Summer Prep

Algebra I - Linear

Age group: Recommended for students entering grades 7 through 8

Prerequisite(s): None

Duration: 4 weeks (session 1)

Class notes: This course prepares students for Algebra I - Quadratic. It is offered in the afternoon from 1:00-3:45 p.m.

Begin your exploration of Algebra I with our engaging course that brings the real number system to life! Dive into the beauty of algebraic symbols as you unravel the secrets of first-degree equations and graphs. Discover the power of problem-solving through systems of first-degree equations and embark on an exciting journey into the realm of exponents and square roots.

Algebra I - Quadratic

Age group: Recommended for students entering grades 7 through 9

Prerequisite(s): Algebra I - Linear or its equivalent

Duration: 4 weeks (session 2)

Class notes: This course prepares students for Geometry. Students need to successfully complete Linear and Quadratic Algebra I to qualify for Geometry. It is offered in the afternoon from 1:00-3:45 p.m.

Continue your exploration of Algebra I in Quadratic, where we delve into the intricacies of the real number system, algebraic symbols, and linear functions as a solid foundation. Accelerate your understanding as we swiftly progress into the captivating realm of second-degree equations and graphs. Engage with expanded systems of first-degree equations, unravel the mysteries of factoring second-degree functions, and master the art of using the quadratic formula. Elevate your mathematical prowess with a comprehensive study of exponents and square roots.

Geometry

Age group: Recommended for students entering grades 8 or 10

Prerequisite(s): Algebra I/Grade 9 Algebra – Quadratic or Algebraic

Duration: 8 weeks (sessions 1 & 2)

Class notes: This course prepares students for Intermediate Algebra II or Algebra II & Trigonometry, depending on the student’s academic performance in the course. It is offered in the afternoon from 1:00-3:45 p.m.

Embark on a captivating journey through Geometry as we lay the groundwork for understanding this fascinating branch of mathematics. Our course begins by equipping students with essential tools such as methods of reasoning, the coordinate plane, and various types of measurement. As we delve deeper, the spotlight turns to the exploration of the intriguing properties and practical applications of lines, triangles, quadrilaterals, similarity, right triangle trigonometry, circles, and transformations. Join us in building a strong geometric foundation that not only enhances problem-solving skills but also cultivates a profound appreciation for the beauty and practicality of geometry in the world around us.

Precalculus/Math Analysis

Age group: Recommended for students entering grade 10, 11 or 12

Prerequisite(s): Algebra II/Trigonometry

Duration: 8 weeks (sessions 1 & 2)

Class notes: This course accelerates a student’s placement in the Calculus sequence, preparing them for upper division coursework in Calculus I, AP Calculus, AP Statistics, and/or AP Computer Science. It is offered in the morning from 9:00-10:45 a.m.* Visitation students who complete this course over the summer are eligible for (Honors) Math Analysis during the school year pending their performance.

Prepare for Calculus success with our Precalculus course! Explore number systems, polynomial, exponential, rational, and logarithmic functions, alongside sequences and series. Dive into trigonometry, anchored in the unit circle, periodic functions, and identities. This course is your key to mastering foundational concepts for a seamless transition to Calculus.

World Languages

Introduction

While some individuals acquire a new language through immersion in another country, the majority of us embark on our language learning journey within a classroom setting, guided by dedicated teachers and alongside fellow classmates. A robust foundation in foreign language skills can offer students a multitude of opportunities, both in the short term and the long term.

In the short term, successful completion of a Level 1 foreign language course equips students with the linguistic groundwork necessary to progress to Level 2 their first year of high school. In the long term, students’ foreign language proficiency will reach its pinnacle with enrollment in the AP course, which represents the highest level attainable for high school students.

The process of learning a new language fundamentally reshapes one’s thought patterns and perspective on the world. When combined with exposure to diverse cultures, it fosters sensitivity and awareness in interpersonal interactions. This transformation is a crucial step towards becoming a global citizen in our rapidly diversifying world.

Coursework

High School Spanish I

Age group: Recommended for students entering grade 9

Prerequisite(s): None

Duration: 8 weeks (sessions 1 & 2)

Class notes: This course is equivalent to Spanish I at Saint Thomas Academy.

It is offered in the afternoon from 1:00-3:45 p.m.

Language Lab

Age group: Recommended for students entering grades 9-12

Prerequisite(s): None. Preference given to students with a proclivity for language and those seeking language support.

Duration: 4 weeks (session 2)

Class notes: Course size limited to 8 total students. It is offered in the afternoon from 1:00-3:45 p.m.

Interested in honing your craft as a writer, reader, or orator? Wish to produce high-quality writing for your other classes? Want to submit a creative piece to the literary journal? Looking to craft the perfect senior speech? Join this semester-based language lab! In this course, you will receive personalized instruction on your verbal communication skills including to the written and spoken work. With limited spots available, this intentionally limited course will give you the one-on-one attention needed to upgrade your skills and separate you from the crowd!

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Join us this summer for a hands-on dive into Artificial Intelligence. Led by expert practitioners from Stanford and MIT, students will transition from AI consumers to AI creators. Through Python programming and project-based learning, students will explore how AI powers self-driving cars, fights pandemics, and fuels generative tools like ChatGPT. Whether your student is a total beginner or an advanced coder, they will gain the skills to build their own AI applications for social good. Separate middle and high school sections ensure an age-appropriate, collaborative experience for all.

Inspirit AI

Age group: Recommended for students entering grades 6-12

Prerequisite(s): None

Duration: 2 weeks

Dates: June 15-26, weekdays only (No Class June 19)

Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Cost: $1,400 if you register before March 1, $1,500 after March 1

Student Name and Image Consent

Saint Thomas Academy may use a photograph or video image of your student in one or more of the following areas:

• Cadets.com website

• Admissions printed and video materials

• Saint Thomas Academy’s Saber magazine

• Saint Thomas Academy Facebook, X/Twitter, TikTok, Linkedin, Instagram and other official social media channels or the channels of affiliated partner organizations (Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Aim Higher, etc.)

• Other print materials as needed (for example, Annual Fund and Capital Campaign materials)

• Usage is not for-profit and neither the student nor the student's family will be compensated for any such use.

The Saint Thomas Academy Marketing & Communication Office posts stories about student, faculty and alumni accomplishments on its website and in Saber magazine.

Saint Thomas Academy may release the student's full name and city of residence (with/without a photograph) to local newspapers for the promotion of student accomplishments (e.g. academic achievements; athletic/activity achievements; etc.). Saint Thomas Academy has no control over other media sources and their use of the press releases produced by Saint Thomas Academy.