Summer Program Offerings @Notre Dame San Jose

Course Descriptions

Academic Success: Literacy Skills
INSTRUCTOR: Eran DeSilva
June 23-27, 8:30-10:30 a.m.

This week-long course is great for people who want to improve their reading and writing skills. Learn more about our brain and the process of how we learn to read and write. Then gain some practical strategies to help make improvements in these areas. This week together will support fun self-discovery in an encouraging environment, and you will walk away with new tools for academic success!

Academic Success: Study Skills & Habits
INSTRUCTOR: Susana Garcia
June 16-20, 8:30-10:30 a.m.

This week-long course will teach students different study strategies to cultivate effective study habits. Join us for a week of fun self-discovery in an encouraging environment!

Academic Success: Organizational Skills
INSTRUCTOR: Jennifer Johnson
June 30-July 3, 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Get ready to unlock your inner organization superhero! This course will help you turn imagination into reality with brain-hacking techniques that make goal-setting feel like an exciting game. In just one week, you'll learn cutting-edge strategies to master your physical space, understand the science behind organizational skills and build a toolkit that makes school projects and personal goals feel totally achievable. Through fun self-discovery and real-world techniques, you’ll gain the confidence and strategy to take control. Whether you're looking to crush homework, manage your schedule like a pro or simply level up, this course is your launchpad to success!

American Justice / Mock Trial Skills
INSTRUCTOR: Sonia Rebelo
June 16-July 3, 1:15 - 3:15 p.m

This three-week course is designed for students interested in criminal law, court procedure and possibly competing on Notre Dame’s Mock Trial team. We will explore the constitutional foundation of criminal justice, examine the elements of crime and prepare elements of a mock trial. This class offers a glimpse of what a career in law might be like and aims to inspire a passion for advocacy and argumentation.

Art of Public Speaking
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Elliott Gavino
June 16-July 3, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Public speaking is an art form and practical skill great for school and future careers. Students will have the opportunity to develop and strengthen skills in preparing and presenting oral presentations in a variety of situations. Speaking clearly and comfortably in public is a valuable and often essential skill to possess. Students will be introduced to the basics of speachwriting and delivery, gaining personal self-confidence and reducing anxiety associated with public speaking.

Ceramics
INSTRUCTOR: Alexandra Cunningham
June 16-July 3, 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Try your hand at creating ceramic art. This class will introduce you to the nature of clay, taking you through the process from construction (pinch, coil and slab) to the final firing of your artwork. You will also learn about the diversity of glazing techniques. On the final day of the class, students will showcase their work and may invite friends and family to view the finished products.

College Application Workshop
INSTRUCTOR: Cecilia Perkins
June 9-13, 9-11:30 a.m.

For rising seniors only. Ready to jump-start your college application process? Spend the week with Mrs. Perkins and a host of guest speakers from colleges and universities. Topics include developing an application strategy, beginning the application process, writing a high school resume, crafting the personal statement and supplemental essays, the college application timeline and refining your list of schools.

Creative Writing: Dynamic Dialogue
Instructor: Elliott Gavino
June 30-July 3, 1:15-3:15 p.m.

Do you love the way stories come to life on stage and screen? In this one-week course, you’ll learn how to write a short scene or vignette, focusing on crafting compelling dialogue between two characters. Explore how to develop tension, create meaningful choices and keep your audience on the edge of their seats.

Creative Writing: Short Stories through Games!
INSTRUCTOR: Elliot Gavino
June 23-27, 1:15-3:15 p.m.

Are you a fan of writing and adventure? This course combines playing a story-like game (similar to DnD) while learning to write short stories. Learn the elements of good story writing. By the end of the course, students will have learned character obstacles, character motivations and conflict in an entertaining way.

Creative Writing: Wild Voices Poetry
INSTRUCTOR: Emily King
June 16-20, 1:15-3:15 p.m.

Poetry is all around us—in the rustling of leaves, the crash of ocean waves and the voices that demand to be heard. In this class, we’ll dive into the beauty of nature poetry, exploring how writers capture the wildness of the world around them. At the same time, we’ll read the works of bold and powerful feminist poets who use words to challenge, inspire and celebrate strength. Through reading, discussion and creative writing, you’ll experiment with different styles—from haiku to free verse—and write your own poems about the natural world and what matters most to you.

Design, Create, Customize! Costuming for Theater and Beyond
INSTRUCTOR: Caitlyn Nichols
June 16-July 3, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

All levels welcome! From design to creation, develop the skills to start your journey or refine your craft in costume design and personal styling. Learn embroidery, pattern reading, sewing machine techniques, hand stitching, costume design and more.

Design Your Own Business
INSTRUCTOR: Alexandra Cunningham
June 30-July 3, 1:15-3:15 p.m.

Learn the basics of building your own business from alumna and business-owner, Ms. Alexandra Cunningham '12. In this class, students will learn about basic business skills, the importance of understanding the economy and local market, and the key elements that will help you launch a business.

Digital Photography and Design
INSTRUCTOR: Nicholas Carrillo
June 30-July 3, 1:15-3:15 p.m.

In this dynamic course, delve into the world of design and photography as we tap into the powerful tools of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Learn the fundamentals of digital design, from manipulating images to creating stunning graphics and illustrations. Through hands-on projects and expert guidance, you'll explore advanced techniques in photo editing, digital illustration and graphic design. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned artist, this course offers a pathway to elevate your skills and bring your creative visions to life. Join us and embark on a journey of artistic expression and innovation in the digital realm!

Drama Workshop
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Elliott Gavino
June 16-July 3, 8:30-10:30 a.m.

This hands-on course explores various drama techniques and elements, including improvisation, acting styles and methods. Students will learn to work as a team while building confidence and fundamental performance skills. *All experience levels are welcome.

Finish the Book: Algebra 1 (for NDSJ students)
INSTRUCTOR: Ms. Tanisha Fitzgerald
June 16-July 3, 8:30-10:30 a.m.Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 1 or similar integrated math course
This class is for incoming Notre Dame students who completed a year-long Algebra I course but did not pass the competency test for the next math level or want an Algebra 1 refresher. We will review real numbers, solving equations and inequalities, polynomials, rational expressions, functions and quadratic equations. Individualized materials will be available to address specific areas of growth, and a competency test will be given at the end of the course.

Leadership Camp: The First Person I Lead
INSTRUCTOR: Tanisha Fitzgerald
June 16-20, 1:15-3:15 p.m

During this week, students will learn that the best way to change the world around them is to start with themselves. Students will engage in lessons and activities designed to improve their growth mindset by building confidence, developing problem-solving skills and cultivating resilience—key themes articulated in A Growth Mindset for Teens by Sydney Sheppard.

Leadership Camp: How Other Women Lead
INSTRUCTOR: Tanisha Fitzgerald
June 23-27, 1:15-3:15 p.m

The second week of our leadership program will focus on women who have made a significant impact on the world around them. Students will learn about current and past women leaders, exploring their leadership styles and the attributes that make them change-makers.

Leadership Camp: Who am I as a Leader
INSTRUCTOR: Tanisha Fitzgerald
June 30- July 3, 1:15-3:15 p.m

During the final week of our leadership program, students will begin shaping and developing their perspective on leadership while becoming more aware of their own leadership attributes and those they’d like to cultivate. The focus of the week is to provide students with resources and activities that will support their growth as leaders.

Mindfulness Series: The Brain Behind the Breath-The Science of Mindfulness
INSTRUCTOR: Tania Pal
June 16-20, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

This week-long class will blow your mind! Ever wondered how your breath affects your brain and body? In this interactive course, you’ll dive into the science of mindfulness, exploring how breathing techniques can reduce stress, improve focus and boost overall well-being. Through fun exercises, relaxation practices and breathing techniques, you’ll learn how to calm your mind, stay present and sharpen your concentration. By the end of the week, you’ll have powerful tools to navigate challenges, increase your mental clarity and feel more balanced—both in school and life! Ready to discover the science behind every breath? Join us!

Mindfulness Series: Positive Psychology-The Science of Flourishing
INSTRUCTOR: Jennifer Johnson
June 30-July 3, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Embark on a transformative journey into the realm of well-being with Positive Psychology: The Science of Flourishing. This dynamic one-week course invites students to explore the intricacies of happiness, resilience and thriving through the lens of cutting-edge psychological research. Guided by case studies, psychological theories and captivating short stories, participants will delve into the scientific foundations that empower individuals to overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives. By the course's end, students will not only gain insights into the multifaceted nature of happiness but also embark on a personal exploration to define what flourishing means to them.

Mindfulness Series: Sleep and Dreams
INSTRUCTOR: Eran DeSilva
June 23-27, 10:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Embark on a captivating exploration of the science of sleep and dreams in this one-week course tailored for middle and high school students. Uncover the mysteries of sleep cycles, delve into dream interpretation theories and examine the profound impact of quality sleep on mental and physical well-being. Through engaging activities and discussions, students will not only grasp the physiological aspects of sleep but also develop practical strategies for improving their sleep hygiene.

Mixed Media Art
INSTRUCTOR: Alexandra Cunningham
June 16-27, 1:15-3:15 p.m.

This program provides an introduction to mixed media art techniques with a focus on exploration, collaboration and critical thinking. Students will be introduced to a variety of media while studying the work of instrumentalist artists and participating in various small group challenges. Newfound skills and inspiration will aid in the design and construction of their own work throughout this two-week class.

Music Production with Garageband
INSTRUCTOR: Elliott Gavino
June 16- 20, 1:15-3:15 p.m

Description Coming Soon!

Painting
INSTRUCTOR: Alexandra Cunningham
June 16-July 3, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

This program explores painting techniques with a focus on application, color theory and theme development. Students will build upon their understanding of composition by studying the works of various artists throughout history and the present day and creating paintings with watercolor, acrylic and spray paint in our classroom studio. All necessary supplies will be provided.

Popular Music Workshop
INSTRUCTOR: Patricia Danielidis
June 30th - July 3rd, 1:15-3:15 p.m

Dive into a fun-filled week of music and creativity! We’ll explore the world of today’s biggest stars—Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Harry Styles and more! Students will learn what makes pop music so catchy by exploring its history, structure and signature sounds. Through interactive projects and lyric-writing challenges, students will unleash their creativity and even put their own spin on their favorite songs. Join us for a week of music, expression and fun!

Robotics
INSTRUCTOR: Aidan Ferrer
June 17-21, 1:15 - 3:15 p.m.

Deepen your experience of science and technology in this unique, fun and hands-on camp. This week-long program will introduce the student to the world of robotics and design.

Sports Camp: Basketball
INSTRUCTOR: Ali Bueno
June 23-27, 1:15-3:15 p.m.

Basketball Camp is designed to provide the fundamental skills necessary to play competitive basketball. Each day is dedicated to honing specific skills, leading up to competitive games and contests that encourage students to apply what they've learned. The camp will focus on footwork, dribbling, passing, shooting, rebounding and defense. Participants should wear appropriate athletic attire and bring a water bottle every day. Camp takes place at Notre Dame in Julie Billiart Hall.

Sports Camp: Flag Football
INSTRUCTOR: John Amarillas
June 16-20, 1:15-3:15 p.m.

Flag Football Camp is designed to provide participants with the fundamental skills necessary to play competitive flag football. Each day is dedicated to honing specific skills, leading up to competitive games and contests that encourage students to apply what they've learned. The camp will focus on offensive and defensive football skills, basic techniques drills, and proper warm-ups and physical conditioning. Participants should wear appropriate athletic attire and bring a water bottle every day. The camp takes place at Notre Dame in Pardini Park.

Sports Camp: Volleyball
INSTRUCTOR: Yelena Nash
June 30-July 3, 1:15-3:15 p.m.

Volleyball Camp is designed to provide the fundamental skills necessary to play competitive volleyball. Each day is dedicated to honing specific skills, leading up to competitive games and contests that encourage students to apply what they've learned. The camp will focus on basic techniques in bumping, setting, blocking and serving. Knee pads are required; participants should wear appropriate athletic attire and bring a water bottle every day. The camp takes place at Notre Dame in Julie Billiart Hall.

Sports Camp: Strength & Agility Week 1
INSTRUCTOR: Omar Pina
June 16-20, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

This camp is designed to enhance athletes’ agility and help prevent injuries. The agility training program improves balance, control and flexibility. These fundamental drills develop core strength essential for all athletes. Student-athletes may join for one week or all three weeks.

Sports Camp: Strength & Agility Week 2
INSTRUCTOR: Omar Pina
June 23-27, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Sports Camp: Strength & Agility Week 3
INSTRUCTOR: Omar Pina
June 30-July 3, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

STEAM: Graphic Design
INSTRUCTOR: Nicholas Carrillo
June 16-July 3, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

When you are reading your favorite magazine or perusing your latest favorite website, have you ever taken time to think about who came up with the design of those pages and how they created them? Graphic Design is an opportunity for students to learn first-hand about the creative process behind the production of such inspiring works. In this class you will learn the theories of graphic design as well as basic and advanced techniques as you design several real-world projects including promotional pieces, publications and digital-art.

STEAM: Introduction to Programming with Python
INSTRUCTOR: David Knuth
June 23-July 3, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Learn how to program using one of the most popular and easiest languages, Python. The class will (mostly) follow the online book Automate the Boring Stuff with Python. It will cover all the basics, along with a few things that will hopefully be useful. On the final day, the students will vote on a topic of their choice. The class will use freely available tools that can be taken home, and a programming language that is available by default on almost every popular operating system.

STEAM: Video Production
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Nicholas Carrillo
June 16-27, 1:15-3:15 p.m.

In this three-week camp, students will take a hands-on approach to learning the video production process: storyboarding, scripting, filming and editing. Whether for a future as a social media influencer or for developing multimedia presentation skills, students will have fun in this camp that merges technical skill with creativity.

Step into the Spotlight: Dancing Through the Magic of Musical Theater
Instructor: Emily King
June 16-20, 10:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

This two-week workshop will get you on your feet while exploring various dance techniques for musical theater. It culminates in a performance to showcase your talent. Open to dancers of all levels—from beginner to advanced—this workshop welcomes both middle and high school students.

Summer Math Bridge (by invitation only)
INSTRUCTOR: Ms. Tanisha Fitzgerald
June 16-July 3, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Prerequisite: Incoming Notre Dame 9th grade, invitation only
This class is designed to help incoming freshman students improve their readiness for Algebra 1 at the high school level. The course will address content and student skill-set development based on the initial results from the ALEKS placement test taken at the time of enrollment. Aside from math content, the class will introduce strategies for note-taking, completing assignments and class participation. This is a unique opportunity for students to get to know each other and their teacher before starting school in the fall.

Teen Interfaith Service Immersion
INSTRUCTOR: Steve Herrera
June 9-13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Monday-Thursday), 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Friday)

Open to all high school teens. Join teenagers from various religious traditions in a week-long exploration of local places of worship, engaging in meaningful service projects to help farm workers in Watsonville and low-income families in San Jose. The program features community-building activities, opportunities for interfaith dialogue, field trips to synagogues, Sikh Gurdwaras and Buddhist temples for tours and presentations by religious leaders on their spiritual traditions. Participants will also complete 10 hours of direct community service at two local agencies, eligible for community service credit. This experience is neither a traditional academic class nor a camp, but rather an interfaith dialogue and service immersion. Previous participants have described it as transformative, and we anticipate the same for this year's group! (Note: This program requires a minimum of 5 participating students.)

Theater Tech: Props for Theater and Beyond
INSTRUCTOR: Caitlyn Nichols
June 16-20, 1:15-3:15 p.m

Discover the art of prop-making for the stage! From puppets to fake food, explore techniques that bring productions to life. Whether you're a pro with worbla or just picking up a glue gun for the first time, this hands-on course will help you develop new skills and unleash your creativity!

Theater Tech: Set the Scene - Carpentry and Scenic Painting for the Stage
INSTRUCTOR: Caitlyn Nichols
June 23-27, 1:15-3:15 p.m

Explore the art of scenic painting and carpentry in this hands-on experience! Learn to use power tools, hand tools, and paint to transform a blank stage into an extraordinary set for the theater.

Theater Tech: A Bright Idea - Theatrical Lighting
INSTRUCTOR: Caitlyn Nichols
June 30-July 3, 1:15-3:15 p.m

Discover what it takes to light up a theatrical show! From design to installation, learn about what lighting designers do, how to operate lighting equipment and what each button on a light board does. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced with a lighting rig, there is something for everyone to learn.

Yoga IQ: Strength, Science & Flow Week 1
INSTRUCTOR: Tania Pal
June 16-20, 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Curious about yoga but not sure where to start? This fun and interactive summer program is designed for everyone—whether you're brand new to yoga, an athlete looking to improve performance or just interested in movement and mindfulness. No experience? No problem! We’ll explore how yoga strengthens your body, calms your mind and boosts energy. You'll learn the science behind focus and stress relief, discover how movement improves flexibility and balance, and try fun challenges like gentle backbends and beginner-friendly inversions. With step-by-step guidance, hands-on activities and plenty of room to explore at your own pace, this class will help you move smarter, feel stronger and build confidence—both on and off the mat. Come as you are, and let's flow together!

Yoga IQ: Strength, Science & Flow Week 2
INSTRUCTOR: Tania Pal
June 23-27, 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Yoga IQ: Strength, Science & Flow Week 3
INSTRUCTOR: Tania Pal
June 30-July 3, 8:30-10:30 a.m.

2025 Summer Program Offerings

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