Hamden Hall Country Day School

Educating students in PreSchool through Grade 12

Lower School Courses

Summer Academy dates for 2019 will run from June 24 - Aug. 2.
Registration is now open.

The Lower School at Hamden Hall is committed to educating the whole child, through classes taught by specialists in art, music, physical education, science, technology, and world languages. Informed by Hamden Hall's core values of excellence, support, participation, accountability, and respect, each course provides a safe, nurturing environment in which children can explore and create. 

Summer Academy offers a variety of one week courses for students in grades K-6.  This allows each student the opportunity to schedule a variety of activities during the summer months and still have time to spend with their family on vacation. Each course runs from 9 AM -12 PM daily. Please choose only one course per week.  Students should bring snacks/drinks for break time.  Please register your child for the grade level they will be entering in September. 

Summer Academy Discount:  If you register two siblings or more for six weeks of classes, the first camper pays full price and the others receive a 10% discount.

Add an Afternoon of Adventures!
For students entering grades K-6 we offer our Adventures and Academics program. Students enrolled in Adventure and Academics participate in a full day of activities. Register your child for one of the academic classes in the morning and add the adventures program for the afternoon activities. Students engage in swimming at the Beckerman Athletic Center, craft projects, outdoor activities, and team building games during the afternoons. Other activities include exploring local museums and taking nature hikes at state parks. Those staying for a full day and attending the afternoon Adventures should pack a lunch and water bottle.
Tuition for the afternoon Adventures program: $145* per week or $390* per session (Session 1: June 24 - July 12, Session 2: July 15 - Aug. 2)

*Please note that this is in addition to individual course fees for morning academics.

Click on the Summer Academy Application to register.

Have a question? Contact Kim Porto at summeracademy@hamdenhall.org

Week 1 June 24 - 28 $335

List of 7 items.

  • Sounds, Letters, and More

    This program has been designed to foster literacy development through the use of fun and engaging resources, activities, and instructional routines that are based on scientifically-based reading research. Principles of the Haskins Literacy Initiative, which are an integral part of Hamden Hall’s reading program, will be included in this summer course. Explicit instruction in the word attack components of literacy such as phoneme awareness, code instruction, and fluency will be tailored to meet the specific needs of students who sign up for this course. Listening comprehension, vocabulary and oral language development will also be addressed. Time for snacks and outdoor play will be provided, so please send your child with a nut-free snack. Enrollment is limited to 15 children. This course fills quickly so sign up early!  It is highly recommended that students sign up for all three weeks in order to receive the most benefit from this course. The class material runs for 3 consecutive weeks. 
    Taught by Hamden Hall's Barbara DeNatale.
    Grade K-1

  • The Literacy Workshop

    This Literacy Workshop will engage students in the joys of reading, writing and phonics/word study. It is designed to recognize and build upon individual students’ strengths as well as areas for improvement in literacy. Through the implementation of the Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop model students will engage in direct instruction during whole group mini lessons, differentiated small group work and one-on-one conferences which will be tailored to meet the needs of each student. During small group and one-on- one conferring, the remainder of students will work independently on authentic reading andwriting activities to apply and strengthen strategies taught. Reading comprehension, accuracy, fluency and vocabulary as well as the writing process and an understanding of the skills and conventions of
    writing will be taught. Students will receive instruction on high frequency word recognition, phonics and strategies for analyzing and reading multisyllabic words during word study. The Literacy Workshop will meet the needs of each student in a respectful and nurturing environment.
    Enrollment is limited to 15 children. This course fills quickly so sign up early!  It is highly recommended that students sign up for all three weeks in order to receive the most benefit from this course. The class material runs for 3 consecutive weeks.
    Taught by Rosalie Carr
    Grades 2-3

  • Investigating Informational Text and Uncovering Their Mysteries Using Interactive Reading Strategies

    Students will focus on writing formal expository compositions and a mini research paper. Planning strategies, note-taking, library skills, and organizing factual information into well written sequential paragraphs will be stressed. Great preparation for writing in content subject areas such as social studies and science, and for responding to guided reading questions in language arts and reading classes! Suitable for English language learners who have a basic understanding of English. 
    Taught by Hamden Hall's Emily Schimelman
    Grades 3-6

  • Math Facts and Skills Review

    From understanding number concepts to problem solving, students will be actively involved in their math learning. Stress will be placed on concept and skill development, using a variety of manipulatives, games, and computers. Time will be spent learning basic facts. Student's area of difficulty will be addressed.
    Grades 1-4

  • Reading Comprehension and Writing Strategies

    One goal of this course is to improve reading comprehension, enhance the reading experience through discussion and critical thinking, and motivate students to read more. Comprehension is conquered through a variety of techniques including response centered instruction, direct modeling of reading strategies, literature circles, and invested student discussions.
    Another goal is for students to preview various writing styles, and write, revise, edit, and publish their own book.  The writing process will be studied to improve sentence structure, grammar, paragraph skills, and vocabulary. Suitable for English language learners who have a basic understanding of English. 
    Taught by Hamden Hall's Emily Schimelman.
    Grades 3-6

  • Science Palooza

    Come discover, experiment, and create as we learn about the colliding worlds of art and science in this STEAM-based camp. We will create biomes from around the world, star gaze at constellations, master meteorology, investigate how things work and dabble in chemistry and physics. Put on your learning cap and grab the art supplies because this STEAM camp will rock your world. 
    Grades 3-6

  • Painting, Process, and More

    This course will explore different types of media such as colored pencils, cray pas, markers, watercolors and acrylics. Students will learn about primary and secondary colors and then use their color knowledge to create their unique pieces. In addition to traditional techniques, the young artists will experiment with nontraditional painting techniques using fingers, sponges, toothbrushes, string and splatter painting. Pointillism using Q-tips for painting is another fun technique that will be explored on canvas. Students of all artistic abilities are welcome.
    Taught by Hamden Hall's Susan Bennett.
    Grades 1-6

Week 3 July 8-12 $335

List of 8 items.

  • Sounds, Letter, and More

    This program has been designed to foster literacy development through the use of fun and engaging resources, activities, and instructional routines that are based on scientifically-based reading research. Principles of the Haskins Literacy Initiative, which are an integral part of Hamden Hall’s reading program, will be included in this summer course. Explicit instruction in the word attack components of literacy such as phoneme awareness, code instruction, and fluency will be tailored to meet the specific needs of students who sign up for this course. Listening comprehension, vocabulary and oral language development will also be addressed. Time for snacks and outdoor play will be provided, so please send your child with a nut-free snack. Enrollment is limited to 15 children. This course fills quickly so sign up early!  It is highly recommended that students sign up for all three weeks in order to receive the most benefit from this course. The class material runs for 3 consecutive weeks. 
    Taught by Hamden Hall's Barbara DeNatale.
    Grade K-1

  • The Literacy Workshop

    This Literacy Workshop will engage students in the joys of reading, writing and phonics/word study. It is designed to recognize and build upon individual students’ strengths as well as areas for improvement in literacy. Through the implementation of the Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop model students will engage in direct instruction during whole group mini lessons, differentiated small group work and one-on-one conferences which will be tailored to meet the needs of each student. During small group and one-on- one conferring, the remainder of students will work independently on authentic reading andwriting activities to apply and strengthen strategies taught. Reading comprehension, accuracy, fluency and vocabulary as well as the writing process and an understanding of the skills and conventions of
    writing will be taught. Students will receive instruction on high frequency word recognition, phonics and strategies for analyzing and reading multisyllabic words during word study. The Literacy Workshop will meet the needs of each student in a respectful and nurturing environment.
    Enrollment is limited to 15 children. This course fills quickly so sign up early!  It is highly recommended that students sign up for all three weeks in order to receive the most benefit from this course. The class material runs for 3 consecutive weeks.
    Taught by Rosalie Carr
    Grades 2-3

  • Fantastical Fiction Writers Club

    As students preview various writing styles, and write, revise, edit, and publish their own book, they will study the writing process to improve sentence structure, grammar, paragraph skills, and vocabulary. The use of graphic organizers, including Inspiration software on the computer, will be featured as part of the course. Suitable for English language learners who have a basic understanding of English.

    Grades 3-6

  • Reading Comprehension and Writing Strategies

    One goal of this course is to improve reading comprehension, enhance the reading experience through discussion and critical thinking, and motivate students to read more. Comprehension is conquered through a variety of techniques including response centered instruction, direct modeling of reading strategies, literature circles, and invested student discussions.
    Another goal is for students to preview various writing styles, and write, revise, edit, and publish their own book.  The writing process will be studied to improve sentence structure, grammar, paragraph skills, and vocabulary. Suitable for English language learners who have a basic understanding of English. 

    Grades 3-6

  • Motivating Math Learning Through the Use of Games

    Playing games is a wonderful way to improve student's number sense. Concept and skill development will be stressed using a variety of manipulative materials, games, and computers. A natural improvement in fact knowledge will occur while being immersed in math during the beneficial class. Student's areas of difficulty will be addressed. 
    Grades 3-6

  • The Sights and Sounds of CT

    We will explore the natural habitats we can find here in Connecticut, and also explore these environments and animals here at Hamden Hall! We will explore entomology in the fields and forest areas on campus, by finding insects and butterflies while on a scavenger hunt. As we listen to the sounds of crickets, katydids, and cicadas, we will observe crickets and see if they will chirp. We will also observe and learn about the metamorphosis of butterflies. We will observe the animals that come to our bird feeders and learn about the species of songbirds and birds of prey, including dissecting an owl pellet to identify rodent skulls and bones. Lastly, we will make discoveries about Long Island Sound by making a water filter to learn if we can desalinate water. In addition, we will learn various species and importances of this large estuary. 
    Taught by Hamden Hall's Leah Mucciarone.
    Grades 1-5

  • Wooden Crafts

     Create crafts with wood. Build Bird houses, picture frames, wind chimes and more!
    Join instructor Eileen Babbitz - BS in Fashion Design and a trained pastry chef
    Grades 2-6

  • Super Sleuths

    Get out your magnifying glasses and detective hat as we have clues to decipher and crimes to solve. We’ll put our critical thinking skills and STEM knowledge to the test and get to the bottom of mysteries by learning the tricks real investigators use to solve cases. While experimenting with simple detection techniques, your reasoning skills will grow and your problem solving skills will become better than CSI agents. 
    Grades 3-6

Week 5 July 22 - 26 $335

List of 7 items.

  • Investigating Informational Text and Uncovering Their Mysteries Using Interactive Reading Strategies

    Students will focus on writing formal expository compositions and a mini research paper. Planning strategies, note-taking, library skills, and organizing factual information into well written sequential paragraphs will be stressed. Great preparation for writing in content subject areas such as social studies and science, and for responding to guided reading questions in language arts and reading classes! Suitable for English language learners who have a basic understanding of English.

    Grades 3-6

  • Reading Comprehension and Writing Strategies

    One goal of this course is to improve reading comprehension, enhance the reading experience through discussion and critical thinking, and motivate students to read more. Comprehension is conquered through a variety of techniques including response centered instruction, direct modeling of reading strategies, literature circles, and invested student discussions.
    Another goal is for students to preview various writing styles, and write, revise, edit, and publish their own book.  The writing process will be studied to improve sentence structure, grammar, paragraph skills, and vocabulary. Suitable for English language learners who have a basic understanding of English. 

    Grades 3-6

  • Math Facts and Skills Review

    From understanding number concepts to problem solving, students will be actively involved in their math learning. Stress will be placed on concept and skill development, using a variety of manipulatives, games, and computers. Time will be spent learning basic facts. Student's area of difficulty will be addressed.
    Grades 3-6

  • The World's Extraordinary Animals

    We will learn about how to classify animals by various aquatic and terrestrial vertebrate and invertebrate species. Such as, starfish with regurgitating stomachs, mammals that fly, chameleons that change color, and about reptiles that have been around since the dinosaurs, such as the largest living lizard, the komodo dragon! As we learn about each of these species and what makes them unique, we will create stories and art projects together about the extreme animals we have on earth!
    Taught by Hamden Hall's Leah Mucciarone.
    Grades 1-5

  • Gooey Galaxy

    Come and get messy as we make our own playdough, slime, gooey gak, moon sand and more!
    Join instructor Eileen Babbitz - BS in Fashion Design and a trained pastry chef
    Grades K-4

  • Infinity and Beyond!

    5, 4, 3, 2, 1 blast off to a galaxy far, far away to learn about Earth and the amazing solar system. Discover all things galactic such as comets, planets, shooting stars, rockets and more. Learn about flight, the adventures of space travel, and participate in a rocket launch!
    Grades K-2

  • Whiz Kids

    Join us on a science discovery mission! We will explore the world of science through everyday objects, experiments and encounters. This camp will enhance the STEM education philosophies with a big punch of fun. Physics, biology, chemistry, geology, astronomy and zoology will all be covered in the camp.
    Grades 3-6

Week 2 July 1-5 $310

List of 7 items.

  • Sounds, Letters, and More

    This program has been designed to foster literacy development through the use of fun and engaging resources, activities, and instructional routines that are based on scientifically-based reading research. Principles of the Haskins Literacy Initiative, which are an integral part of Hamden Hall’s reading program, will be included in this summer course. Explicit instruction in the word attack components of literacy such as phoneme awareness, code instruction, and fluency will be tailored to meet the specific needs of students who sign up for this course. Listening comprehension, vocabulary and oral language development will also be addressed. Time for snacks and outdoor play will be provided, so please send your child with a nut-free snack. Enrollment is limited to 15 children. This course fills quickly so sign up early!  It is highly recommended that students sign up for all three weeks in order to receive the most benefit from this course. The class material runs for 3 consecutive weeks. 
    Taught by Hamden Hall's Barbara DeNatale.
    Grade K-1

  • The Literacy Workshop

    This Literacy Workshop will engage students in the joys of reading, writing and phonics/word study. It is designed to recognize and build upon individual students’ strengths as well as areas for improvement in literacy. Through the implementation of the Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop model students will engage in direct instruction during whole group mini lessons, differentiated small group work and one-on-one conferences which will be tailored to meet the needs of each student. During small group and one-on- one conferring, the remainder of students will work independently on authentic reading andwriting activities to apply and strengthen strategies taught. Reading comprehension, accuracy, fluency and vocabulary as well as the writing process and an understanding of the skills and conventions of
    writing will be taught. Students will receive instruction on high frequency word recognition, phonics and strategies for analyzing and reading multisyllabic words during word study. The Literacy Workshop will meet the needs of each student in a respectful and nurturing environment.
    Enrollment is limited to 15 children. This course fills quickly so sign up early!  It is highly recommended that students sign up for all three weeks in order to receive the most benefit from this course. The class material runs for 3 consecutive weeks.
    Taught by Rosalie Carr
    Grades 2-3

  • Stupendous Story Elements: Understanding Children’s Literature Using Interactive Reading Strategies

    The goals of this course are to improve reading comprehension, enhance the reading experience through discussion and critical thinking, and motivate students to read more. Comprehension is conquered through a variety of techniques including response centered instruction, direct modeling of reading strategies, literature circles, and invested student discussions. IN addition, students will be taught the macrostructure of literature, an appropriate leveled nobel will be assigned and each student will complete activities to practice and demonstrate their skills. Suitable for English language learners who have a basic understanding of English. 
    Taught by Hamden Hall's Emily Schimelman
    Grades 3-6

  • Reading Comprehension and Writing Strategies

    One goal of this course is to improve reading comprehension, enhance the reading experience through discussion and critical thinking, and motivate students to read more. Comprehension is conquered through a variety of techniques including response centered instruction, direct modeling of reading strategies, literature circles, and invested student discussions.
    Another goal is for students to preview various writing styles, and write, revise, edit, and publish their own book.  The writing process will be studied to improve sentence structure, grammar, paragraph skills, and vocabulary. Suitable for English language learners who have a basic understanding of English. 
    Taught by Hamden Hall's Emily Schimelman
    Grades 3-6

  • Motivating Math Learning Through the Use of Games

    Playing games is a wonderful way to improve student's number sense. Concept and skill development will be stressed using a variety of manipulative materials, games, and computers. A natural improvement in fact knowledge will occur while being immersed in math during the beneficial class. Student's areas of difficulty will be addressed. 
    Grades 1-4

  • Let's Get Creative

    Classic arts and crafts for all ages!
    Join instructor Eileen Babbitz - BS in Fashion Design and a trained pastry chef
    Grades K-5

  • Investigating Through Coding

    Join us for a week of solving problems and thinking outside the box. Ever wonder how your favorite video game is made? Want to see math a different way? Join us for a week of coding and investigative math. Spend time trying out different programming languages and solving crazy math problems. Bring your thinking cap and curiosity!
    Taught by Hamden Hall's Kathy McNeiece
    Grades 3-5

Week 4 July 15 -19 $335

List of 7 items.

  • Promising Poets Writers Club

    This course is designed to introduce young students to the elements of creative writing. Poetry and story writing will be areas of emphasis. Children will learn the tools creative writers utilize to create interesting and imaginative pieces.

    Grades 3-6

  • Reading Comprehension and Writing Strategies

    One goal of this course is to improve reading comprehension, enhance the reading experience through discussion and critical thinking, and motivate students to read more. Comprehension is conquered through a variety of techniques including response centered instruction, direct modeling of reading strategies, literature circles, and invested student discussions.
    Another goal is for students to preview various writing styles, and write, revise, edit, and publish their own book.  The writing process will be studied to improve sentence structure, grammar, paragraph skills, and vocabulary. Suitable for English language learners who have a basic understanding of English. 

    Grades 3-6

  • Math Facts and Skills Review

    From understanding number concepts to problem solving, students will be actively involved in their math learning. Stress will be placed on concept and skill development, using a variety of manipulatives, games, and computers. Time will be spent learning basic facts. Student's area of difficulty will be addressed.
    Grades 1-4

  • Underwater Adventures

    We will explore the aquatic world, from lakes and ponds to salt marshes and oceans! Some of the fascinating creatures we will encounter include animals that live in the open ocean such as whales, sharks, sea turtles, and the heaviest known bony fish in the world the mola mola fish. In addition, we will explore some organisms that live in the deep depths of the Mariana Trench, such as goblin sharks and anglerfish!  As we learn about the adaptations of aquatic animals, we will also see up close through dissecting a squid why it has such large eyes and a beak to kill its prey. We'll also learn the fragility and importance of each ecosystem along the way by also creating art projects.
    Taught by Hamden Hall's Leah Mucciarone.
    Grades 2-5

  • Beads, Bracelets, and Beyond

    Join us as we make friendship bracelets and anklets, gimp lanyards, key chains, and beaded jewlery!
    Join instructor Eileen Babbitz - BS in Fashion Design and a trained pastry chef
    Grades K-4

  • World of Wizards

    Calling all wizard fans! This is like no other camp you have experienced. We will take a magical journey into the world of wizards. We will design wands, make magic potions, go on a magical creature hunt, play Quidditch, and participate in activities that will astound all Muggles.
    Grades 3-6

  • Whiz Kids

    Join us on a science discovery mission! We will explore the world of science through everyday objects, experiments and encounters. This camp will enhance the STEM education philosophies with a big punch of fun. Physics, biology, chemistry, geology, astronomy and zoology will all be covered in the camp.
    Grades K-2

Week 6 July 29 - Aug 2 $335

List of 7 items.

  • Stupendous Story Elements: Understanding Children’s Literature Using Interactive Reading Strategies

    The goals of this course are to improve reading comprehension, enhance the reading experience through discussion and critical thinking, and motivate students to read more. Comprehension is conquered through a variety of techniques including response centered instruction, direct modeling of reading strategies, literature circles, and invested student discussions. In addition, students will be taught the macrostructure of literature, an appropriate leveled novel will be assigned and each student will complete activities to practice and demonstrate their skills. Suitable for English language learners who have a basic understanding of English. 
    Taught by Hamden Hall's Emily Schimelman
    Grades 3-6

  • Reading Comprehension and Writing Strategies

    One goal of this course is to improve reading comprehension, enhance the reading experience through discussion and critical thinking, and motivate students to read more. Comprehension is conquered through a variety of techniques including response centered instruction, direct modeling of reading strategies, literature circles, and invested student discussions.
    Another goal is for students to preview various writing styles, and write, revise, edit, and publish their own book.  The writing process will be studied to improve sentence structure, grammar, paragraph skills, and vocabulary. Suitable for English language learners who have a basic understanding of English. 
    Taught by Hamden Hall's Emily Schimelman
    Grades 3-6

  • Motivating Math Learning Through the Use of Games

    Playing games is a wonderful way to improve student's number sense. Concept and skill development will be stressed using a variety of manipulative materials, games, and computers. A natural improvement in fact knowledge will occur while being immersed in math during the beneficial class. Student's areas of difficulty will be addressed. 
    Grades 2-6

  • Having Fun While Learning Spanish

    Embark on a one-week journey into Spanish language and culture! Learning a language is much easier for young children, and the sooner they start to learn, the easier it is. Summer is a great time to let your child try out a new language. A total immersion into the language will result in the immediate production of basic “sentences” through images projected on the SMARTBoard. Fun activities such as songs, games, and outdoors adventures make a fast-start of Spanish language learning in our school. Children will develop their skills, broaden their horizons, make new friends, and be exposed to Spanish!
    Taught by Hamden Hall's Margarita Kuhn-D'Elia
    Grades 1-4

  • Recycle This!

    Creat projects with recycled materials. Water bottle octupuses, egg carton flowers, stained glass containers and more!
    Join instructor Eileen Babbitz - BS in Fashion Design and a trained pastry chef
    Grades K-4

  • Out of This World

    5, 4, 3, 2, 1 blast off to a galaxy far, far away to learn about Earth and the amazing solar system. Discover all things galactic such as comets, planets, shooting stars, rockets and more. Learn about flight, the adventures of space travel, and participate in a rocket launch!
    Grades 3-6

  • Rockets, Planes and Flying Things

    Watch it soar, see it glide, come take a ride with rockets, planes and flying things! We will build flying machines, test gliders and soar to the moon through art, stories and lots of play! Our adventures will sharpen your imagination, kick start your motor skills and ignite a passion for flying!
    Grades K-2

Hamden Hall Country Day School

1108 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org

About Us

Hamden Hall Country Day School is a nurturing and inclusive community with a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.

Social