 

During this five-week course, students are introduced to specific steps that increase learning efficiency. The course addresses the following topics:

Computer Science  Students are given the task of setting both long and short-term goals. As part of this emphasis on goal setting, time management skills are introduced.

Note taking  Students work to improve their note-taking in various mediums, such as text, video, and audio. Through the use of outlines, students learn to break down and summarize information.

Research  Students are taught various research methods and the importance of citation and bibliographies while conducting research.

Group Dynamics  Through a variety of activities, including outdoor leadership training, students learn how to work as a group and develop connections with other classmates.

Technology  Students see presentations on Microsoft Word and Powerpoint, and are asked to demonstrate competency in these areas.