Coldwater Prep

This workshop is only open to Harvard-Westlake students. In this 3 day intensive workshop, our panel of college admissions, counseling, and writing professionals will introduce you to the process of preparing a college essay. In addition to giving you valuable information about the current realities of the admissions process, our panel will focus on voice, the elements of your experiences and interests that form compelling college essays. You will have multiple half hour-long, one-on-one sessions with a member of our panel as you grow your essays from the brainstorming and strategizing stage to a polished final draft. Beginning in the fall, HW Upper School Deans will work with their twelfth-grade counselees, both individually and in small groups, as they craft college essays. This workshop provides a unique opportunity for you to focus solely and intensely on the essay before classes begin in September. Due to the personal attention each student deserves and requires from this workshop, enrollment is limited. Please only register for one session. Please note, Monday classes will end at 12:00 PM. PREREQUISITES: HW Students Only

This workshop is only open to Harvard-Westlake students. In this 3 day intensive workshop, our panel of college admissions, counseling, and writing professionals will introduce you to the process of preparing a college essay. In addition to giving you valuable information about the current realities of the admissions process, our panel will focus on voice, the elements of your experiences and interests that form compelling college essays. You will have multiple half hour-long, one-on-one sessions with a member of our panel as you grow your essays from the brainstorming and strategizing stage to a polished final draft. Beginning in the fall, HW Upper School Deans will work with their twelfth-grade counselees, both individually and in small groups, as they craft college essays. This workshop provides a unique opportunity for you to focus solely and intensely on the essay before classes begin in September. Due to the personal attention each student deserves and requires from this workshop, enrollment is limited. Please only register for one session. Please note, Monday classes will begin at 1:00 PM. PREREQUISITES: HW Students Only

This workshop is only open to Harvard-Westlake students. In this 3 day intensive workshop, our panel of college admissions, counseling, and writing professionals will introduce you to the process of preparing a college essay. In addition to giving you valuable information about the current realities of the admissions process, our panel will focus on voice, the elements of your experiences and interests that form compelling college essays. You will have multiple half hour-long, one-on-one sessions with a member of our panel as you grow your essays from the brainstorming and strategizing stage to a polished final draft. Beginning in the fall, HW Upper School Deans will work with their twelfth-grade counselees, both individually and in small groups, as they craft college essays. This workshop provides a unique opportunity for you to focus solely and intensely on the essay before classes begin in September. Due to the personal attention each student deserves and requires from this workshop, enrollment is limited. Please only register for one session. Please note:  Monday classes will end at 12:00 PM.  PREREQUISITES:  HW Students Only

This workshop is only open to Harvard-Westlake students. In this 3 day intensive workshop, our panel of college admissions, counseling, and writing professionals will introduce you to the process of preparing a college essay. In addition to giving you valuable information about the current realities of the admissions process, our panel will focus on voice, the elements of your experiences and interests that form compelling college essays. You will have multiple half hour-long, one-on-one sessions with a member of our panel as you grow your essays from the brainstorming and strategizing stage to a polished final draft. Beginning in the fall, HW Upper School Deans will work with their twelfth-grade counselees, both individually and in small groups, as they craft college essays. This workshop provides a unique opportunity for you to focus solely and intensely on the essay before classes begin in September. Due to the personal attention each student deserves and requires from this workshop, enrollment is limited. Please only register for one session. Please note Monday classes will begin at 1:00 PM. PREREQUISITES:  HW Students Only

This course will focus on the ever-growing field of computer game development. You will learn how to create a game project from start to finish. You will be introduced to the basic sequence of game design:  develop an idea, create storyboards and sketches of the game, develop the details of the story and characters, and share these concepts through a design document. You will then learn how to use a game design engine authoring tool used by creative professionals for building and self-publishing games. You will explore various topics in physics and math to make their world's work. You will also explore devices and operating systems for games, such as iPhone, Android, Mac Windows and the web. No programming experience is necessary.

Jump into the world of software design! In this beginning course, we will cover the software creation process. You will learn the object-oriented design principles as you plan their projects. You will learn the fundamentals of programming to develop your projects. Java will be the primary language to teach you to understand data types, methods, and how to control the flow of software. You will work individually and in small groups to explore new concepts. Programming assignments will be given to explore their teamwork and creativity. No previous programming experience is required.

Learn how to enhance your web presence! This course introduces you to the technical details of the Internet and web development. You will first learn about the structure of the Internet. Next, you will look at a variety of types of websites to help develop your understanding of design principles (layout, typography, color graphics) and how these choices affect the user's experience. You will learn HTML5, CSS3, and Javascript skills along with the vast capabilities of these modern forms of classic web languages. You will work with a team to create their final site and include interactive features using Javascript or jQuery. No programming experience is required.

In this class, you'll learn to express yourself with greater confidence and clarity in a fun, summer environment. The course is designed to help develop critical-thinking skills, such as creating logical arguments, presentation skills (enunciating and maintaining eye contact), and listening skills (providing constructive feedback to your peers). You will have the opportunity to present both impromptu and prepared speeches on topics of your own choosing. Speeches include biographical introductions, informative how-to explanations, and persuasive arguments. You'll also become familiar with the basics of good public speaking by viewing and critiquing famous speeches, old and current. Whether you're new to public speaking or you took it in middle school, you'll have an enriching experience in this course with fresh vocal exercises and unique speech topics.

For 7th- and 8th-grade students, this class is designed to enhance fundamental reading and writing skills through the close reading of short stories and poetry. You will complete text-based grammar exercises. The writing workshop will focus on the body paragraph as the basic unit of the analytical essay. While grammar, reading, and composition remain at the heart of the course, you will also learn to develop original arguments based on their interpretive discoveries.

For 9th- and 10th-grade students, this course reviews the fundamentals of reading, composition, and grammar basics. Whereas English Essentials I focuses on fundamental writing concepts, this workshop places greater emphasis on the multi-paragraph analytical essay. All writing assignments, however, will encourage you to develop their critical reading skills, while close-reading short stories and poetry. What's more, you will be encouraged to formulate original arguments based on their interpretive discoveries.

What do Captain America and Supergirl have in common? We'll take a look at how the greatest super heroes have changed in the graphic novel, animation, and film! We will delve into the realm of the street level vigilante, super powered teams, and villains of all shapes and sizes. Soon enough, you'll feel the power of Wolverine's claws, Green Lantern's power ring, and Wonder Woman's magic lasso. By the end of the course, the historical study of the golden, silver, bronze, and modern age of comic books will launch us into the creation of our own comic books. Be prepared to SMASH! CLOBBER! and BAM!

Ready to write? This fast-paced, intensive course, emphasizing process, encourages you in a supportive workshop setting to find, and develop, your own unique voice. We'll write fiction, poetry, journal entries, letters, character sketches, and, sometimes, a mix of all of the above. While there will be some reading of writers' uses of different styles and techniques, the focus of the course will be highly creative and...fun!

Come explore music, TV, and books of our current moment. We will listen to, watch, read, and further explore our current cultural moment. Nothing we look at will be older than 2018! Here you will explore modern American identity through various cultural mediums. You’ll be surprised by what you learn not only about America – but about yourself, too!

What do the COO of the Los Angeles Rams, founder/CEO of Zillow Inc, founder of ZipRecruiter, and CEO of the Huffington Post all have in common? What about Kara Nortman, a partner at Upfront Ventures (GOAT, Tinder, Ring), or Alex Popof, whose Visual Labs body cameras are being used in the Super Bowl? All are Harvard-Westlake alumni who embody an entrepreneurial spirit. HWInc is a fast-paced week of entrepreneurship, team-building, and innovation. At HW Inc, you will learn business (as we call it, “MBA in a day”), meet like-minded HW students, and learn about the endless possibilities with entrepreneurship. The week will be centered around working with a team to develop your own original social or business venture, and pitching it to an alumni panel of venture capitalists and experienced entrepreneurs at the end of the week. Think “Shark Tank” but with more coffee. Past coaches/judges have included a co-founder of Stamps.com, two members of the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and venture capitalists from Lowercase Capital, noname Ventures, and Emergence Capital, among others. Meals will be provided, and in the past have included Sweetfin Poke, Coolhaus (Coolhaus’ founders, one of whom is an HW alumna, also have coached in the program), Wood Ranch Grill, Tender Greens, Milo and Olive, Chipotle, and Comoncy.  Dietary restrictions will be accommodated. This class is open to and welcomes all rising 7th-12th grade students (and some of our most successful students have been seventh graders). PREREQUISITES: HW Students only. Application required. Students must be accepted into the program before registering.

During this week long program, you will develop a deeper understanding of your position as a student leader and how to affect change in a diverse community of needs. With an emphasis on experiential learning, you will spend your time facing fun, hands-on learning challenges and activities. Prefect Council alumni will visit the class throughout the week to share their past experiences and give practical advice to the current Council members. It is important that a foundation of common principles and language develops amongst the council in preparation for the demands of the upcoming school year. This program is open to elected Prefect Council members for the 2018-19 school year. PREREQUISITES: HW Students Only

The Coro - Harvard Westlake Civic Leadership Summer Program is a 3-week, experiential leadership program that uses Los Angeles as the classroom. You will re-examine your ways of looking at the world and explore the city's complex issues from multiple points of view. Through this immersive experience, you will spend days out in the field, conducting interviews with leaders across sectors, coupled with in-class leadership development training. You will walk away with a deep understanding of the civic landscape in Los Angeles and your own impact as emerging leaders in the region. Founded in 1942, Coro is a national organization that specializes in training future leaders. Numerous national figures, including Senator Diane Feinstein, Senator Tim Kaine, and many others, were Coro Fellows, a year-long leadership program for college graduates. Coro strengthens communities, organizations, institutions, and, ultimately, the democratic process by preparing individuals for effective and ethical leadership.  For nearly 60 years, Coro has used the region as its classroom – teaching students and executives, community leaders and entrepreneurs, public officials and aspiring public servants how Southern California works so they can make it better. Today, Coro is the region’s premier civic leadership training program and a community of alumni who are shaping the future of our communities. PREREQUISITES: HW Students only. Application required and may be found here. Priority deadline for is March 19. Students must be accepted into the program before registering.

This 6-week summer course covers a full year of high school geometry. We will concentrate on the study of Euclidean Geometry, while maintaining and enhancing algebraic skills. You will learn the ideas, concepts, and theorems of this branch of mathematics, as they were developed by the early mathematicians. You will also extend your reasoning skills by forming geometric arguments and you will learn how to apply these principles to solve problems in various situations. The first 3 weeks of the course will concentrate on basic concepts, congruent triangles, parallel lines, and polygons. We will also be concentrating on the techniques of writing proofs during this session. The second 3 weeks of the course will concentrate on similar polygons, the Pythagorean theorem, circles, area, surface area, volume, and coordinate geometry. This course is open to Harvard-Westlake students who did not take Geometry in the 9th grade. This will allow them to continue their math studies at the Algebra II level in 10th grade. This course is also open to any non-Harvard-Westlake student who has completed 8th grade. A grade will be given at the end of the 6-week course.

This course bridges incoming Harvard-Westlake ninth graders into the mathematics curriculum. It features critical topics in algebra, such as radical equations, systems of equations, and parabolas. By emphasizing sophisticated, challenging, and multi-step problems, this course will deepen and broaden your abilities as you transition into your new school. This course is only offered to incoming Harvard-Westlake ninth grade students. PREREQUISITES: HW Students Only

This three-week course is designed for students getting ready to enter a pre-algebra course. We will work on basic arithmetic skills often forgotten, but so essential to future math classes. Learn how to work with fractions, decimals, and percents more quickly without tricks or gimmicks by simply increasing your understanding of how numbers work. The work will be done primarily without a calculator. All skills will be taught in the context of topics covered in pre-algebra courses:  area and volume, probability, word problems, ratios, and simple equations.

Anyone in Precalculus is expected to develop a mastery of elementary functions that intertwine concepts from both Algebra and Geometry. The pace of the course requires you to grasp new theories and results on a daily basis. The objective of the three-week summer course is to prepare you to be successful in such a challenging and rigorous environment. The course will focus on reinforcing and establishing fundamental concepts from both algebra and geometry, such as properties of fractions, exponents, graphs and transformation of functions, triangles and trigonometric functions.

This intensive three-week course will review the Algebra I skills essential to one's success in subsequent mathematics courses. Topics will include:  the Real Number System and its properties, Solving Linear Equations, Solving Multi-Step and Compound Linear Inequalities, Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring, Solving Systems of Equations, Laws of Exponents, Monomial and Polynomial Expressions, Rational Expressions, Intro to Functions, Graphing, Problem Solving Approaches, and Numeracy.

This course is designed to help you improve your math skills in preparation for Calculus. You will have a quick review of the important types of problems that Calculus students must be able to solve. The problem solutions require algebraic, trigonometric, and geometric techniques, all of which will be reviewed. You will become experienced in approaching complex, multi-step problems that are part of the Calculus curriculum. These problems will require you to use math studied in the past, as well as to practice explaining problems with a sketch, or verbal description. You will also be provided with ample practice with the graphing calculator.

This three-week course is designed for anyone getting ready to enter an algebra course. We will work on big ideas of algebraic thinking that students can develop before they enter algebra. The ideas are:  Representation, Proportional Reasoning, Balance, Variable, Function, and Inductive/Deductive Reasoning. The concepts will be introduced through classroom activities and partner projects, such as poster creation and presentation. You will also review and strengthen prealgebra skills as you study these big ideas.

This intensive three-week course will review the Algebra I skills essential to one's success in subsequent mathematics courses. Topics will include:  the Real Number System and its properties, Solving Linear Equations, Solving Multi-Step and Compound Linear Inequalities, Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring, Solving Systems of Equations, Laws of Exponents, Monomial and Polynomial Expressions, Rational Expressions, Intro to Functions, Graphing, Problem Solving Approaches, and Numeracy.

Calling all future millionaires! Spend some time this summer learning about the world of finance, while practicing math and study skills. This course will introduce you to basic principles of economics and investing. You will read the Wall Street Journal to understand how these principles are at work in today's international arena. You will also be introduced to principles of saving and investing. You will create a plan for achieving financial goals and discover the power of compounded interest. You will be introduced to the world of investments by analyzing a company, such as McDonald's, and tracking its stock. You will create a financial plan for a family. Through these projects and simulations, you will strengthen your study skills (planning, outlining, and note-taking), technology skills (Microsoft Word, EXCEL, PowerPoint, and Google) and math skills (fractions, decimals, percents, graphs, and equations). This course will help you become grounded in issues about money and its importance in our society.

Looking for valuable and inspiring dance training for the summer? Here is an experience that you will not want to miss. Cynthia Winter, Harvard-Westlake's Upper School Dance Director, has created this week long summer dance intensive, which is designed for intermediate to advanced level dance students. You will study with an eclectic group of talented dance artists, each sharing their expertise in a concentrated day of study. You will be exposed to a variety of dance genres and will be challenged to grow as technicians, choreographers, and performers. Class size is limited to ensure individual attention. Audition or consent of the instructor is required. Harvard-Westlake Alumni are welcome. Alumni who would like to register for this course should contact the Summer Program office directly at (818) 487-6527. There will be a half hour break. You should bring lunch and water with you each day.

The Harvard-Westlake Summer Jazz Workshop is designed to decode jazz improvisation. Like any new language, jazz requires a complex vocabulary and learning this vocabulary takes time, patience, and lots of practice. Do you love to play your instrument but aren’t totally sure what to do when asked to “solo”? Harvard-Westlake’s Director of Instrumental Music, Shawn Costantino’s well-structured and FUN camp will equip you with a skillset to succeed in playing improvised music. Through small group master classes, semi-private lessons, small ensemble playing, and detailed ear training and music theory instruction, you will gain a deeper and more meaningful relationship with melodies, chords, scales, and rhythm, the essential building blocks of becoming an excellent jazz musician. Mr. Costantino will be joined by prominent Los Angeles touring and recording musicians, Mike Rocha, and Matthew Yeakley. While open to students in grades 10, 11, and 12, 8th and 9th grade students may audition for placement consideration.

Harvard-Westlake Wolverine Sports Camps now offers After-Camp Yoga! Yoga is accessible to everyone – from beginner to advanced levels. You will learn basic to intermediate yoga postures (asanas) that will help improve strength, balance, and flexibility. In addition to learning the physical aspect of yoga, you will be taught many styles of mediation and learn relaxation techniques to help manage stress.

SAT Math Workshop thoroughly reviews the entire range of mathematical topics, format, and concepts covered on the Math SAT, which requires completion of Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. There is sufficient practice time during this workshop for you to become comfortable and confident with the necessary algebra, geometry, and arithmetic. All typical problem concepts found on the SAT are covered in depth and put into proper perspective, so that they may be used as effective problem-solving tools, rather than remain as stumbling blocks. Useful problem-solving techniques for approaching a typical SAT are stressed. (Note: this class only reviews for the SAT Math Test, not the SAT Subject Test in math.)

SAT Math Workshop thoroughly reviews the entire range of mathematical topics, format, and concepts covered on the Math SAT, which requires completion of Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. There is sufficient practice time during this workshop for you to become comfortable and confident with the necessary algebra, geometry, and arithmetic. All typical problem concepts found on the SAT are covered in depth and put into proper perspective, so that they may be used as effective problem-solving tools rather than remain as stumbling blocks. Useful problem-solving techniques for approaching a typical SAT are stressed. (Note:  this class only reviews for the SAT Math Test, not the SAT Subject Test in math.)

This course is designed to prepare you for the verbal sections of the SAT, as well as for upper-level high school coursework across the disciplines, especially Honors and Advanced Placement English (both Language and Literature). While test-taking strategies will be discussed, the primary focus of the sessions will be the enhancement of the analytical reading and writing skills demanded by both the exam and rigorous high school classes. Working with actual practice tests, as well as independently-designed lessons, your instructor will review key principles of grammar, argument, rhetoric, and style, and teach you how to write a rhetorical analysis essay (a cross-curricular genre of writing that employs close reading skills to examine how writers use language to convey their points of view).

This course is designed to prepare you for the verbal sections of the SAT, as well as for upper-level high school coursework across the disciplines, especially Honors and Advanced Placement English (both Language and Literature). While test-taking strategies will be discussed, the primary focus of the sessions will be the enhancement of the analytical reading and writing skills demanded by both the exam and rigorous high school classes. Working with actual practice tests, as well as independently designed lessons, your instructor will review key principles of grammar, argument, rhetoric, and style and teach you how to write a rhetorical analysis essay (a cross-curricular genre of writing that employs close reading skills to examine how writers use language to convey their points of view). 

This course will enable you to become more experienced with the skills necessary to become a successful researcher and academic writer. You will look at various types of sources to identify which ones to use and how to use them effectively. We will look at how to approach a research topic and begin work. We will also explore how to gather the information necessary to write a solid research paper and how to construct a convincing argument. You will practice the various steps of academic writing, building up to a complete product. You will produce short writing projects based on materials presented in class. While historical research will be the basis of this course, the skills learned will be applicable for any academic subject.

This study skills course is designed to help you develop more effective systems of organization, to improve reading comprehension, and to listen critically. You will study different forms of note-taking and analysis as well as practice how to study for assessments to better learn and retain material. You will also reflect on taking control of your workload and managing it realistically and productively.

This study skills course is designed to help you develop more effective systems of organization, to improve reading comprehension, and to listen critically. You will study different forms of note-taking and analysis, as well as practice how to study for assessments to better learn and retain material. You will also reflect on taking control of your workload and managing it realistically and productively.

This course explores the connection between the art of writing and writing as art. Students will examine their personal experiences and identities through reading, creative writing, and drawing. Text and words will become an art medium unto themselves. Students will experiment with techniques of transferring and layering to create works of art that blur the distinction between the drawn and written mark. Course participants use a variety of drawing techniques including the use of: pencil, ink, printmaking, collage, paint, and transferring methods.

This three week workshop is open to students and alumni that have taken any Ceramics or Glass course at the Upper School. You may choose a glass and/or ceramics concentration, however, your concentration must match with the beginning class(es) you have previously completed. For three hours each day, there will be an open studio policy where you can make anything that you wish within the given time frame and potential of the Harvard-Westlake glass or ceramics studio facilities. You may arrive with creative ideas, or just the interest in throwing/blowing some forms and figuring out what you want to make as you go. Ceramics will focus on the use of high-fire (Cone 10) clays, glazes, and firing processes. Weeks one and two will be dedicated to wet work including throwing, hand-building, and trimming. Week three will focus on glazing, loading the kiln, and firing the ware. Glass will have open use of the glass blowing furnace, studio, and cold-shop. Materials and tools will be provided.

Simona Ghirlanda, Harvard-Westlake's Advanced French teacher, conducts this two-week workshop that addresses the needs of anyone who has completed the third or fourth year of French and plans on enrolling in AP French Language and Culture or French Literature Honors. This intensive workshop makes you aware of the most challenging grammatical/syntactical requirements to enhance your writing. It is also an excellent tool for prospective French Literature students, as you will be asked to handle literary critique and text analysis with appropriate register and use of the language.

This Advanced Spanish Skills course is for anyone who has taken Spanish II or III and who wants to reinforce Spanish skills. The goal is to fortify the communicative skills:  speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Instruction will address your individual needs and weaknesses in order to prepare you for more advanced work in Spanish. This workshop is recommended for anyone who wants to enroll in Spanish 2 Honors, Spanish 3 Honors or who wants to enroll in AP Spanish Language after completing Spanish 3.

This 6-week summer course covers a full year of Spanish I. You will begin to study Spanish formally, and the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are all presented within the context of communicative situations. You will learn the grammar and vocabulary necessary to describe yourself and others, school life, sports and leisure activities, food, family relationships, clothing, health, and a variety of other situations. You will also become familiar with the diversity of peoples and cultures that form the Spanish-speaking world. The course is open to any non-Harvard-Westlake student, as well as to any Harvard-Westlake student that has not taken Spanish before or who has taken Spanish 1A and wishes to review and advance further. For Harvard-Westlake students, this course is a fully accredited course and a placement requirement that will allow the student to take Spanish II, thereafter. Please note:  If a non-Harvard-Westlake student requires credit for this course, approval from the student's home school to enroll is required. A grade will be issued at the end of the summer term, but it is at the discretion and policy of the receiving school to accept or deny this credit. You are advised to check with your school's guidance office to determine if credit is allowed. You are encouraged to contact the Harvard-Westlake Summer Programs Office for a complete course description prior to enrolling.

This 6-week summer course covers a full year of Spanish II. In this course, you will continue to improve the skills of reading, understanding, speaking, and writing Spanish. Moving at a faster pace, you practice all topics introduced in Spanish IA and IB and expand your vocabulary. The exploration of Hispanic cultures, oral presentations, and written compositions continues to be the central focus of the program. Great importance is placed on the application of contextualized grammar concepts. Practice of grammar and vocabulary, note-taking and test-taking skills are important aspects of the program. The course is open to any non-Harvard-Westlake student as well as to any Harvard-Westlake student that has completed Spanish I or Spanish 1B and wishes to advance further. For Harvard-Westlake students, this course is a fully accredited course and a placement requirement that will allow you to take Spanish III, thereafter. Please note:  If a non-Harvard-Westlake student requires credit for this course, approval from your home school to enroll is required. A grade will be issued at the end of the summer term, but it is at the discretion and policy of the receiving school to accept or deny this credit. You are advised to check with your school's guidance office to determine if credit is allowed. You are encouraged to contact the Harvard-Westlake Summer Programs Office for a complete course description prior to enrolling.

This Spanish beginners' course is for anyone who has had little or no previous experience with the language. It will foster the development of basic Spanish skills. A variety of communicative activities will help you build your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. You will learn the grammar and vocabulary necessary to describe yourself and others, what you like and dislike, your school life, leisure activities, food, and family relationships.