Summer Programs

Introduction to Computer Science

Tuition: $1,100
Synchronous Classes: Mon-Fri, June 2-26, 7-9pm (no class June 3 or 19)
Class size limit: 12 (Minimum enrollment: 10) *multiple sections if necessary
Open to NCDS students entering grades 9–12

The Introduction to Computer Science course will have remote synchronous meetings for two hours each day. Students will also be responsible for spending time doing some work outside of class. This may include watching video lectures, reflecting on issues relating to technology, or completing various coding activities. This course fulfills the Computer Science requirement at NCDS.

This course is a project-based course covering high level Scratch, an Introduction to Data Science, an introduction to Python, issues relating to technology and ethics and other topics as time permits. We will start with a brief overview of Computational Thinking and Binary Numbers. Then we will begin our study of Scratch. Scratch is a great way to learn a variety of computer programming concepts such as conditional statements and looping. Next, we will cover and introduction to Data Science and then the students’ first pure text language, Python. Students will learn about variables, conditional statements, and looping using the interactive online learning platform CodeHS. At the end of each Python unit, the students will complete a larger coding project. Throughout the course, we will spend time discussing current day issues within the field of computer science, such as the underrepresentation of certain groups in technology careers and ethical dilemmas relating to the use of technology. This course is a prerequisite for our Software Engineering course.

***This is a for-credit course and requires full attendance and timely completion of all assignments.***

This course is open to current and incoming NCDS students ONLY.

CS1 for Summer 2026 is full. Please email marthahaddad@newtonsh.org to be added to the waitlist.

Software Engineering

Tuition: $1,100
Synchronous Classes: Mon-Fri, June 1-5, 2-4pm (no class June 4); June 8-26, 5-7pm (no class June 19)
Class size limit: 12 (Minimum enrollment: 10)
Open to NCDS students entering grades 9–12 (prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Science)

The Software Engineering course will have remote synchronous meetings for two hours each day. Students will also be responsible for spending time doing some work outside of class. This may include watching video lectures, reflecting on issues relating to technology or completing various coding activities.

This course is an online project-based course that finishes the study of Python that was started in Intro to CS and then moves on to the study of Processing, a Java based language. There will also be one quiz per week. There will be a combination of synchronous (2hrs) and asynchronous (2hrs) course content each day and will be taught by a member of the NCDS faculty. This is the same course that many students take during the regular school year and is the prerequisite for the AP Computer Science A and Competitive Computing courses.

***This is a for-credit course and requires full attendance and timely completion of all assignments.***

 This course is only open to current NCDS students who have completed Introduction to Computer Science.

Software Engineering for Summer 2026 is full. Please email marthahaddad@newtonsh.org to be added to the waitlist.

SAT Prep

Tuition: $950
Classes: Mon-Fri, June 15-18, 9am - 2pm (no class Fri. June 19)
Class size limit: 20 (Minimum enrollment: 8) 
Open to NCDS students entering grades 11 and 12

Rising juniors and seniors can register to learn, improve, and master important SAT strategies to jumpstart their studying for the PSAT and SAT. Math sessions are with Ms. Kenney. Reading comprehension and writing sessions are with Mr. Szilvasy. Practice materials/books are included. Snacks are provided daily; lunch can be brought from home or ordered to be delivered.

Advanced Summer Painting Workshop

Tuition: $675
Classes: Mon-Fri, June 15-26, 9am​ -​ 12pm (no class June 19, Field Trip on June 19, 9am - 3pm)
Class size limit: 10 (Minimum enrollment: 6) 
Open to NCDS students entering grades 9-11

The focus of the Advanced Summer Painting Workshop is light and texture using the Zorn Palette (a restricted 4-color palette). Curriculum topics include restricted palette logic, color temperature and value, luminous light effects, surface texture, harmonious color mixing, and Anders Zorn's techniques & legacy. This class is for advanced students (prior painting experience is required).

Versatile Voices: A Summer Creative Writing Class in Three Genres

Tuition: $340
Classes: Mon-Thu, June 15-18, 9am -12pm
Class size limit: 15 (Minimum enrollment: 8) 
Open to NCDS students entering grades 9-12

Dive into the many facets of creative writing in this immersive 4-day summer writing course. Each day, you will explore a different fresh, compelling topic through the lens of three genres: poetry, fiction, and personal essay writing. By reading the works of published authors, you'll discover how different genres can transform the same core ideas, and you'll gain a versatile set of tools to express your own perspectives. 

How you make the most of this supportive space to play with voice, form, and structure is up to you! You can use the week to focus on developing your skills in a single genre or experiment with writing in a variety of genres throughout the week. You'll emerge from the class with a portfolio of writing that you can use for submission to writing contests and/or for college applications.