High academic standards and a diverse student body ensure that students learn not only from their teachers, but also from one another. Participants come from across the country and around the world, and they all share one common characteristic - a love of learning.
Given the multitude of interesting course options, we invite you to use our handy course search tool to find the right Apogee courses for you. The course search tool can also be used to search for one-week Spark courses for students completing grade 4, and for two-week Solstice courses for students completing grades 4-6.
The links above may also help you in selecting a course and preparing your child for an exciting and enriching summer experience.
Instructional Staff
Our distinguished instructional staff is selected from premiere schools in the Chicago area and throughout the Midwest. Instructors are chosen for their mastery of subject matter, classroom experience, enthusiasm, ability to individualize their teaching, and their skill in providing interesting, thought-provoking, and varied classroom experiences. Each class also has a teaching assistant selected from universities across the country. Teaching assistants provide academic support to students both in and out of class.
With expertise in gifted and early childhood education, Apogee instructors create a dynamic learning environment suited for the stimulation of bright young minds. By incorporating visits to local institutions, innovative use of technology, and proven practices for teaching gifted children, Apogee instructors enhance classroom study and ensure that students are challenged and engaged - never bored!
Courses
Apogee students enroll in one class for the three-week session. Students completing grade 4 have the option to enroll in a one-week Spark program, and students completing grades 4-6 have the option to enroll in the two-week Solstice program. For the one, two, and three-week sessions, classes meet for approximately five (5) hours per day. In order to maximize personal attention to the learner, Apogee courses are limited to 18 students per class. Each class has both a master teacher and a teaching assistant, who work together to get to know students, encourage their talents and engage them in hands-on activities and challenging lessons. Apogee students do not attend classes during the two interim weekends, but those who reside on campus complement their learning with a broad range of social and cultural activities.
Apogee students living on campus also attend mandatory study sessions led by teaching assistants on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Students who commute to campus daily are also encouraged to participate in these study sessions, as well as in afternoon activities. See our Residential & Commuter Information page for more information on afternoon activities.
Course Selection
Apogee courses are intended to build upon a student's strengths; courses do not remediate areas of weakness. Each course is an intensive experience, and by studying a topic of interest, students stay focused, achieve success and enjoy themselves in the process.
Applicants should choose courses in their area of academic strength and interest, based on test scores or other academic measures. Because courses fill quickly, families are encouraged to list several course selections on their application. Listing several choices does not hurt a student's chance of being assigned to the first course choice, and neither does listing only one choice increase a student's chance of placement in that course. Apply now for the the best opportunity of first choice courses being available.
Use our course search tool for complete course descriptions (2012 courses available January 1, 2012)
Syllabi
Syllabi from past Apogee courses provide a good sense of the courses' depth and breadth, as well as the varied projects and activities which engage students each day. Click here to view sample syllabi from 2011 courses.
Evaluation
All students receive a final, narrative evaluation of their work. Apogee evaluations provide feedback about achievement and performance in the course, student strengths, areas in need of further development and student work habits and attitudes. Additionally, Apogee teachers are available for parent conferences on the last day of each three-week session. During these conferences, teachers, parents and students can discuss the student's educational plans and performance in the program. Telephone conferences can be arranged for parents unable to come to campus. The Parent-Teacher Conferences are offered in addition to the written evaluation every student receives.
