A+ Summer High School challenges rising 9th to 11th grade students with high-level academic activities that develop the skills needed for high school success and achievement. Over the course of one week, students will attend classes in advanced argumentative writing, critical reading, and critical thinking as they learn how to write a strong, well-supported high school–level argumentative paper. Through thematic exploration, guided discussion, and instructor-supported drafting, students build confidence and depth in high school–level academic writing. Students will learn how to read, think, and write in ways that will help them to excel in the classroom and beyond.
The program is designed to give students who are already doing well in school an experience that is both challenging and fun. Participants will gain new academic tools that will help them excel even further academically. Our unique classes give students the one-on-one attention that is often missing in school, allowing them to explore their potential as writers, thinkers, and doers.
When students leave the program, they will have:
- Read and analyzed thematic texts in a variety of genres in a college-like seminar
- Written and developed a well-argued essay addressing a thematic topic
- Attended courses in Advanced Writing, Critical Reading, and Media Studies
Click the tabs below to learn more about this program.
Skill Development
Advanced Writing
- At A+ Summer High School, we recognize the importance of guiding and supporting students through the writing process. Our highly qualified instructors provide personalized assistance throughout a comprehensive draft and revision process, helping students refine their writing skills. Our writing classes are designed to focus on advanced writing techniques required in high school and beyond, such as revising for content, crafting effective syntax and style, and skillfully supporting claims using facts and text evidence from credible sources. Through our program, students gain the tools and confidence necessary to excel in academic writing and beyond.
Critical Reading
- Critical reading skills are crucial for academic success in high school, college, and beyond. At A+ Summer High School, our Critical Reading classes take a unique approach to help students move beyond surface-level comprehension and literal interpretation of texts. Through a college-level Socratic seminar format, students will explore and analyze multiple texts related to a literary theme, engaging in thought-provoking discussions that challenge their thinking and inspire critical analysis. Our program encourages students to form their claims on the author's intent and use evidence from the text to support their claims. In each class, students will participate in multiple college-level "hands down" discussions, encouraging them to push each other's thinking and culminating in a full Socratic Seminar. Our program aims to develop students' critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing them for future academic and career success.
Media Studies
- At A+ Summer, our Media Studies classes enable students to apply the skills they acquired in their Critical Reading classes to analyze various forms of media, including art, advertisements, music, and more. Through our program, students will develop a critical lens to uncover points of view in media. Our instructors guide students in analyzing the underlying messages and cultural influences present in various forms of media, helping them to become informed and discerning consumers. This exploratory approach encourages students to experiment with analysis across disciplines and discover how academic thinking applies beyond traditional texts.
Deliverables
At the end of A+ Summer, your student will leave challenged and inspired by a week of critical thinking with like-minded peers. Students will have challenged themselves to analyze themes in media, critically read a variety of thematic texts in a college-like seminar, and have written a well-argued and supported advanced high school essay.From online camps to day and residential programs there is an A+ Summer High School program to meet every need!
| Program | Grades | Location | Start Date | End Date | Price Options | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ Summer High School | 9 - 11 | UC Berkeley | Jun 14, 2026 | Jun 20, 2026 | Enroll | |
| A+ Summer High School | 9 - 11 | UCLA | Jun 28, 2026 | Jul 4, 2026 | Enroll | |
| A+ Summer High School | 9 - 11 | Stanford University | Jul 5, 2026 | Jul 11, 2026 | Enroll | |
| A+ Summer High School | 9 - 11 | Stanford University | Jul 12, 2026 | Jul 18, 2026 | Join Waitlist | |
| A+ Summer High School | 9 - 12 | UCLA | Jul 12, 2026 | Jul 18, 2026 | Join Waitlist | |
| A+ Summer High School | 9 - 11 | Georgetown University | Jul 19, 2026 | Jul 25, 2026 | Enroll | |
| A+ Summer High School | 9 - 11 | Online | Jul 27, 2026 | Jul 31, 2026 | Enroll | |
| A+ Summer High School | 9 - 11 | Stanford University | Aug 2, 2026 | Aug 8, 2026 | Enroll |
Price Options for A+ Summer High School
| Extended Day Camp | $2,785 |
| Overnight Camp | $3,285 |
Price Options for A+ Summer High School
| Extended Day Camp | $2,785 |
| Overnight Camp | $3,285 |
Price Options for A+ Summer High School
| Extended Day Camp | $2,785 |
| Overnight Camp | $3,285 |
Price Options for A+ Summer High School
| Overnight Camp | $3,285 |
Price Options for A+ Summer High School
| Extended Day Camp | $2,785 |
| Overnight Camp | $3,285 |
Price Options for A+ Summer High School
| Extended Day Camp | $2,785 |
| Overnight Camp | $3,285 |
Price Options for A+ Summer High School
| Day Camp | $1,095 |
Price Options for A+ Summer High School
| Extended Day Camp | $2,785 |
| Overnight Camp | $3,285 |
From online camps to residential programs there is an A+ Summer High School program to meet every need.
Use the links below to via your preferred schedule:| Click Here to View Sample ON-CAMPUS Schedule | Click Here to View Sample ONLINE Schedule |
Education Unlimited believes in small-group, immersive learning with subject matter experts and experienced teachers. We strive to provide industry-leading instruction to all of our students and hold all staff to the highest possible standards. Staff assignments vary by program and location. Some of our recent staff members for this program include:
Elizabeth Bull, MFA - Camp Director
Elizabeth Bull is a writer and filmmaker. Her writing has been published in various journals, including the Los Angeles Review of Books, H.O.W. Journal, Third Coast Magazine, and Gulf Coast; her work has been nominated for two Pushcart Prizes. Her involvement in television and film began at AMC Networks, where she worked in original series development during the creation of “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad.” In addition to writing and directing several short films, she co-wrote the feature film “Song of Sway Lake,” released in the fall of 2017. Elizabeth has also co-produced two feature films and a television series for Fuse.
Elizabeth received her Bachelor’s degree from the School of Theater, Film, and Television at the University of California Los Angeles. She also holds a Master's in Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing (Fiction) from The New School in New York City. In addition, she has studied directing at the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design, and Technology in Dublin, Ireland, on a Rotary International Fellowship. She has taught writing at the University of Zadar in Croatia on a Fulbright Fellowship. Elizabeth has been with Education Unlimited since 2010.
Piper Pugh - Instructor, MA
Piper Pugh is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Southern California, holds a Master of Science in Education in Reading, Writing, and Literacy from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, and is an incoming MFA candidate at New York University. In 2022, she presented at the preeminent Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC) on developing literacy practices and community in virtual learning environments.
With over 10 years of experience as an educator, Piper has worked across K–12 schools, universities, educational nonprofits, and in one-on-one tutoring settings. She specializes in English and writing instruction, supporting students from early literacy through graduate-level coursework.
At USC, Piper double majored in English and NGO Management, graduating summa cum laude.
Patrick McHugh, MFA - Instructor
Patrick McHugh is a native Arizonan with a background in English literature, creative writing, and critical theory. He is a graduate of Arizona State University's Barrett Honors College with a degree in English literature. Patrick received his Master's degree in English literature from the University at Buffalo. Experienced in a wide variety of classroom settings, Patrick initially taught at SIAS International University in Henan, China, before returning to Arizona. While in the States, he has worked with EU and taught creative writing at the Emerging Writers Institute for both middle school and high school students. Currently, Patrick is teaches in the English department at Grand Canyon University, with a focus on English Composition courses for freshman students. He is passionate about guiding each student using their own voices and talents, fostering unique reading and writing skills, as well as empowering critical thinking. On a personal level, Patrick is a devoted music lover and performs as a clarinet player, drummer, and electronic composer. He also indulges his interests in contemporary art and 21st-century literature.
Avery Meinen, MFA - Writing Instructor
Avery Meinen, MFA – Instructor
Avery Meinen is currently pursuing a PhD in English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University. They hold an MFA in Creative Writing from Arizona State University, where they taught undergraduate courses and led community workshops as a June Jordan Teaching Fellow in ASU’s Poetry for the People program, as well as a BA from the University of Pittsburgh.Their work has been supported by Tin House, The Poetry Foundation and Crescendo Literary, and the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict at Arizona State, among others. Avery has worked as an editor, teacher, tutor, and teaching artist, and has coached high school spoken word poets with the Philly Youth Slam League. Originally from Ohio and Pennsylvania, Avery brings a deep commitment to helping students develop their voice and confidence as writers.
Katie Livingston, PhD - Writing Instructor
Katie recently earned her PhD in English from Stanford University and graduated with High Honors from Wesleyan University, where she earned a BA in English and a certificate in Creative Writing.
She has been teaching both academic and creative writing for the past six years and is passionate about helping students find their individual voice. Katie brings a fun, light-hearted approach to the classroom, creating an environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and growing as writers.