RVA Summer Programs for Gifted Kids

Renaissance Village Academy is a private school in Scripps Ranch specializing in meeting the unique needs of gifted, profoundly gifted, and highly motivated students in a small class setting.

RVA is offering summer programs for gifted children in two, 3-week sessions for students entering grades 4 - 10 in the fall. These classes are designed for high-achieving students, so basic skills will not be covered.

Session I  ~  June 20 - July 7   (3 weeks)

Classes run Monday - Thursday, and each class is limited to 15 students.

•  8:30 - 10:00am     Beyond Arithmetic I...
  8:30 - 10:00am     Beyond Arithmetic I
  

  Sure, you may know how to multiply 4/5 by 15/16, but how would you tackle something like (3,025/7,056)•(2)(6,794/15,125)?

  Manipulation of fractions is an important skill in both Pre-Algebra and Algebra. In this class, you will finally understand why you do what you do to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions the way you do. Impress your friends with how easily you work really big numbers. Master exponents, both positive and negative, which will allow you to use scientific notation.



•  10:10 - 11:40am   Botany...
  10:10 - 11:40am   Botany
  

  If you've ever wondered what plants are growing in your neighborhood, now you can find out. You'll work with a real botanist (plant scientist) to learn how to collect samples without damaging the ecosystem and how to mount the specimens in a notebook. Each day we'll go out go out to collect leaves (and any flowers that might be in bloom). You can also bring in plants from home.

  After creating your own collection, the botanist will come back to teach you how to identify what you've found. You'll learn the plant names, which ones are native to San Diego, and which ones are safest during fire season.



•  12:10 - 1:40pm     Internet Research...
  12:10 - 1:40pm     Internet Research
  

  Have you ever wondered if the information on a website was correct? Been confused when two sites disagree? Or gotten into an argument with friends or teachers over something you read on the Internet?

  Learn how to test a source for bias (being prejudiced one way or the other) and accuracy by asking questions that will help you figure out if a website's information is valid.



•  1:50 - 3:20pm       Classic Literature...
  1:50 - 3:20pm       Classic Literature
  

  Some stories have been remembered for thousands of years. What makes them worth reading? In this class you'll have choices from Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, and the Middle Ages.

  You can read Æsop's Fables, Homer's Iliad and / or Odyssey, and Virgil's Æneid. Or you can read about King Arthur, Beowulf, or Robin Hood. Find out why people still love these classics.



•  3:30 - 5:00pm       Fun with Crafts...
  3:30 - 5:00pm       Fun with Crafts
  

  Choose the kind of art you'd like to learn / make:

  Indian Finger Weaving — learn to weave together 5, 7, 15 or more strands to make friendship bracelets, belts, or wall hangings.

  Papier-mâché (French for 'chewed paper') — create your own sculptures.

  Macramé — work with colorful nylon string and beads to create bracelets, rings, or chokers.

  Plastic Canvas — bring a kit and be guided in how to complete a project of your choice or design your own.

  Calligraphy — learn the basics of fancy writing using calligraphy pens.

  Coasters — use tiles and tissue paper to create personalized coasters for yourself, family, and / or friends.

  ~  Additional $15 supply fee applies for this one class

Session II  ~  July 11 - July 28   (3 weeks)

Classes run Monday - Thursday, and each class is limited to 15 students.

•  8:30 - 10:00am     Beyond Arithmetic II...
  8:30 - 10:00am     Beyond Arithmetic II
  

  Get ready for more advanced math with a review of Order of Operations using fractions, including fractions with variables. Learn how to translate those pesky word problems into equations so you always know which operation you need to use.

  Solve one-step and multi-step equations using Inverse Operations, and factor variable expressions. Requires a basic understanding of Order of Operations with integers.



•  10:10 - 11:40am   Beginning Russian...
  10:10 - 11:40am   Beginning Russian
  

  The world is full of alphabets.  If you learn the Cyrillic alphabet, you can not only read signs in the largest country of Europe, you can also use it to write secret messages in English.  

  You'll learn the basics of talking to other kids in Russian, how to recite nursery rhymes, and watch Russian fairy tales. Пишите



•  12:10 - 1:40pm     Writing...
  Writing
  

  You get back an essay and all that's written at the top is: "Good job." How do you know what to change, how to improve?

  We'll be writing every day, using Judy Reeve's A Writer's Book of Days: A Spirited Companion and Lively Muse for the Writing Life to provide prompts for our own writing group. We'll also work on longer term projects, writing and editing descriptive paragraphs and essays.



•  1:50 - 3:20pm       Greek and Latin Roots...
  1:50 - 3:20pm       Greek and Latin Roots
  

  Tired of memorizing spelling lists? Every week requires that you start over. Master Greek and Latin roots and you'll find new words can be understood by taking them apart.

  Geometry and chemistry are much easier when you know the number prefixes (tetrachloride, quadrilateral, etc.). Ever wondered what "antidisestablishmentarianism" means? Sign up and find out!



•  3:30 - 5:00pm       Logic/Critical Thinking...
  3:30 - 5:00pm       Logic/Critical Thinking
  

  Love to solve puzzles? Fascinated by conundrums? Learn the thinking tricks (algorithms) you need so you can use logic to solve problems.

  You'll learn how to use Venn diagrams to evaluate syllogisms, have fun with matrix logic, lateral logic, and analogies, as well as the advanced techniques for Sudoku puzzles and other thinking games.

Consider RVA summer programs for your gifted children – our classes are engaging, challanging, and will excite their curiosity. To enroll, DOWNLOAD the Application.

PRICING

Pricing below is for Session I OR Session II:

Full Day Session
(All classes for a Session)
~ $500

ANY Single Class
(Pick any 3-week class)
~ $100

Summer classes run Monday - Thursday, and each class is limited to 15 students.