Academic Planning

List of 4 items.

• Health (Virtual)

  Dr. James Gutowski, Director of Academic Services; Instructor of Latin, Upper School

  JUNE 3-AUGUST 9
  
  This is a comprehensive health course, covering topics of mental and emotional health, nutrition and physical activity, social health and relationships, sexual health, personal health and disease, substances and abuse, and injury prevention and safety. This class is graded on a pass/fail basis and students must earn a minimum score of 70% to pass. Because this course is 100% virtual, students may complete the work whenever convenient to them. Final exams must be proctored in person by Dr. Gutowski. All final exams must be completed by August 9. This class fulfills the health graduation requirement.

• Learning Skills Enrichment

  Instructor: Mrs. Whitney Day, Chief Mission Integration Officer

  JULY 6-16
  
  This class prepares incoming ninth graders for the high school curriculum. Students will examine their learning styles and develop skills in time management, organization, note taking, studying and test taking. The course will also explore the importance of critical thinking, problem solving and active reading.
  
  Please note: A minimum of six (6) students must register

• Speech

  Instructor: Mrs. Carol Ryan, Instructor in Speech, MS & US; Director of Speech and Debate Program

  JUNE 20-31

   

  This class is designed to further students' effective public speaking skills regardless of their skill level on day one. Students will learn to be memorable public speakers through consistent use of organizational structure, eloquent speech delivery and confidence from practiced experience. Students will explore theory, engage in pragmatic practice and improve their delivery skills as the class investigates six core units:
  Knowledge Acquired (Primary Assessment)

   

  1. Public Speaking Base Level Skills (Impromptu)
  2. Understanding Your Audience (Extemporaneous)
  3. Greeks, Romans and Impact of Rhetoric Today (Informative, Visual Content Creation)
  4. Persuasion (Position Paper, Persuasive Speech, Debate)
  5. Interpersonal and Organizational Speaking (De-escalation, Interviewing)

   

  Impromptu speaking is this course's pragmatic base, preparing students to vocalize their competence and courage in any professional or personal pursuit. Opportunities for presenting impromptu speeches will occur throughout the semester.

   

  Students who enjoy this introduction to the art of public speaking may wish to continue into competitive speech.

   

  The class fulfills the speech graduation requirement. Please note: A minimum of six (6) students must register by May 1 for this course to run.

   

  No prerequisite.

• Summer Catalyst 2026

  Instructor: Dr. Neena Goel, Instructor of Science, US

  JUNE 1-JULY 31
  
  Catalyst is a research externship in which students are paired with scientist mentors at prominent institutions throughout the Greater Cleveland area. Students spend a minimum of 40 hours per week working on an authentic research project at a site assigned based upon student interest and abilities. Weekly journaling and participation in a research symposium are included among course requirements. The program is designed to help students discover the nature of science, think critically in a research context and effectively communicate scientific information to various audiences. Catalyst demands of the students a high degree of independence, responsibility and initiative. Participants are responsible for their own transportation and parking fees. Must have permission of instructor and registration code from Dr. Goel.
  
  Enrollment limited to 6 . . . Register early.