Morning Minds. Afternoon Adventures.
Agest 9 to 14 | Boarding & Day
Summer@Rectory is Rectory School's signature summer experience for students ages 9–14—a place where curiosity leads the way, confidence grows daily, and learning feels like an adventure. Each morning, students dive into hands-on, project-based academic workshops guided by their interests and led by expert faculty. From robotics and engineering challenges to creative writing, science labs, musical theater, ESL, and more, mornings are packed with discovery, collaboration, and accomplishments worth celebrating. After lunch, the energy shifts into full summer mode. Afternoons are all about exploring our beautiful 138-acre campus and trying something new every day—swimming in the pool, biking wooded trails, playing tennis, basketball, or soccer on the fields and courts, creating in the Art Barn, or relaxing with games in the Wolf Den. The perfect mix of structure and freedom lets students choose activities that light them up and build real confidence through challenge and play.
Session Dates - 2026
Session 1: July 5 to July 18
Session 2: July 19 to August 1
Rates - 2026
International Boarding: $4,149 /session
Domestic Boarding: $3,749 /session
Day: $1,949 /session
Daily Schedule
Life as a Wolf is full of movement, discovery, and moments that spark confidence.
Each day begins together as a pack—celebrating wins big and small, sharing talents, and setting goals. It’s a time for laughter, encouragement, and building the friendships that make summer unforgettable. The energy carries into every block of the day, from morning workshops to sunset campfires, weaving learning and adventure into something students look forward to waking up for.
Morning Minds
Mornings are where curiosity takes the lead.
Students dive into small-group academic workshops designed to stretch thinking and build new skills through hands-on, project-based learning. Whether coding robots, writing stories, designing engineering challenges, experimenting with science, or stepping onto the stage in musical theater, mornings are intentional, challenge-filled, and exciting. With expert faculty guiding each session, students leave morning block feeling accomplished, capable, and ready for whatever comes next.
- Introduction to Pre Algebra
- Introduction to Algebra
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Creations - Session 2*
- Broadway Bound (Musical Theater) - Session 1*
- On Stage & Behind the Camera - Session 2*
- Creative Hands: Ceramics - Session 2*
- English Language Crash Course: From Classroom to Conversation
- Geography Jam Session - Session 2*
Introduction to Pre Algebra
Strengthen your math skills and build real confidence in this fast-paced introduction to Pre-Algebra. You’ll dive into fractions, decimals, percents, ratios, proportions, and integers while learning how to apply them to everyday problem-solving. By the end of this two-week course, you’ll be ready to take on a full Pre-Algebra class—and feel great doing it.
Introduction to Algebra
Take your math thinking to the next level! This course helps you sharpen your abstract reasoning while working with exponents, algebraic expressions, and equations. You'll tackle word problems and build a strong foundation for success in Algebra 1. If you're ready for a challenge, this is your launchpad.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Creations - Session 2*
Unleash your creativity with AI! Through hands-on projects and discussions, you’ll learn how artificial intelligence works and how it shapes the world around us. You’ll create and share AI-generated images and videos, explore ethical questions, and get a glimpse into the future of technology and art.
[Offered Session 2 Only]
Broadway Bound (Musical Theater) - Session 1*
Step into the spotlight! In this vibrant musical theater experience, you’ll explore acting, singing, movement, and the creative world behind the scenes—lighting, sets, costumes, marketing, and more. Through games, scene work, and daily rehearsals, you’ll build confidence and teamwork skills as you prepare for a final performance. Whether theater is your passion or something you’re curious to try, there’s a place for everyone on this stage.
[Offered Session 1 Only]
On Stage & Behind the Camera - Session 2*
Discover how to shine both onstage and on screen! This course blends musical theater with beginner videography, helping students build confidence in performance, movement, and on-camera presentation. You’ll practice acting skills, learn how to capture simple footage, and explore what it takes to tell great stories in front of an audience or a camera. Perfect for performers and creators ready to take the next step.
[Offered Session 2 Only]
Creative Hands: Ceramics - Session 2*
Roll up your sleeves and turn clay into art. You’ll learn pinch-pot, slab, and coil techniques as you build original ceramic pieces during Week One, then glaze and paint your creations in Week Two. This class is perfect for makers who enjoy sculpting, imagining, and transforming ideas into something you can hold.
[Offered Session 2 Only]
English Language Crash Course: From Classroom to Conversation
Boost your English skills and build the confidence to use them in real life. Through interactive activities, role-plays, and group conversations, you’ll strengthen listening, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and everyday communication. This course gives you the tools to participate fully in class, connect with others, and express your ideas clearly.
Geography Jam Session - Session 2*
Get ready to travel the world—no suitcase required! Using virtual reality, you’ll explore continents, cultures, and incredible natural and man-made wonders. Along the way, you’ll taste foods from around the globe, pick up keywords in multiple languages, and design maps to document your journey. This class takes you around the world in 10 days—and every stop brings a new adventure. No passport required.
[Offered Session 2 Only]
- Model United Nations (UN) - Session 2*
- Mosaics - Session 1*
- Music Tech
- Step Back in Time: Photography - Session 2*
- Intro to Printmaking - Session 1*
- Technology Explorations: 3D Printing, VR & Robotics
- World Mythology
Model United Nations (UN) - Session 2*
Step into the role of a global leader! As a UN delegate, you’ll research world issues, craft policy recommendations, and debate solutions connected to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. This course strengthens your communication, teamwork, and public-speaking skills while giving you a real taste of international diplomacy.
[Offered Session 2 Only]
Mosaics - Session 1*
Dive into the colorful world of mosaic art! You’ll learn how to cut and shape glass tiles, design patterns, and use tools and materials to bring your artwork to life. From bold colors to textured designs, you’ll create your own original mosaic while building confidence with professional techniques.
[Offered Session 1 Only]
Music Tech
Step Back in Time: Photography - Session 2*
Experience photography the classic way! You’ll build your own pinhole camera, shoot with 35mm film, develop negatives, and print in the darkroom. Alongside traditional techniques, you’ll also experiment with cyanotypes and photograms. If you love creativity, craftsmanship, and hands-on work, this is an unforgettable deep dive into analog photography.
[Offered Session 2 Only]
Intro to Printmaking - Session 1*
Explore the art of printmaking through hands-on experimentation with carving, inking, and pressing. You’ll master beginner-friendly techniques to create repeatable images and unique textures while learning how artists use printmaking to tell visual stories. By the end, you’ll have a portfolio of your own prints.
[Offered Session 1 Only]
Technology Explorations: 3D Printing, VR & Robotics
Week One: Makerspaces Summer at Rectory (12 student limit)
Step into the world of making! In this one-week creative intensive, students will explore 3D printing, Glowforge laser design, and die cutting. You’ll learn the basics of digital design, discover how each tool works, and experience the trial-and-error process that makers rely on to bring ideas to life. Throughout the week, you’ll create useful objects, imaginative designs, and problem-solving inventions—all while building confidence with cutting-edge makerspace technology.
Week Two: Robotics Summer at Rectory (12 student limit)
Week Two launches you into the exciting world of robotics. Each student will receive a robot kit to build, customize, and program using block coding. With multiple build options, you’ll experiment with design, test your creativity, and sharpen your engineering skills. Using coding and measurement, you’ll navigate obstacle courses and master precise starts, stops, and turns. The week wraps up with a friendly team competition where speed, accuracy, and innovation take center stage!
World Mythology
Step into a world of heroes, monsters, and epic quests. In this global mythology adventure, you’ll explore legendary tales from Greek, Norse, Egyptian, and other ancient cultures. Discover patterns that connect these stories across time, see how they influence today’s movies and games, and even create your own myth-inspired art. It’s a journey across civilizations—powered by imagination.
Afternoon Electives
When afternoon hits, campus bursts into action.
Students choose from a wide range of enrichment and recreational activities—swimming at the pool, mountain biking wooded trails, team sports on the fields and courts, or creative time painting and building in the Art Barn. The Wolf Den buzzes with board games and relaxed downtime, giving students space to recharge and connect. With structured choices and freedom to explore, afternoons are where confidence grows and passions come to life.
Sample of offered electives:
ATHLETICS
Pickleball, Knockout, GaGaBall, Disc Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball
ADVENTURES
High Ropes Course, Hiking, Mountain Biking
GAMES
Cornhole, Ring Toss, Sling Puck, Ping Pong, Foosball, Board & Card Games
STEM
Lego Architects, Robotics and Engineering
MUSIC
World Drumming, Boom Whackers, Karaoke
ARTS
Watercolors, Mandala, Origami, Diamond Beads Painting, Jewelry/Friendship Bracelet
Weekend Adventures
Evenings and weekends extend the adventure.
Dorm life means community dinners, night games outside, movie nights, talent shows, and spontaneous laughter that fills the halls. Weekends bring bigger adventures—trips to New England beaches and towns, hiking, biking, arts and crafts sessions, friendly competitions, and time outdoors exploring our beautiful campus. Long after the lights go out, these become the stories and friendships students carry with them into fall and beyond.
Pack Up—We may venture here this summer!
Storrs Adventure Park
Miniature Golf
Connecticut Tigers Baseball Game
Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park
High Meadow Resort
Lake Compounce
Mashamoquet Brook State Park Picnic
ONLINE PROGRAMS
Summer@Rectory Online offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in high-quality academic enrichment from anywhere in the world. Taught by experienced Rectory School faculty, our online classes maintain small group settings with a maximum of 12 students per course to ensure personalized instruction and meaningful interaction. The program runs from July 7 to August 1, Monday through Friday, with two morning class blocks offered in Eastern Standard Time: Block 1 (6:00–7:00 AM EST) and Block 2 (7:15–8:15 AM EST). Whether students are looking to strengthen foundational skills or get ahead for the upcoming school year, Summer@Rectory Online provides a structured, supportive, and engaging learning environment.
Introduction to Pre Algebra
Strengthen your math skills and build real confidence in this fast-paced introduction to Pre-Algebra. You’ll dive into fractions, decimals, percents, ratios, proportions, and integers while learning how to apply them to everyday problem-solving. By the end of this two-week course, you’ll be ready to take on a full Pre-Algebra class—and feel great doing it.
Introduction to Algebra
Take your math thinking to the next level! This course helps you sharpen your abstract reasoning while working with exponents, algebraic expressions, and equations. You'll tackle word problems and build a strong foundation for success in Algebra 1. If you're ready for a challenge, this is your launchpad.
English as a Second Language (ESL) - 1 & 2
ESL 1 (Beginner)
This ESL 1 (English as a Second Language) course for beginners is designed to help students develop foundational language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This course focuses on building vocabulary, understanding basic grammar rules, and improving pronunciation, allowing learners to communicate effectively in everyday situations. Through interactive lessons, simple dialogues, and practical exercises, students gradually gain confidence in their ability to use English in social and academic settings. This course also emphasizes cultural aspects of language, helping students learn English and understand how it is used in various social settings. This approach ensures a well-rounded learning experience, providing a solid foundation for further language development.
Prerequisite: None. No prior knowledge of English is required.
Prerequisite: None. No prior knowledge of English is required.
ESL 2 (Intermediate)
This ESL 2 (English as a Second Language) course is designed for learners who already have a basic understanding of English and wish to expand their skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students will engage in a variety of activities to enhance their ability to communicate effectively in everyday situations, both personally and academically. This course focuses on improving vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, emphasizing practical language use in real-world settings. Through interactive lessons, group discussions, and multimedia resources, students will develop the confidence and fluency needed to express themselves more clearly and accurately. By the end of the course, students will have gained the skills necessary to navigate a wider range of everyday situations and feel more comfortable using English in both formal and informal settings.
Prerequisite: Basic proficiency in English (A2 or equivalent).
Prerequisite: Basic proficiency in English (A2 or equivalent).
