Academics

Summer Programs

Update about 2020 Summer Programming:

TJ hosts a variety of camps—both day and boarding—for students in 5th through 12th grade, giving students a chance to think, to learn, and to engage with a diverse range of topics and people.

2021 offerings include The Thomas Jefferson School of Magical Inquiry, SSAT and Games, and a virtual SAT and ACT Prep Course. We are also excited to announce our summer book club for rising 5th and 6th graders. Stay tuned for more information.

If you have questions, please email summerscholars@tjs.org. Registration for summer 2021 will be available in early February 2021.

Hogwarts School of Magical Inquiry

July 19 - August 1, 2020
Join Summer Scholars for Hogwarts-themed coursework, athletics, and outdoor activities! This camp welcomes muggles in rising 5th through 8th grades.

Thomas Jefferson School of Magical Inquiry

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SSAT Test Prep and Games

Join Summer Scholars for SSAT Test Prep with personalized strategy instruction and fun camp games! This camp is open to rising 5th - 8th grade grade students.

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  • Objective

    This one-week, full-day (9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) camp will provide an overview of the sections of the SSAT for rising 5th-8th grade students. Mornings will be spent on creative writing. Each afternoon will be devoted to a section of the test: analogies, synonyms, quantitative, and reading comprehension. Test prep will be alternated with fun indoor and outdoor games, such as live Clue, capture the flag, board games, and slip n’ slide. The camp will culminate in an optional practice test. A detailed report of practice test results will be sent out to both families including both estimated percentiles and recommendations for further study.

  • Tuition

    $300 Monday-Thursday
    $150 for the optional test and score report (Friday)
    Limited Scholarships available
    Before care and after care available

  • Testimonials

    “I don't know any other teachers who have taught me so much in so little time.”
    -2019 Camper
     
    “We have enjoyed (and been intrigued) hearing our daughter summarize her learnings. We also find it a smart way to introduce students to good study habits at TJ. Thank you for leading the course.”
    -Parent of 2019 camper
     
    “My daughter loved camp last week. She came home happy and energized every day. It's hard to put into words what made camp so good, it's the overall classroom dynamic, this delicate intellectual dance between two sides who feel equal and in control of the direction of learning. It takes a very big person to allow kids to feel that they are an intellectual equal and they, too, are important contributors to the discussion. All the same stuff that makes TJ the place it is, but for littler people. Thank you for your time, effort and energy to make camp so ridiculously fun that kids look forward to studying during the summer. Bravo!”
    -Parent of 2019 camper

    TJ’s Summer Scholars camps were PERFECT for our rising 7th grader. Not only did they magically make doing math over summer break FUN (how is that even possible?), but she also learned amazing tips about how memory works and some super savvy study skills that will benefit her for years to come. Above all, she forged some wonderful new friendships and came home with a big smile every day!
    -Parent of 2019 camper

  • SSAT and Games Application

Writing Research Test Prep

Join summer scholars for test prep. This camp is for rising 9th through 11th graders.

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  • Sample Schedule

    • 8:30am Breakfast and drop off
    • 9:00am Morning assembly
    • 9:30am ACT/SAT Math
    • 10:30am Cookie Break
    • 10:45am ACT/SAT Reading
    • 11:30am Free period
    • 12:00pm Lunch
    • 1:00pm Meeting with research advisor
    • 1:30pm Athletics
    • 3:00pm Afternoon Break
    • 4:00pm Seminar on citations
    • 5:00pm Day camper pick up
    • 6:00pm Dinner
    • 7:00pm Free time options - board games, movie, or basketball in the gym
    • 8:30 Campfire snack and scary stories 
    • 9:30 In-dorm time

  • Sample Menu

    Breakfast
    blueberry pancakes
    honey glazed ham
    hash browns
     
    Cookie Break
    Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies
     
    Lunch
    crab Rangoon
    veggie eggroll
    edamame
     
    Dinner
    spaghetti in olive oil
    marinara
    meatballs
    veggies
    garlic bread
     
    Campfire snacks
    S’mores

  • St. Louis Area Field Trips

    • City Gardens
    • St. Louis Arch Grounds 
    • Missouri History Museum
    • St. Louis Art Museum
    • Washington University in St. Louis
    • Saint Louis University

  • Athletics and Outdoor Programming

    • High Ropes Course
    • Capture the Flag
    • Hiking
    • Tennis
    • Basketball
    • Water Relay

  • Tuition and Fees

    Tuition
    Sleep-away: $2,700
    Day Student (9am to 5pm): $1,200
    Morning Test Prep: $700
    Afternoon research: $700
    Limited Scholarships Available
     
    Additional opportunities/enrichment:
    Cardinals Game
    City Museum
    American Ninja Warrior
    Tree Climb

    Day Student Weekend: $150

  • Admissions Requirements: Application Form and Recommendation Form

  • Testimonials

    “I don't know any other teachers who have taught me so much in so little time.”
    -2019 Camper
     
    “We have enjoyed (and been intrigued) hearing our daughter summarize her learnings. We also find it a smart way to introduce students to good study habits at TJ. Thank you for leading the course.”
    -Parent of 2019 camper
     
    “My daughter loved camp last week. She came home happy and energized every day. It's hard to put into words what made camp so good, it's the overall classroom dynamic, this delicate intellectual dance between two sides who feel equal and in control of the direction of learning.”
    -Parent of 2019 camper

  • Questions?

    Email summerscholars@tjs.org for more information.

Thomas Jefferson School

4100 S. Lindbergh Boulevard
Saint Louis, MO 63127
P. (314) 843-4151
F. (314) 843-3527