Summer Academic Enrichment Program

 

Thayer's new academic enrichment programs are an opportunity for elementary to high school students to explore innovative topics, expand their horizons, and develop essential skills for personal and academic growth during the summer.

With global perspective, entrepreneurship, and personal advancement themes, these programs are designed to inspire curiosity and creativity while fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us. 

Weekdays, July 7 - August 1

Program eligibility: Students entering grades 3-12 in fall 2025

Dates & Details

The Thayer Academy Summer Academic Enrichment Programs run weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., July 7 to August 1, 2025. Geared toward elementary school to high school age students (depending on the program), all classes are taught by Thayer Academy faculty. 

Through hands-on learning, engaging discussions, and real-world applications, students will gain valuable insights into global cultures, entrepreneurial thinking, and strategies for personal success. Whether pursuing a passion or discovering a new interest, participants will leave empowered and prepared to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

  • Registration deadline: June 1, 2025. However, early application is strongly encouraged, as spots are limited!
  • Please Note: Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the summer program.
  • Meals: Lunch and snacks will be provided.
  • Required Health Forms: Medical Report of Physical Exam & Immunizations (when submitting your registration, parents/guardians may use their physician's form instead of the form linked here)

For additional information, please contact Manager of Auxiliary Services Ian Wheeler (iwheeler@thayer.org | 781.664.1630)



My First Food Truck

 

My First Food Truck

Students select a food truck theme, design menus, estimate expenses, determine prices and develop financial projections.

Develop a business plan with a marketing strategy, capital-raising needs and more. This unique program offers a tasty way to develop business savvy!

Dates: July 7 to July 11
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: $615/week
Open to: Students entering grades 3-5
Skill Level: All experience levels
Students will be provided both lunch and snack.

Sports Business & Marketing

 

Sports Business & Marketing

For the sports lover, future team General Manager, sports team owner, ESPN analyst or coach, this unique program helps students view the world of sports from a business perspective. Students actively discuss and analyze different topics, including player contracts, mock drafts, college sports, endorsements, the Nike vs. Under Armour competition, the Super Bowl, e-sports and more!

Dates: July 7 to July 11
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: $615/week
Open to: Students entering grades 3-5
Skill Level: All experience levels
Students will be provided both lunch and snack.

Podcasting

 

Podcasting

 

Dive into the exciting world of podcasting with our summer enrichment program! Over the course of the week, participants will learn the art of storytelling, audio production, and content creation. From developing engaging scripts to mastering recording and editing techniques, this hands-on program empowers students to produce their own podcast episodes. Perfect for aspiring creators, journalists, or anyone passionate about sharing their voice, this program will leave you with valuable skills and a portfolio-ready project. No prior experience is required—just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!

Dates: July 7 to July 11
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: $615/week
Open to: Student entering grades 6-8
Skill Level: All experience levels
Students will be provided both lunch and snack.

 

My First Passport

 

This fun program helps students develop a global mindset and build international awareness early in life! Explore cultural differences across countries, geography games, famous landmarks, world currencies, current global events, the role of international institutions like the UN, and more. Students role-play as diplomats and come up with solutions to key global problems like hunger, poverty and pollution.

Dates: July 14 to July 18
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: $615/week
Open to: Students entering grades 3-5
Skill Level: All experience levels
Students will be provided both lunch and snack.

 

Film

 

Lights, camera, action! In this dynamic summer enrichment program, participants will explore the fundamentals of filmmaking, from storyboarding and scriptwriting to shooting and editing their own short films. Guided by industry professionals, students will gain hands-on experience with camera equipment, lighting, and editing software while learning the art of visual storytelling. Whether you're an aspiring director, cinematographer, or screenwriter, this program offers the tools and inspiration to bring your creative vision to life. No experience necessary—just a passion for film!

Dates: July 14 to July 18
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: $615/week
Open to: Students entering grades 9-12
Skill Level: All experience levels
Students will be provided both lunch and snack.

 

Money Math

 

Designed for our youngest students, this program serves as a real-life math lab where students practice their computational skills and develop a foundation in financial literacy. Students participate in money math games and activities that help them internalize how they can use their math skills in everyday life.

Dates: July 14 to July 18
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: $615/week
Open to: Students entering grades 3-5
Skill Level: All experience levels
Students will be provided both lunch and snack.

 

Storytelling & Creative Writing

 

In this program, students enhance their writing skills and learn to work as a team in a creative setting. Students collaborate in brainstorming sessions to select an original story idea, complete individual writing assignments, and provide feedback and advice to their peers – fostering social skills in the process!

Dates: July 14 to July 18
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: $615/week
Open to: Students entering grades 3-5
Skill Level: All experience levels
Students will be provided both lunch and snack.

 

Bulls & Bears

 

Learn how you can start investing at a young age in this fully interactive program! Build your own $100,000 stock portfolio and trade stocks like Apple, Nike, or Amazon with a cool investing simulation tool. This innovative experience empowers students with the tools and mindset to face future investment decisions with confidence and buy low, sell high! A solid foundation for successful future investors!

Dates: July 21 to July 25
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: $615/week
Open to: Students entering grades 3-5
Skill Level: All experience levels
Students will be provided both lunch and snack.

 

Aspiring Fashionistas

 

In this “glam” program for boys and girls, students gain knowledge of the fashion industry and develop skills in branding, marketing, fashion journalism and design. Students explore popular brands, analyze industry trends (e.g., athleisure), design various articles of clothing, define their own brand and more!

Dates: July 21 to July 25
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: $615/week
Open to: Students entering grades 3-5
Skill Level: All experience levels
Students will be provided both lunch and snack.

 

My First Craft Fair

 

Let's get crafty! Young entrepreneurs will create handmade items to "sell" to other "vendors" at their very own craft fair! In this program, students will learn about craft fairs and the ingenuity and creativity of the small business entrepreneur. They will produce goods, and learn to create appealing advertising and displays. Other related topics will be discussed such as counting currency, budgeting, profit margins, buying and selling and assessing the quality of goods.

Dates: July 21 to July 25
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: $615/week
Open to: Students entering grades 3-5
Skill Level: All experience levels
Students will be provided both lunch and snack.

 

Little Inventors

 

In this “inventive” program, students design and create solutions to problems, teaming up to identify the need for a new invention, and producing real structures and solutions.

In one STEM challenge, students build bridges using a variety of materials and experiment with how much weight they can hold. Students will also learn about famous inventors, and discuss how inventions improve our lives.

Dates: July 28 to August 1
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: $615/week
Open to: Students entering grades 3-5
Skill Level: All experience levels
Students will be provided both lunch and snack.

 

Online Gaming & Security

 

This summer academic enrichment program combines the fun of gaming with the critical skills of digital safety and problem-solving. Participants will explore game design concepts, learn about online threats, and discover strategies to protect themselves and others in the digital world. Through interactive workshops, hands-on challenges, and collaborative projects, students will gain valuable insights into how gaming and security intersect in today's tech-driven society. Perfect for gamers and aspiring tech enthusiasts alike!

Dates: July 28 to August 1
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: $615/week
Open to: Students entering grades 3-5
Skill Level: All experience levels
Students will be provided both lunch and snack.

 

The Business of Entertaining

 

Learn about the entertainment world by exploring the platforms of today and tomorrow, and examining cutting edge producers, such as Meta and Spotify. Students learn about marketing, intellectual property, royalties, distribution, and more – all while researching careers in the entertainment industry, and building a business background!

Dates: July 28 to August 1
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: $615/week
Open to: Students entering grades 3-5
Skill Level: All experience levels
Students will be provided both lunch and snack.