Brewster Academy Summer Session - BASS

Everyone takes one core course: English (reading, writing, and critical thinking), or Math (pre-algebra, or algebra 1, or algebra 2, or geometry), or ESL (level 1through 5). These meet for two hours each morning, five days per week. These courses can be taken either as accelerated enrichment for those seeking to jump ahead, or retrospectively for those seeking or requiring remedial work. Up to a full year's academic credit will be granted for those who demonstrate mastery.

Everyone takes two elective courses: Computer Graphic Art and Design, Experiential Science, Video Production, or Instructional Support. These meet for one hour each morning.

Everyone meets in the early afternoon for a mentored study hall that focuses on assignments given by the teacher in the core course in which they are studying. These meet for 90 minutes each afternoon, five days per week.

Everyone participates in an outdoor activity built around skills training and preparation. These include: hiking and wilderness survival techniques; canoeing on lakes, ponds, flat and white water; kayaking on lakes, flat and white water, and at the seacoast; and rock climbing and rappelling on our indoor rock wall and at various locations

in New Hampshire. Additionally, there is a studio arts program. These meet for two to three hours on or near campus each afternoon, five days per week and for off-campus field trips on Saturdays.

Everyone participates in recreation, games, and social activities in the evening. On three nights per week there are fitness, wellness, and court sports activities in our spectacular athletics facility, the Smith Center. This $8.5 million facility boasts the only indoor turf surface at any independent school in the country, a 200-meter track, and an array of free weights, Body Masters, and cardiovascular equipment in the glass-walled fitness area overlooking the lake and mountains.

Most dorms are small, housing 10 - 17 kids, distributed by age and gender. They live in double rooms (mostly) and are overseen by a friendly, experienced staff of adults who live right in the dorms, mentor the study halls, teach adventure skills, and arrange and monitor free time in town and at the beach.

Return to rationale page or Return to respectfully yours