Academic Program for Grades 7 to 12
Interested in creating stories and making art? This is the class for you! We gain inspiration from graphic novels and poetry: you will learn how to interpret themes, symbolism, imagery, and perspective in storytelling, applying these ideas to your own writing and art. We will also explore a variety of materials and techniques: experimenting with different types of papers and textures, creating our own flag books, and designing book covers through linocut printmaking. Every written activity is paired with an art project where you can reflect on the relationship between the written word and the physical materials. This class is perfect for anyone interested in creative writing and art. No experience required!
Unleash your artistic vision with computer code! In this course, you'll learn p5.js, a beginner-friendly JavaScript library, to create digital drawings, animations, and interactive sketches. No coding experience necessary. You'll develop valuable programming fundamentals and experience creative freedom. It's the perfect blend of art and tech! Join us to explore the magic of creative coding!
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. This class is intended to help students who already possess a college prep level of English ability.
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.
Have you ever wanted to learn Japanese? Are you interested in Japanese culture? Maybe food, manga, or anime? Or maybe you just want to learn to speak a new foreign language? Then this class is right for you! We'll start from scratch with the basic Japanese writing systems and get to a point where you feel comfortable coming up with fully sound sentences, as well as have some conversations. We'll also use native material, like manga and anime, to practice your newly acquired language skills.
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 pre-algebra skills as you study these big ideas.
This intensive three-week course is intended for students who need to review basic skills from Algebra I 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 three-week course is primarily designed to help rising sophomores prepare for science courses at Harvard-Westlake's Upper School. The course consists of mini-lessons and activities that focus on several skills, such as proportionality/dimensional analysis, units, significant figures, measurement and precision, error analysis, graphing, modeling, claim-evidence reason, and scientific writing. While the focus is on the Harvard-Westlake Science curriculum, everyone is welcome to participate.
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.
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.
Do you love scary stories? Awaken the inner writer within you! In this course on crafting short horror stories, you'll not only unleash your creativity but also master the past tense in Spanish. Yes, we're talking about the preterite and imperfect, but practiced in a way that's fun, engaging, and totally unique. Every student has a story to tell, and you'll be surprised at how easy it is to use these tenses to bring a spine-chilling experience to life.
By enrolling in this course, you'll develop the skills to apply Spanish grammar rules with a creepy twist while making each story distinctly your own. The only requirement? You've completed Spanish 1 and can confidently conjugate verbs in the present tense. Keep in mind, the preterite and imperfect are core tenses for Spanish levels 2 and 3.
Dark forests, haunted mansions, restless spirits, and possessed toys are waiting for you. Are you ready to take the plunge?
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Spanish 1.
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 in many different styles including perhaps 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!
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 your critical reading skills, while close-reading short stories and poetry. What's more, you will be encouraged to formulate original arguments based on your interpretive discoveries. This class is intended to help students who already possess a college prep level of English ability.
Turn your game idea into reality! Ever dreamed of creating your own video game? This summer you can! In this course, you'll learn JavaScript and build your own playable games that you design. With libraries like Phaser, your imagination is the only limit. No coding experience necessary. Develop valuable programming skills, unleash your creativity, and start your journey to becoming a game dev extraordinaire! Join the adventure today!
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.
Are you interested in Japanese manga and anime? In this class, we'll cover everything you would want to know about it! We'll go from exploring the different genre to exploring various elements found in these two art mediums. We'll compare and contrast various anime with their manga counterpart. Throughout the exploration, we'll brainstorm ideas for your own story and series that you can develop further on your own. No prior experience necessary--just an interest. NOTE: This class is specifically designed for older kids and is different from the North Faring Exploration class. If you took the North Faring Exploration class in the past, you are still able to take this class.
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 may 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 already, you'll have an enriching experience in this course with fresh vocal exercises and unique speech topics.
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. While historical research will be the basis of this course, the skills learned will be applicable for any academic subject.
Discover Your Inner Hero! Ever wondered what you share with Captain America or Captain Marvel? As we traverse the path of the Hero's Journey, you'll come to find out! Join us on an exciting journey through the world of superheroes! We'll explore the origins of comic book heroes and villains, from their humble beginnings in graphic novels and manga to their rise in movies, TV shows, and beyond. You'll learn about iconic teams, powers, and epic battles as we dive into the history of comic books from the Golden Age to today's modern era. Along the way, you'll create your own comic, manga, or digital art, and see how the Hero's Journey connects heroes from around the world. Find out how these stories reflect our own lives and uncover the hero within you!
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 your 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 your teamwork and creativity. No previous programming experience is required.
Looking for something to do after your class ends? Do you need to stay later while your parents work? Afternoon Camp is for you. This very casual program provides a safe place to hang out until 5:30 PM. We will show movies, play games, and offer other activities to help you chill in the afternoon.
AFTERNOON CAMP IS ONLY OFFERED TO THOSE WHO ARE ENROLLED IN PROGRAMS ON THE UPPER SCHOOL CAMPUS.
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, polynomial expressions, 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
Dive into the dynamic world of local journalism with this immersive two-week summer course! Explore iconic Los Angeles media outlets like KTLA, NBC4, LAist, and more. Tour professional sports media relations facilities, engage with LAPD media affairs, and gain exclusive insights from industry professionals, including editors and journalists from La Opinión, the LA Times, and cutting-edge digital platforms like NowThis News. Through visits, guest lectures, and practical projects, you'll report on your experiences, build a professional portfolio, and prepare your resume for future internships. Whether you're dreaming of a career in media or just curious about how news shapes the city, this course offers an unforgettable behind-the-scenes look at the heart of LA storytelling. If you were enrolled in previous summers, you can take the class again.
Do you like boba? Have you ever tried dim sum? Or pancit and halo halo? Did you know that Los Angeles has a Filipino Town and Thai Hollywood? Have you ever wondered how this happened? Let's explore the Ethnic neighborhoods of Little Tokyo, Chinatown, Koreatown, Filipino Town, and Thai Hollywood through food!
In this class we will examine how the dreams of a few Asian immigrants turned into the ethnic enclaves that we know today. �Los Angeles, with its proximity to Asia and the Pacific, has for centuries attracted immigrants from Asia seeking economic opportunities, prosperity, and education. We will explore the rich history and Asian American culture in Los Angeles.
We will spend some time learning about the history of our city, watch videos, learn about the cultures that make up Asian American Los Angeles, and then hop in a van and explore the city and try new foods. Join us on the quest to find the best boba in LA! We'll have lunch out on the town so expect to bring about $20 per day to class and we'll eat and learn together!
Overseeing the community service program for the Upper School is a challenging endeavor which requires significant skills and training. During this week-long program, Community Council members will have the opportunity to build the skills necessary to lead the community in outreach and discover the benefits of serving others. You will visit non-profits and interact with leaders within these organizations to gain insight on how to facilitate change and encourage student involvement. Community Council alumni will visit the class throughout the week to share their past experiences and give practical advice. You will also participate in team bonding activities to prepare them for the school year.
PREREQUISITES: This course is only available to HW Students who were selected to the Community Council for the 2024-2025 school year. Eligible students will be given a link to register.
HW Inc, a student-run summer entrepreneurship boot camp, is a fast-paced week of collaboration, innovation, and, most importantly, fun! Inc isn't just for entrepreneurs skills like public speaking, creative problem-solving, and collaboration are invaluable in any field. Whether it's through mystery scavenger hunts and escape rooms for team building or skits instead of lectures to teach new topics, fun is the heart of HW Inc. Participants craft their own startups throughout the week in a team with their peers, culminating on Pitch Night where they present to a panel of alumni venture capitalists and seasoned entrepreneurs, receiving detailed advice for their next steps.
The application deadline has passed for summer 2025. This class is only open to accepted participants whose applications were submitted by the march 14 deadline. If you have any questions, please contact HW Inc (inc@hw.com).
This summer we are offering Sports Performance after camp clinics! These camps are geared toward long-term athletic development, incorporating strength and conditioning designed to keep athletes healthy. Fundamental movement and proper technique will be taught as well as more advanced sport-specific techniques. The course will concentrate on the building blocks of Sports Performance through body weight movement, mobility, flexibility, core strength, resistance, speed training, and running mechanics. Athletes interested in bettering their development or interested in becoming more fit are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity in our state-of-the-art weight room.
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. ELIGIBILITY: This course is open to Harvard-Westlake rising 9th grade students who earned an A in Advanced Algebra I or to Harvard-Westlake rising 10th grade students who have not yet taken Geometry. This course is also open to any non-Harvard-Westlake students who have completed Algebra 1 and meet the grade level requirement. A grade will be given at the end of the 6-week course. PREREQUISITES: Harvard-Westlake Students must receive permission of the Harvard-Westlake math department to enroll.
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. The course is also open to any Harvard-Westlake student who will be in ninth grade or higher next fall and who has not taken Spanish before or has taken Spanish 1A. 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. PREREQUISITES: Harvard-Westlake Students must receive permission of the Harvard-Westlake World Language department to enroll.
Designed to equip students with the tools to succeed in the classroom, college, and beyond, the GenHERation® Summer Intensive at Harvard-Westlake is a rigorous, dynamic, and immersive experience that inspires young women to achieve their personal and professional goals by encouraging them to think big and push the limits of what’s possible.
During the GenHERation® Summer Intensive at Harvard-Westlake, students will:
All participants who successfully complete the program will earn a GenHERation® Summer Intensive Leadership Certificate.
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. PREREQUISITES: HW Students who were elected to Prefect Council for the 2025-2026 school year. Eligible students will be given a link to register.