Academics

Summer Scholars

Offerings for Summer 2025

Week 1: June 9-13, 2025

SSAT and Games

Strengthen your writing and test-taking skills! Throughout the week, you'll dive into each section of the SSAT, honing strategies for success. Between test-prep sessions, enjoy indoor and outdoor brain breaks designed to refresh your mind, enhance focus, and improve concentration.  Ages: Students entering grades 5-8

List of 3 items.

  • Description

    Over the course of the week, campers will gain an overview of the SSAT and practice the skills needed to find success. Mornings will focus on creative writing. Each afternoon will be devoted to a section of the test: Verbal Reasoning (vocabulary and analogies), Quantitative (math), and Reading Comprehension. Test prep will alternate with fun indoor and outdoor games, such as live Clue, capture the flag, board games, and Slip N’ Slide. 
     
    The camp will culminate in a practice test on Friday. Families can opt to receive a detailed report of practice-test results that includes both estimated percentiles and recommendations for further study.


  • Dates

    June 9–13, 2025
    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

  • Tuition

    Mornings Only: Creative Writing, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., $200 per week 
    Full Days WITHOUT practice test feedback, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., $350.00 per week
    Full Days WITH practice test feedback, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., $400.00 per week
    Extended Day: Before Care 
    8:00–9:00 a.m., $50.00 per week
    Extended Day: After Care 
    3:00–5:00 p.m., $75.00 per week

    TJ Family Rebate: 10%
    Sibling Rebate: 10%
    Multi-session Camper Rebate: 10% 
    (Discounts may not be combined. If you qualify for a TJ family, sibling, or multi-session discount, your rebate will be processed the week of May 26.)
     

Around the World in Stories

In this one-week camp, students will learn repertoire and techniques specific to genres outside of the classical tradition, including American and Irish fiddle music, jazz, and rock. They will hone their understanding of music theory, develop their sense of rhythm, and learn how to play what’s not on the page! The camp will culminate in a Friday afternoon concert at TJ. 

This camp is open to high-school and advanced middle-school violinists, violists, cellists, double bassists, and acoustic guitarists who have had at least two years of formal music instruction.

List of 3 items.

  • Description

    Journey through the world's greatest tales, from the towering mountains of Norse mythology to the sunbaked deserts of Arabian folklore! Each day will bring new adventures as we unravel how different cultures view their world through story. We'll decode Egyptian hieroglyphs to discover ancient myths; build Japanese kamishibai story boxes to perform tales of clever tanuki and noble samurai; and create African tribal masks while learning how the clever Anansi got his stories. 

    Young storytellers will map out a hero’s journey from different continents, act out Australian Aboriginal Dreamtime stories, and craft their own legends inspired by global traditions. Through immersive activities, art projects, and dramatic play, campers will explore how geography—from frozen tundras to dense rainforests—shapes the heroes, tricksters, and magical creatures that populate each culture’s treasured tales.

  • Dates

    June 9–13, 2025
    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

  • Tuition

    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., $315 per week
    Extended Day: Before Care 
    8:00–9:00 a.m., $50.00 per week
    Extended Day: After Care 
    3:00–5:00 p.m., $75.00 per week

    TJ Family Rebate: 10%
    Sibling Rebate: 10%
    Multi-session Camper Rebate: 10% 
    (Discounts may not be combined. If you qualify for a TJ family, sibling, or multi-session discount, your rebate will be processed the week of May 26.)

Week 2: June 16-20, 2025

Hero Training: Archery & Architecture

Spend a week thinking like an ancient Greek! In this camp, young heroes will test their aim like Odysseus and build marvels like Daedalus, designing temples, solving labyrinths, and exploring the mathematical precision behind Greek engineering and archery through hands-on challenges. Ages: Students entering grades 4-8

List of 3 items.

  • Description

    In Homer’s Odyssey and across ancient Greek lore, master archers and craftsmen like Odysseus and Daedalus shaped history through both bow and building. From Apollo’s golden temples to the ingenious Labyrinth of Crete, the Greeks understood that true mastery requires both precision and architectural genius. 

    As rising young heroes, campers will test their skills in archery while exploring the engineering marvels of antiquity. They'll design and construct miniature temples, solve structural puzzles inspired by legendary labyrinths, and learn how ancient Greeks used mathematical precision in both architecture and archery. Through hands-on challenges that combine target practice with engineering principles, campers will discover how Greek innovators used geometry and physics to create everything from perfectly-balanced arrows to soaring aqueducts.


  • Dates

    June 16–20, 2025
    No camp on Thursday, June 19th (Juneteenth Holiday)
    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

  • Tuition

    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., $255 per week
    No camp on Thursday, June 19 for Juneteenth holiday
    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., $315 per week
    Includes childcare on Thursday, Juneteenth holiday
    Extended Day: Before Care 
    8:00–9:00 a.m., $50.00 per week
    Extended Day: After Care 
    3:00–5:00 p.m., $75.00 per week

    TJ Family Rebate: 10%
    Sibling Rebate: 10%
    Multi-session Camper Rebate: 10% 
    (Discounts may not be combined. If you qualify for a TJ family, sibling, or multi-session discount, your rebate will be processed the week of May 26.)

Pre-Algebra Boot Camp, # 1

Session 1 of 2 - 1:00-3:00 p.m. Why do equations, formulas, and properties matter? In this two-week, afternoon-only camp, students will uncover the logic behind math, transforming abstract symbols into problem-solving tools. Through interactive sessions, they’ll explore a range of topics while building confidence in decoding and solving equations. Ages: Students entering grades 4-8

List of 3 items.

  • Description

    Students will delve into the “why” behind equations, formulas, and properties, gaining a comprehensive understanding of these core mathematical elements. Our approach will transform seemingly abstract numbers and signs into problem-solving tools, allowing students to decode problem statements and solve equations with confidence.
     
    Throughout the course, participants will cover a spectrum of topics, including algebraic equations and their rules, real number systems and their properties, as well as the complexities of fractions, ratios, proportions, and inequalities. Our interactive sessions encourage active participation, enabling students to create proofs, work with various number types, and solve diverse mathematical problems


  • Dates

    June 16–20 and June 23–27, 2025
    No camp on Thursday, June 19 (Juneteenth Holiday)
    1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

  • Tuition

    1:00–3:00 p.m., $315 per two-week session*
    June 16–20 and June 23–27

    *Campers signed up for both Hero Training and Dragon Tribes may do the Pre-Algebra Boot Camp in lieu of the regular afternoon activities for no additional charge.

    Extended Day: Before Care 
    8:00–9:00 a.m., $50.00 per week
    Extended Day: After Care 
    3:00–5:00 p.m., $75.00 per week

    TJ Family Rebate: 10%
    Sibling Rebate: 10%
    Multi-session Camper Rebate: 10% 
    (Discounts may not be combined. If you qualify for a TJ family, sibling, or multi-session discount, your rebate will be processed the week of May 26.)
Week 3 - June 23-27, 2025

Dragon Tribes: Tales of the 7 Kingdoms

What if dragons ruled vast kingdoms of fire, sea, and sky? In this camp, you will design your own dragons, mastering illustration techniques, world-building, and storytelling. Through comics and character workshops, you'll bring your original dragon sagas to life! Ages: Students entering grades 4-8

List of 3 items.

  • Description

    Soar into a world where powerful dragon tribes rule over volcanic caverns, ocean kingdoms, humid deserts, and misty rainforests! Young artists will develop their own dragon characters inspired by beloved dragon fantasy stories, learning to render gleaming scales, powerful wings, and expressive faces through step-by-step illustration techniques. 

    Campers will explore how different habitats shape various dragon species, from deadly frost-breathing IceWings to venom shooting RainWings. They’ll craft original stories for their dragons, develop dynamic personalities, and bring their tales to life through comic panels and graphic storytelling. Through character-design workshops, world-building exercises, and comic creation, participants will learn core artistic skills like composition, color theory, and sequential storytelling while building their own epic dragon saga. The week culminates in each artist completing their own original dragon comic featuring their unique characters!

  • Dates

    June 23–27, 2025
    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

  • Tuition

    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., $315 per week
    Extended Day: Before Care 
    8:00–9:00 a.m., $50.00 per week
    Extended Day: After Care 
    3:00–5:00 p.m., $75.00 per week

    TJ Family Rebate: 10%
    Sibling Rebate: 10%
    Multi-session Camper Rebate: 10% 
    (Discounts may not be combined. If you qualify for a TJ family, sibling, or multi-session discount, your rebate will be processed the week of May 26.)

Pre-Algebra Boot Camp, #2

Session 2 of 2- 1:00-3:00 p.m. Why do equations, formulas, and properties matter? In this two-week, afternoon-only camp, students will uncover the logic behind math, transforming abstract symbols into problem-solving tools. Through interactive sessions, they’ll explore a range of topics while building confidence in decoding and solving equations. Ages: Students entering grades 4-8

List of 3 items.

  • Description

    Students will delve into the “why” behind equations, formulas, and properties, gaining a comprehensive understanding of these core mathematical elements. Our approach will transform seemingly abstract numbers and signs into problem-solving tools, allowing students to decode problem statements and solve equations with confidence.
     
    Throughout the course, participants will cover a spectrum of topics, including algebraic equations and their rules, real number systems and their properties, as well as the complexities of fractions, ratios, proportions, and inequalities. Our interactive sessions encourage active participation, enabling students to create proofs, work with various number types, and solve diverse mathematical problems.


  • Dates

    June 16–20 and June 23–27, 2025
    1:00–3:00 p.m.

  • Tuition

    1:00–3:00 p.m., $315 per two-week session*
    June 16–20 and June 23–27

    *Campers signed up for both Hero Training and Dragon Tribes may do the Pre-Algebra Boot Camp in lieu of the regular afternoon activities for no additional charge.

    Extended Day: Before Care 
    8:00–9:00 a.m., $50.00 per week
    Extended Day: After Care 
    3:00–5:00 p.m., $75.00 per week

    TJ Family Rebate: 10%
    Sibling Rebate: 10%
    Multi-session Camper Rebate: 10% 
    (Discounts may not be combined. If you qualify for a TJ family, sibling, or multi-session discount, your rebate will be processed the week of May 26.)
Week 4: July 7-11, 2025

Taste of Time: Historical Recipes & Food

How has history shaped the way we eat? In this camp, you will explore centuries-old recipes, decode historic cookbooks, and recreate dishes from different eras. Through hands-on cooking, they’ll uncover how trade, war, and culture influenced food across time. Ages: Students entering grades 4-8

List of 3 items.

  • Description

    Uncover history through the kitchens of the past! In this unique camp, young culinary historians will explore how wars, trade routes, and cultural exchanges transformed what we eat. We'll decode centuries-old recipes, investigating how the Great Depression turned simple ingredients into creative meals, why spices were once worth their weight in gold, and how ancient Mayans transformed bitter cacao into sacred chocolate drinks. 

    Campers will analyze historical cookbooks and recipe cards as primary sources, learning to convert historic measurements, substitute extinct ingredients, and understand how economic conditions, technology, and trade shaped family meals across time. Through hands-on cooking projects, we'll recreate dishes from different eras—from medieval spice bread to Victory Garden vegetables—while discovering the stories behind each recipe. Our young historians will also explore food-preservation techniques, learn about rationing and resourcefulness, and create their own recipe book documenting their historical culinary adventures.


  • Dates

    July 7–11, 2025
    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

  • Tuition

    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., $315 per week
    Extended Day: Before Care 
    8:00–9:00 a.m., $50.00 per week
    Extended Day: After Care 
    3:00–5:00 p.m., $75.00 per week

    TJ Family Rebate: 10%
    Sibling Rebate: 10%
    Multi-session Camper Rebate: 10% 
    (Discounts may not be combined. If you qualify for a TJ family, sibling, or multi-session discount, your rebate will be processed the week of May 26.)

    • *

Week 5: July 14-18, 2025

Magical Inquiry

Join us for a week of exploring magic-related concepts, blending imagination with critical thinking. In this camp, young wizards will become part of houses, compete in magical challenges, and explore history, chemistry, and engineering through hands-on, spellbinding activities and teamwork. Ages: Students entering grades 4-8

List of 3 items.

  • Description

    Campers will begin their week of Magical Inquiry by being divided into houses, and together they will devise a house name and its defining traits. Mornings will be spent rotating through classes, such as potions (magical chemistry), witchcraft through the ages (the history of the Salem witch trials), and arithmancy (math and engineering). They will compete against the other houses throughout the week in team-building activities, physical and mental challenges, and—of course—ground quidditch!

  • Dates

    July 14–18, 2025
    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

  • Tuition

    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., $315 per week
    Extended Day: Before Care 
    8:00–9:00 a.m., $50.00 per week
    Extended Day: After Care 
    3:00–5:00 p.m., $75.00 per week

    TJ Family Rebate: 10%
    Sibling Rebate: 10%
    Multi-session Camper Rebate: 10% 
    (Discounts may not be combined. If you qualify for a TJ family, sibling, or multi-session discount, your rebate will be processed the week of May 26.)

Algebra Boot Camp, # 1

Session 1 of 2 - 1:00-3:00 p.m. How do equations shape the world around us? In this two-week, afternoon-only camp, students will master algebraic rules, graph linear equations, and solve systems of equations through hands-on practice. With expert guidance, they’ll build confidence, tackle word problems, and explore the power of exponents. Ages: Students entering grades 4-8

List of 3 items.

  • Description

    Our initial sessions will focus on solving equations: students will master various rules, techniques, and applications to tackle complex algebraic equations. Through hands-on practice and application, participants build confidence by solving equations and crafting their own, with guidance and support from our experienced instructors.
     
    The focus then shifts to linear equations, illuminating the history of the Cartesian Coordinate Plane and introducing real-life applications through word problems. These sessions enable students to create and graph linear equations, fostering a practical understanding of this fundamental concept.
     
    Building upon this foundation, we will explore systems of equations, providing insights into when and how to use them—a crucial skill for tackling complex word problems in algebra and beyond. Students engage in independent and collaborative problem-solving activities, honing their skills in solving systems of equations.

    Rounding off the program, participants will delve into the laws of exponents, reviewing and applying these fundamental laws to simplify and solve expressions and equations. 


  • Dates

    July 14–18 and July 21–25, 2025
    1:00–3:00 p.m.

  • Tuition

    1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m., $315 per two-week session*
    July 14–18 and July 21–25

    *Campers signed up for both Magical Inquiry and Escape Rooms and Puzzles may do the Algebra Boot Camp in lieu of the regular afternoon activities for no additional charge.

    Extended Day: Before Care 
    8:00–9:00 a.m., $50.00 per week
    Extended Day: After Care 
    3:00–5:00 p.m., $75.00 per week

    TJ Family Rebate: 10%
    Sibling Rebate: 10%
    Multi-session Camper Rebate: 10% 
    (Discounts may not be combined. If you qualify for a TJ family, sibling, or multi-session discount, your rebate will be processed the week of May 26.)
Week 6: July 21-25, 2025

Escape Room & Puzzles

How do great thinkers solve the toughest puzzles? In this camp, students will tackle riddles, puzzles, and thought experiments before designing their own escape-room challenges. Through teamwork and creativity, they’ll craft immersive, story-driven puzzles that test problem-solving, logic, and lateral thinking skills. Ages: Students entering grades 4-8

List of 3 items.

  • Description

    In this camp, students will explore outside-the-box and lateral thinking by solving riddles, puzzles, word problems, and other thought experiments. After developing an understanding of how puzzles and riddles are structured, participants will begin developing their own puzzles for each other to solve. 

    Throughout the week, scholars will develop their own themed escape-room puzzle room that encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and humility to solve. In addition, they will explore other puzzle-style games and how to create a successful, story-driven and immersive puzzle experience!

  • Dates

    July 21–25, 2025
    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

  • Tuition

    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., $315 per week
    Extended Day: Before Care 
    8:00–9:00 a.m., $50.00 per week
    Extended Day: After Care 
    3:00–5:00 p.m., $75.00 per week

    TJ Family Rebate: 10%
    Sibling Rebate: 10%
    Multi-session Camper Rebate: 10% 
    (Discounts may not be combined. If you qualify for a TJ family, sibling, or multi-session discount, your rebate will be processed the week of May 26.)

Algebra Boot Camp, #2

Session 2 of 2 - 1:00-3:00 p.m. How do equations shape the world around us? In this two-week, afternoon-only camp, students will master algebraic rules, graph linear equations, and solve systems of equations through hands-on practice. With expert guidance, they’ll build confidence, tackle word problems, and explore the power of exponents. Ages: Students entering grades 4-8

List of 3 items.

  • Description

    Our initial sessions will focus on solving equations: students will master various rules, techniques, and applications to tackle complex algebraic equations. Through hands-on practice and application, participants build confidence by solving equations and crafting their own, with guidance and support from our experienced instructors.
     
    The focus then shifts to linear equations, illuminating the history of the Cartesian Coordinate Plane and introducing real-life applications through word problems. These sessions enable students to create and graph linear equations, fostering a practical understanding of this fundamental concept.
     
    Building upon this foundation, we will explore systems of equations, providing insights into when and how to use them—a crucial skill for tackling complex word problems in algebra and beyond. Students engage in independent and collaborative problem-solving activities, honing their skills in solving systems of equations.
     
    Rounding off the program, participants will delve into the laws of exponents, reviewing and applying these fundamental laws to simplify and solve expressions and equations.


  • Dates

    July 14–18 and July 21–25, 2025
    1:00–3:00 p.m.


  • Tuition

    1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m., $315 per two-week session*
    July 14–18 and July 21–25

    *Campers signed up for both Magical Inquiry and Escape Rooms and Puzzles may do the Algebra Boot Camp in lieu of the regular afternoon activities for no additional charge.

    Extended Day: Before Care 
    8:00–9:00 a.m., $50.00 per week
    Extended Day: After Care 
    3:00–5:00 p.m., $75.00 per week

    TJ Family Rebate: 10%
    Sibling Rebate: 10%
    Multi-session Camper Rebate: 10% 
    (Discounts may not be combined. If you qualify for a TJ family, sibling, or multi-session discount, your rebate will be processed the week of May 26.)

Alternative Styles Strings

In this one-week camp, students will learn repertoire and techniques specific to genres outside of the classical tradition, including American and Irish fiddle music, jazz, and rock. They will hone their understanding of music theory, develop their sense of rhythm, and learn how to play what’s not on the page! The camp will culminate in a Friday afternoon concert at TJ.
 

List of 3 items.

  • Description

    In this one-week camp, students will learn repertoire and techniques specific to genres outside of the classical tradition, including American and Irish fiddle music, jazz, and rock. They will hone their understanding of music theory, develop their sense of rhythm, and learn how to play what’s not on the page! The camp will culminate in a Friday afternoon concert at TJ.

    This camp is open to high-school and advanced middle-school violinists, violists, cellists, double bassists, and acoustic guitarists who have had at least two years of formal music instruction.  

  • Dates

    July 21–25, 2025
    1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

  • Tuition

    1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m., $160 per week
    Extended Day: After Care 
    3:00–5:00 p.m., $75.00 per week

    TJ Family Rebate: 10%
    Sibling Rebate: 10%
    Multi-session Camper Rebate: 10% 
    (Discounts may not be combined. If you qualify for a TJ family, sibling, or multi-session discount, your rebate will be processed the week of May 26.)

    • *

Week 7 - August 4-8, 2025

Creative Design Studio: Imagination to Life

How do characters come to life through art? In this camp, you will design original heroes, creatures, and sidekicks while mastering industry techniques in shape, movement, and expression. Through hands-on exercises, you’ll build dynamic characters and create a portfolio of unique designs. Ages: Students entering grades 4-8

List of 3 items.

  • Description

    Step into the world of professional character design! Young artists will discover how favorite book characters, animated heroes, and game protagonists spring to life through the magic of illustration. Students will build their own unique characters from the ground up, learning industry techniques for capturing personality through shape, movement, and expression. 

    Through fun exercises like "character silhouette challenges" and "expression speed-drawing," artists will develop essential skills in anatomy, gesture, and dynamic poses. We'll explore how character designers use simple shapes to create memorable characters, experiment with how emotions change facial features, and learn how movement helps tell a character's story.

    Participants will develop their own artistic style while creating a portfolio of original characters—from daring adventurers and magical creatures to everyday heroes and quirky sidekicks. The camp culminates in each artist presenting their favorite character design, complete with model sheets showing different poses, expressions, and signature moves!

  • Dates

    August 4–8, 2025
    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

  • Tuition

    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., $315 per week
    Extended Day: Before Care 
    8:00–9:00 a.m., $50.00 per week
    Extended Day: After Care 
    3:00–5:00 p.m., $75.00 per week

    TJ Family Rebate: 10%
    Sibling Rebate: 10%
    Multi-session Camper Rebate: 10% 
    (Discounts may not be combined. If you qualify for a TJ family, sibling, or multi-session discount, your rebate will be processed the week of May 26.)

    • *

Cancellation Policy

  • Notify the director in writing of any cancellations by emailing summerscholars@tjs.org.
  • Cancellations made within three business (3) days of registering will be refunded in full.
  • Cancellations are refunded according to the following schedule:
    • February 1–March 31: Full refund
    • April 1–30: 80% refund
    • May 1–31: 50% refund
    • June 1 until the start of the session: No refund
  • No pro-rated or full refunds are permitted if a camper leaves before the end of a session for which they have been registered.
  • TJ Summer Scholars does not offer partial refunds for days missed.
  • If you need to cancel your registration for a medical or family emergency, please reach out to our director at summerscholars@tjs.org to discuss your specific situation.
  • TJ Summer Scholars retains the right to change or cancel any programs as necessary. In the event that TJ Summer Scholars must cancel a summer program, tuition will be fully refunded. 
  • TJ Summer Scholars staff may remove any child from summer camp for inappropriate behavior, in which case no refund will be issued. 

Start Your TJ Journey

The best way to get to know TJ is by spending time on campus, meeting our students and experiencing our classes. See our community for yourself at one of our open houses, shadow days, or let us create the perfect visit just for you.

Thomas Jefferson School

4100 S. Lindbergh Boulevard
Saint Louis, MO 63127
P. (314) 843-4151
F. (314) 843-3527