Campus Life
2025 Summer At Nichols
Current Available Summer Programs
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Geology and Ecology of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
June 5, 2025 - June 18, 2025$3,800.00Open to Nichols rising 10th -12th Grade Students. Rising 9th grade with instructor approval.Join us for two weeks of hands on, experiential learning, as we travel to Yellowstone National and Grand Teton National Parks.In the heart of the United States sits America’s first National Park: Yellowstone.
Yellowstone National Park forms the core of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem which also encompasses Grand Teton National Park and surrounding National Forests in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. In this course you will study the concepts of Ecology and Geology through a focus on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. We will cover the fundamentals of Geology by examining topics on geologic history, extinctions events, mountain building, glaciations, past and future climate change, plate tectonics and volcanism. What are the causes of the volcanic and geothermal features which make Yellowstone unique. Ecological principles of natural cycles, ecosystem dynamics, population studies, trophic cascades, among others will be studied with the backdrop of the Yellowstone ecosystem. What have been the ecosystem consequences of reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone? How does management of the ecosystem work inside and outside the park, and how are these issues tackled with native and traditional communities adjacent the park? Students will also enjoy recreational activities like Kayaking, Horseback Riding, White Water Rafting and Fly Fishing.
Classroom instruction at Nichols from June 5, 2025 - June 9, 2025
Travel to Yellowstone and Grand Teton from June 10, 2025 - June 18, 2025Program costs include airfare, accommodations, ground transportation, meals, and planned experiences.
Total Trip Cost is $3,800.00
$1,000.00 trip commitment and non-refundable deposit due upon registering.Commitment and non-refundable deposit are due by March 15th.
Final payment will be added to the student's school account on May 1st. There are both minimum and maximum enrollment requirements in order for this program to run, so don’t delay.* Nichols reserves the right to cancel this program due to insufficient enrollment (Full refund will be issued).Students who finish this course will earn an additional 1⁄2 credit of Environmental Science for their transcript. Full Course Syllabus and Itinerary are available from the instructor. Please review the summer attendance and homework policies before registering to take this course.
Developed and directed by Nichols Environmental Science teacher, Joshua Ring*** Please note that this program is available to Nichols students only.Please consider attending one of our parent/student informational meetings to learn more about the course and trip.You only need to attend one meeting.Wednesday, February 26th, 6:00 - 6:45 p.m., Virtual Google Meets Meeting.
College Prep Programming
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College Application Workshop - Two Sessions
August 4, 2025 - August 7, 2025
9am-11:30am – session 112:30pm – 3pm – session 2$425 fee is paying by credit card$410 fee if paying by Nichols student accountOpen to Nichols rising SeniorsDoes the college application seem overwhelming? Would it be helpful to get a head start before your senior year? Is the idea of working side by side with the college office reassuring?If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above then this four day workshop might be for you! We strive to help students move through the applications with intentionality and with as little stress as possible. There is value to planning ahead and getting a jump on the next steps before you begin juggling your senior year filled with friends, academics, athletics, the arts, service opportunities and all the traditions of senior year.Students engaged in this small group workshop will: complete the common application; finish and have an approved a main essay; review the list of colleges they are applying to ensure balance; create a spreadsheet to track the supplements and requirements for each school they are applying to; and discuss a resume and the activities section of the common application. -
ACT Content and Strategy Bootcamp
August 18, 2025 - August 22, 202512pm – 3pm$494 fee if paying by credit card$475 fee if paying by Nichols student accountOpen to all students preparing for the ACTAlexis Prep’s ACT Content & Strategy Bootcamp is a 15-hour, structured ACT review intended to prepare students for all fall ACT dates (these dates have not yet been announced, but typically include early September, late October, and early December). Our 5-day bootcamp features section-by-section review of key concepts and strategies; proctored, in-class official exam sections to best approximate the test-day experience; in-class question review; and, on the final day of class, a 1.5-hour, truncated, official ACT.Each class will begin with a review of the most commonly tested concepts that appear throughout a given section of the exam and the recommended approach for that section. Students will then be able to implement the strategies we have introduced as they complete a full, official exam section in simulated testing conditions. We will then conclude each day’s class by breaking down key questions from those official ACT sections to highlight typical examples of what students can expect on test day. Throughout the class, we will emphasize good test-taking strategy, error minimization techniques, and pattern recognition skills. Students will not be expected to complete homework outside of class hours.Click Here To Register* ACT registration and testing fees are not included in this class registration. Students need to register for the exam separately.Instruction provided by Alexis Prep. You can visit their website to learn more about Alexis Peterson https://www.alexisprep.com/ -
SAT Content and Strategy Bootcamp
August 11, 2025 - August 15, 20259am – 12pm$494 fee if paying by Credit Card
$475 fee if paying by Nichols student accountOpen to all students preparing for the PSAT or SATAlexis Prep’s SAT Content & Strategy Bootcamp is a 15-hour, structured SAT review intended to prepare students for the August 23, 2025 SAT (and of course, this bootcamp also serves as a comprehensive introduction to the exam for students who plan to prepare for later test dates). Our 5-day bootcamp features section-by-section review of key concepts and strategies; proctored, in-class official exam sections to best approximate the test-day experience; in-class question review; and, on the final day of class, a 1.5-hour, truncated, official practice SAT.Each class will begin with a review of the most commonly tested concepts that appear throughout a given section of the exam and the recommended approach for that section. Students will then be able to implement the strategies we have introduced as they complete a full, official exam section in simulated testing conditions. We will then conclude each day’s class by breaking down key questions from those official SAT sections to highlight typical examples of what students can expect on test day. Throughout the class, we will emphasize good test-taking strategy, error minimization techniques, and pattern recognition skills. Students will not be expected to complete homework outside of class hours.Instruction provided by Alexis Prep. You can visit their website to learn more about Alexis Peterson https://www.alexisprep.com/* SAT registration and testing fees are not included in this class registration. Students need to register for the exam separately.
Coming Soon - Upper School Offerings
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Advanced Physics 2c: Wave Phenomenon
In this course we will build on the foundations we developed in 9th grade to learn about the structure and evolution of the universe. We will learn about the tools and techniques used to study stars and galaxies and explore how we interpret the data collected to learn about the past, present and future of the universe.
We will explore these concepts through short readings, lab work, discussions and classwork, all presented in a style consistent with the Advanced Physics course.
Nichols students who successfully complete this course will earn an additional 1⁄2 credit of Science for their transcript.
Developed and directed by Nichols Physics teacher, Larry Hiller.
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You Want Proof?
The "You Want Proof" summer course offers high school students an engaging introduction to data analysis. Participants will learn how to analyze data effectively and determine when a specific hypothesis test is appropriate. By leveraging computers and user-friendly statistical software, students will be able to tackle more complex problems than they might with manual calculations alone. Through hands-on activities, they will develop a solid understanding of how data informs decision-making in various fields, from business to science to social research.The course begins with a refresher on the fundamentals of descriptive statistics and probability theory, laying a strong foundation for more advanced topics. Students will explore normal, t-, and F-distributions, along with linear models, sampling distributions, inferential statistics, and ANOVA. Throughout the course, students will work collaboratively in small groups to apply these concepts to real-world datasets. As a capstone project, each group will present their findings on a unique problem of their own choosing. A solid understanding of algebra 2 is required for enrollment to ensure students are ready for the mathematical rigor of the course. -
Summer Studio Art
Open to Nichols students only
Kickstart your art journey with Summer Studio, a dedicated space for creativity, collaboration, and community. This two week summer session provides students with the opportunity to complete their summer work for the AP Art and Design course using a fully equipped art studio. It also gives artistically inclined students the opportunity to engage in longer studio sessions with direct and indirect instruction, focusing on intentional and playful creating and making. Connect with fellow artists, exchange ideas, and gain inspiration as you refine your artistic voice. This course is not for credit and is open to all students in grades 10-12 who want to explore art and be creative—whether you're in AP Art and Design or just looking for a space to make art this summer. If you are passionate about sketching, painting, photographing or experimenting with mixed media, Summer Studio is the perfect environment to fuel your artistic exploration! -
Robotics Camp - First Tech Challenge
This Camp is designed as an introduction to FTC Robotics. Participants will learn how to understand game objectives and come up with successful game-play strategies. They will learn how to use iterative design to come up with a robot that can execute the game-play strategy. All participants will learn how to use CAD software and will learn how to program robots in Java.
This camp is ideal for students new to FTC and students who want to develop CAD, Mechanical, Electrical, and Programming skills. Several of our older FTC students will be helping to run this camp and pass on what they have learned in this program.
Developed and directed by Nichols Robotics Director Larry Hiller.
Coming Soon - Middle School Offerings
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Ah, that's why!
The summer course Ah, that's why! is designed to introduce students to optimization problems through the linear programming process. Students will begin by solving problems by hand to build a strong conceptual foundation and will then use technology to tackle more complex systems. By incorporating computers and readily available software, students will be able to explore and solve challenging optimization problems efficiently, gaining hands-on experience with real-world applications.
Throughout the course, students will explore key topics such as coordinate geometry, feasible regions and constraints, vertices of the feasible region, linear programming theorems, matrices, and various applications in business, economics, and logistics. Collaboration will be an integral part of the course, with students working in small groups to solve problems and present a unique optimization project of their own choosing at the end of the session. A strong background in working with linear equations, graphing linear inequalities, and finding intersections is required for enrollment in this course. -
Middle School Golf Camp
Open to all students entering 5-9
If there is a sport that is the gift of a lifetime, it’s golf. Mastering its subtleties at a young age, guarantees a lifetime of enjoyment. Treat your daughter or son to five days of the practice range and on-course instruction at Harvest Hill, Bob-O-Link, Adventure Landing, Audubon and Delaware Park golf venues. At these unique facilities, our directors and counselors will provide your child with instruction in putting, chipping and pitching, sand play, and the long game.Our camp also emphasizes etiquette, rules, and mechanics. On Wednesday, we kick back and visit Adventure Landing mini-golf for some putting fun on three unique courses. We then head to the Audubon Par-Three course, where we loop the nine-hole layout for the rest of the afternoon! Friday concludes with golf, a pizza party, and a celebration of the week. We offer convenient drop-off and pick-up at Nichols. Participants should have a basic set of golf clubs and equipment. We look forward to golfing with you this June! -
Middle School Jumpstart
For Nichols students entering 5th and 6th grade.
Hit the ground running by enrolling in JumpStart! This 3-day program is designed for incoming 5th and 6th grade students and reviews important school skills. It is a great way to ease back into the school year and prepare for the first days of school, and it is ideal for students new to Nichols or those who simply want to prepare for the new school year and meet new friends.
Topics Include:
• Nichols Norms and Culture
• Organizational Strategies
• Study Habits and Study Skills
• Team Building Activities
• Reading, Writing, and Mathematics Activities -
Middle School Robotics Camp - First Lego League
Open to all students entering grades 5-8
Join us for this one-week camp where we will design, build and program a five-pound LEGO robot!
This camp is ideal for new students with no robotics experience as well as students who are already on a FIRST Lego League team. Camp activities include; designing new robot configurations, developing programming skills, analyzing video from previous successful teams and brainstorming innovation project ideas for next season.
Current team members will have an opportunity to continue developing and honing their skills and new students will have an opportunity to learn what FLL is all about in a fun and creative environment.
About Us
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