Program Pillars
Proprietary academic curriculum for gifted students
- Designed specifically for gifted, talented, and highly proficient students in grades 1-5.
- Fosters critical and creative thinking skills through hands-on multidisciplinary curriculum
- Challenges students to push the limits of their knowledge and abilities
- Encourages students to embrace their individuality and thrive in an inclusive community of like-minded peers
- Students develop and refine interpersonal soft skills and build confidence
- Programming designed for the whole person – academics combined with social and recreational opportunities
Fun, age appropriate activities in between classes
- Play time and organized activities help students build skills to thrive in social environments and form lifelong friendships
- Students take part in program traditions, arts and crafts, and more
- Each student can explore their unique academic and extracurricular interests among like-minded peers
2Programs on prestigious university campuses
24/7Summer Discovery campus staff and nurse availability
Elementary SchoolProprietary STEAM+ curriculum
Our proprietary STEAM+ curriculum applies creative thinking across disciplines to help students solve real-world problems. Courses explore science, technology, engineering, mathematics, arts, and humanities while supporting intellectual, social, and emotional growth.
![[object Object]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.summerdiscovery.com%2FdynamicPage%2Foffering%2Foffering%2Finfo%2F1724683293708_51.JPG&w=3840&q=75)
Learn in a community of like-minded students
Challenging and engaging academics allow students to discover their own academic motivation, strengthen passions and skills, and explore new interests. Experiential adventures, social activities, recreation, and entertainment foster social enrichment and confidence.
See it for yourself
Watch to take a closer look at our programs for gifted elementary school students. Through our hands-on summer programs, students gain confidence, curiosity, and accelerate their passion for learning.
![[object Object]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.summerdiscovery.com%2FdynamicPage%2Foffering%2Foffering%2Fprocess%2F1724683679422_85.JPG&w=3840&q=75)
OUR CORE VALUES
Advancing the development of gifted and talented students
Engaging coursework allows students to explore new interests. Social enrichment supports soft skill development, such as socialization, communication, team building, and collaboration. Enjoy unparalleled experiential adventures, social activities, recreation, and entertainment. This community of like-minded learners creates a safe space that nurtures friendships, self-confidence, self-discovery, and self-advocacy.
The Institute for the Gifted allows students to discover their own academic motivations. It also improves their public speaking, independent thinking, teamwork, and problem solving.
A Day In The Life
Residential/Commuter
- Live like a college student in a secure residence hall
- Eat in university dining halls each day
- Enjoy program traditions, like Banner Night and Brain Bowl
Day Program
- Full-day and half-day options available (select campuses)
- Get a taste of learning in a university setting
- Enjoy rec hour with friends
- Eat lunch in the dining halls
SAFETY & SECURITY
Age appropriate supervision, prioritized wellbeing.
- Staff must clear thorough criminal background checks and complete specialized training for working with minors.
- Students always have adult supervision
- Teaching assistants stay with students and monitor the dining hall.
- A nurse is available on campus every day.
Student to Staff Ratios
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL8:1
MIDDLE SCHOOL10:1
HIGH SCHOOL10:1
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the instructors? 
Program instructors are experienced gifted and talented instructors with advanced degrees in area of teaching specialization. All staff receive a thorough background check and are required to complete special training for working with minors.
Is lunch provided on campus? Are special dietary meals provided?
Yes, lunch is provided on all campuses for students. Additional meals are provided for residential students. Special meals may be accommodated but parents must advise the administrative team on campus of the student’s dietary needs in advance.
Will my child be in class with students of different ages?
Academic courses are offered to students of the same grade grouping. However, if you feel your student is better suited for another grade band, please contact us to complete a Grade band Waiver. (We do not offer cultural/recreational classes) Class grouping accommodates varying ability levels.
Elementary Campus Offerings
Choose from a variety of top-tier universities, from Yale University to UC Berkeley and beyond.
Bryn Mawr College
Fairfield University
Other Programs
We offer additional experiential and pre-college programs for middle school and high school students.
High School
