Apogee Program Description

What is Apogee?

The Apogee Program is specifically designed for academically talented students who have completed 4th through 6th grade. Apogee provides a rigorous academic enrichment experience with fun and exciting social opportunities. Students study at a world-class university with challenging and enriching courses, wonderful recreational and social activities, the cultural riches of a great city, age-appropriate supervision, and opportunities to make lifelong friendships with peers.

During each three-week session, students immerse themselves in their studies by taking a single course that meets five days a week from 8:30 am - 2:45 pm. Classes are intellectually challenging and enable students to learn at a pace faster than is possible during the regular school year.

Click here for the list of 2008 Apogee courses.

Apogee One-Week Program (for students completing grade 4)

The Apogee one-week enrichment session takes place from Sunday, July 6- Friday, July 11, 2008. This program is a great introduction to our Summer Program for academically talented students. During this week-long rigorous learning experience, students take one course that encourages them to explore and develop their academic and social skills. Class meets daily from 8:30 am - 2:45 pm on Northwestern University's Evanston campus. Lunch is provided for all students. The one-week session offers both a residential and commuter option.

Additional Information

For both the three-week and the one-week programs, courses are offered in mathematics, science, the liberal arts, and computers. The courses provide independent, cooperative, and interdisciplinary learning experiences that encourage students to explore and develop their academic, social, and learning skills, and strengthen their positive attitude toward academic success. Two evenings each week, Apogee residential students participate in study sessions led by their teaching assistant.

It is common for young students to be a little apprehensive at the thought of spending three weeks away from their family, friends, and familiar surroundings. These fears often dissipate after students begin a program and are allowed room to grow and develop their independence. If your child is expressing a strong reluctance to being away from home, it is recommended that you wait another year before enrolling your child in the Apogee Residential Program and consider enrolling your child as a commuter student, or for students completing 4th grade, consider enrolling your child in the one-week program.