About Peddie Summer Academy
A summer boarding school experience for rising 7th–9th graders.
Returning July 12–25, 2026
Academics
The Peddie classroom centers around creativity, collaboration and innovation. At the Peddie Summer Academy, we cultivate that same authentic, interactive, rigorous academic environment for our younger students.
All classes are designed and taught by the passionate, experienced educators of Peddie’s faculty. Students will enroll in three electives: one STEM elective, one humanities elective and one art elective.
Students will enroll in specific class choices via an online registration form. In an effort to encourage exploration of academic interests, we hope to enroll all students in their first choice classes, although courses may change.
A laptop will be provided for each student to use during the course of the academy.
The PSA is not a “for credit” experience and courses are not assigned grades. Instead, students will receive a summary of their work from each teacher. All students must have strong English language proficiency to keep pace with the coursework as we do not provide English as a Second Language support.
Below are a few examples of courses previously offered.
Humanities
Humanities electives use various historical lenses to discuss the human condition and address modern society’s challenges. The humanities courses also utilize short stories and develop descriptive writing skills.
Flash Fiction
Telling a compelling story in under 1,000 words is no small feat—but that’s exactly what flash fiction challenges writers to do. This course is all about concise, powerful storytelling: jumping straight into the action, making every word count, and crafting tight, impactful sentences. We’ll read and analyze examples of flash fiction, sharpen our discussion and peer-editing skills, and experiment with writing our own short but mighty stories.
“It’s Me, Hi…” Writing About Yourself
In the digital age, how we present ourselves—both in writing and online—shapes the way we connect with the world. This course explores first-person narratives and examines the role of social media in shaping personal identity. Through reflective writing and discussion, students will explore different forms of self-expression, ultimately crafting short bios that highlight both the skills they’ve developed over the summer and the people they aspire to be.
Debunking the Myths: Ancient Rome
Was Nero truly as mad as history claims? Were gladiator fights in the Colosseum as brutal as Hollywood portrays? In this course, we’ll separate fact from fiction, exploring how Roman history has been shaped by films, books, and art. Using virtual museum exhibits, ancient artifacts, and online historical sources, we’ll become detectives of the past—uncovering the truth behind the myths and deciding what history got right (and wrong).
STEM
STEM electives vary across physical, environmental, and life sciences disciplines. All STEM courses heavily emphasize experimental design and data analysis.
Forensic Investigations: Solving Crimes with Science
Think science has nothing to do with real life? Think again! In this hands-on course, we’ll use chemistry, math, physics, and biology to solve a crime. We’ll start by mastering essential lab skills and crime scene integrity, then move on to fingerprinting, blood typing, chemical analysis, and more. By the end of the course, you’ll see just how essential STEM is in solving mysteries.
Wild Discoveries: Field Ecology in Action
Step out of the classroom and into the wild! In this course, we’ll explore local ecosystems through hands-on fieldwork and lab-based expeditions. From water quality testing to species identification and biodiversity assessments, we’ll collect real data and observe nature in action. As we gain new skills, we’ll design and conduct our own experimental studies—uncovering the ecological secrets hidden right on campus.
Empowered Engineering
How do we build for the future? This course is about more than just engineering concepts—it’s about gaining the confidence to apply them in real-world scenarios. We’ll take on challenges like designing circuits, launching model rockets, constructing earthquake-resistant structures, and more. Through hands-on projects, we’ll explore how engineering shapes the world around us.
3D Design & Manufacturing
Have you ever wanted to create something but weren’t sure where to start? Whether you need a custom video game controller, a display for your favorite decorations, or a solution to a problem you’ve encountered, this course will teach you how to bring your ideas to life. Using 3D printers, a laser cutter, and other tools, you’ll design, prototype, and build your own creations—no prior experience needed!
Computer Science: The Foundation of AI
Ever wonder how artificial intelligence really works? In this course, we will explore the core ideas of computer science that make AI possible. Starting with the basics of coding, logic, and algorithms, we will learn how computers are programmed to solve problems. From there, we will dive into data structures, pattern recognition, and simple machine learning concepts. You will build projects that show how math and programming combine to create smart systems. By the end of the session, you will not only understand the building blocks of AI but also see how computer science is shaping the technology more broadly.
Art
The art electives allow students to explore their creative interests and learn how to demonstrate passion through artistic media. Students have the option to explore two-dimensional art using traditional painting and drawing or three-dimensional constructions.
Japanese Sculpture Making
The ancient art of andon woodworking combines clean lines and intricate joinery to create stunning wooden structures. In this course, students will explore the techniques behind this Japanese craft—learning about wood selection, layout, and mortise-and-tenon joinery—before creating their own elegant sculptures inspired by this timeless tradition.
Architecture: Designing the Built World
We spend most of our lives inside buildings—working, learning, socializing—but how did architects learn to make them stronger, bigger, and more beautiful? This course introduces students to architectural design, beginning with hand-drawn sketches and progressing to computer-aided design and model-making. Along the way, we’ll study groundbreaking architects, from Frank Lloyd Wright to Zaha Hadid, and explore what makes their creations stand the test of time.
Illustration: The Power of Images
Art has always been a powerful tool for conveying ideas and emotions. In this course, we’ll take a journey through art history, studying influential works and the messages behind them. Using these pieces as inspiration, students will design original illustrations reflecting current events, culture, and personal perspectives. With the option to use traditional paints, pencils, pastels, charcoal, or collage, students will have the creative freedom to bring their visions to life.
Speak the Speech: The Art of Persausion
How do great speakers convince others to see their point of view? This course introduces students to public speaking and debate, focusing on research, persuasion techniques, and effective delivery. We’ll study famous speeches throughout history, practice vocal projection and body language, and develop the skills to craft compelling arguments—whether for debate or everyday conversations.
All the World’s a Stage: Acting 101
Step into the spotlight! This course introduces students to the fundamentals of acting, including character development, text analysis, and stage presence. Through interactive exercises and scene work, students will build confidence, enhance their creativity, and collaborate to bring stories to life. Whether you’re new to acting or already have some experience, this class offers a fun and supportive space to explore the art of performance.
Daily Schedule
Peddie Summer Academy Sample Schedule
- 7:45 a.m. – Breakfast
- 8:30 a.m. – Class 1 – STEM
- 9:45 a.m. – Class 2 – Humanities
- 11:00 a.m. – Snack
- 11:15 a.m. – Class 3 – Art
- 12:30 p.m. – Lunch
- 1:00 p.m. – Rest Period
- 2:00 p.m. – Extracurricular (Sports, Arts or Robotics)
- 3:45 p.m. – Activity / Community Period
- 4:45 p.m. – Rest period
- 5:30 p.m. – Dinner
- 6:00 p.m. – Evening Program
- 8:45 p.m. – Dorm time
- 9:45 p.m. – Lights out
Stay in touch for 2026
Campus Life
Life in Peddie’s dormitories is fun and empowering, fostering independence and forging powerful friendships. Our dormitories help develop the close-knit community that is a hallmark of the Peddie experience.
Boarding students at the Peddie Summer Academy will live in one of our dormitories alongside academy staff who will supervise and support them as they experience boarding school life. Students living within a 30-minute commute from Peddie are eligible to apply as day students but should be prepared to be present on campus from 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
Current Peddie students will serve as student leaders and mentors, offering a genuine first-hand experience. Students will share meals in our dining hall, provided and served by our Peddie Food Service, which provides vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options at all meals.
Extracurricular Fun!
Extracurricular programs are a huge part of the Peddie experience and our academy students will participate in an afternoon art, athletics or robotics program of their choosing.
In the evenings or on select days, group activities include pool time, sports, cookouts, hikes, crafts and field trips to New Jersey favorites like nearby Princeton or a seaside boardwalk!
Athletics
Students will team up with peers to play a variety of sports throughout the program, including soccer, flag football, ultimate frisbee, basketball, track & field, and more—building teamwork, skills, and sportsmanship along the way.
Music & Theater
Aspiring thespians will refine their acting abilities and collaborate to produce a short performance, gaining confidence both on stage and working as part of an ensemble.
Visual Arts
Young artists will channel their creativity through projects in multiple media, including paints, charcoal, pencils, and beyond, developing both technique and personal expression.
Robotics
Future engineers will be introduced to programming, building, and manipulating robots, tackling challenges that encourage problem-solving and innovation.
2026 Tuition & Fees
| Boarding | $4,000 |
| Day* | $3,200 |
| International Fee** | $250 |
** The international student fee covers (1) Guidance on medical forms and insurance, (2) Visa Letter, (3) Shuttle to and from Newark Airport, (4) Time spent with unaccompanied minors, (5) Coordinating details with educational consultants.
Admission to The Peddie School
Attending this program will not impact a student’s application for admission to The Peddie School. For more information about The Peddie School admission process, please visit peddie.org/admission.
Student Health
Certified medical staff will be on campus for the duration of the program to manage all medications as needed and provide any other care needed by students. All students must have a health insurance policy that includes coverage in New Jersey.
Financial Aid
Limited financial aid is available for Peddie Summer Academy. Families should inquire by emailing summeracademy@peddie.org.
Questions?
For questions about Peddie Summer Academy, email summeracademy@peddie.org or call (609) 944-7570.
Experience something new
Peddie Summer Academy is packed full of opportunities through academics, extracurriculars and student life, both on- and off-campus.