Summer Program

At a Glance

Participants:
Boys in Grades 7 through 12

Program Dates:
Five-week Session, June 27 to July 30, 2010

Course Offerings:
English, history, math, science, Spanish, computers, ESL, SAT Prep

Headmaster:
Mr. James F. Hanrahan, Jr.

Program Director:
Mr. Tim Viands

For More Information Contact:
Mr. Tim Riordan '79
or Mr. Gabe Rotman
Office of Admissions
St. Thomas More School
45 Cottage Road
Oakdale, CT 06370

Phone: 860-823-3861
Fax: 860-823-3863

Praise for the Summer Academic Camp from a Parent

"...I can't get over the wonderful job you have done with our son...From his US History course he learned how to take notes, from his Pre-Algebra class he gained quite a bit of confidence, and from his Reading class, he learned to love reading. He has read three books on his own since camp - something that was unheard of a few months ago. He designed a study schedule very much like the schedule at camp and has been following it...So far he has an "A" average in his courses."

The Summer Academic Camp at St. Thomas More School combines academics with summer recreational activities. Our five week summer program is offered to both boarding and day students ranging from 7th through 12th grade. The curriculum mirrors the regular school year in its commitment to helping young men achieve their potential through a structured, nurturing program. Students have the opportunity to earn credits and improve their academic skills. International students enrich their English in our comprehensive ESL curriculum and by being involved in the afternoon activities with native English speakers. Small classes with an average of five students ensure each student receives the attention and direction he needs to maximize his experience.

Academics
All students enroll in three courses for the five week session. Summer School Course Descriptions include:

TOEFL iBT Preparation Course
This course is specifically designed for the TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) that is now available in most regions of the world with test centers in the major cities of countries like Brazil, France, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Taiwan.

International students will have the opportunity to prepare specifically for the TOEFL iBT with an ESL instructor from 8:25 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. five days a week. In the afternoons they will improve their English skills by participating in activities with native English speakers and in the evenings they attend a two hour study hall to reinforce the day's lesson.

The students will study for the four sections of the TOEFL iBT:

Reading: the measure of English reading comprehension for college and university level study.
Listening: the measure of understanding English used in college and university level courses.
Speaking: the measure of proficiency in spoken English.
Writing: the measure of ability for written communication at the college and university level.

This course is separate from our traditional summer ESL program which is designed for international students who are just beginning to study English or are at the intermediate level of proficiency.

Daily Schedule
Monday through Saturday the day begins with breakfast and three class periods from 8:25 a.m. to 12:05 p.m., followed by lunch. In the afternoon the school transforms into a traditional summer camp. Immediately following lunch there is an organized intramural league with activities like beach volleyball, soccer, ultimate frisbee and kickball led by staff and counselors. Later in the afternoon, campers choose their recreation. Options include tennis, swimming, fishing, basketball, inner tubing and sailing, canoeing, kayaking or relaxing by our beach. On rainy days the indoor pool is available. Day students can be picked up daily from 4:45 - 5:15 p.m. After dinner, the students have free time. Sunday through Friday, each day closes with a two and a half hour teacher supervised study hall that begins at 7:15 p.m. Lights out is at 10:30 p.m.

Field Trips and Off-Campus Activities
Ten field trips are taken during the five weeks. Every Wednesday after lunch campers go by bus to one of the nearby attractions. In the past, these field trips have included Ocean Beach, go-carting, bowling, laser tag, ice skating, local museums, and the Mystic Aquarium. On Sundays there are full-day trips to a range of events and activities including Six Flags New England, Water Country USA, Boston, Lake Compounce Amusement Park, whale watching, New England Revolution soccer games and Ocean Beach Park. Saturday evenings always include a trip to the movies.

Facilities
The summer program has the use of all facilities of St. Thomas More School. Classes are held in the three classroom buildings that include science laboratories, a language laboratory, a computer room and library. Three modern dormitories provide housing and all students share double rooms. Teachers live in the dorms to provide supervision.

The school's 100 acre campus enjoys 4,000 feet of waterfront on Gardner Lake. The boathouse holds kayaks, canoes, sailboats and rowboats for recreational use. Many campers enjoy the high-quality fishing in the lake that is stocked annually. Recreational facilities include a gymnasium with a basketball court and a twenty-station weight room equipped with Nautilus machines and free weights. The gym also provides a student lounge with ping-pong and pool tables and two TVs with video games. Other outdoor facilities include a track, two soccer fields, two baseball diamonds, a lacrosse field, four outdoor tennis courts and six outdoor basketball courts.

Staff
Typically 50% of the staff is drawn from the St. Thomas More School faculty. Every teacher holds a bachelor's degree and many hold advanced degrees. The 7:1 student to faculty ratio ensures each student receives the attention necessary to achieve his potential. In addition, the summer camp employs four camp counselors and a camp nurse.

Medical Care
A nurse is available during regular office hours from Monday to Saturday. The nurse is supported by a second nurse who is on call when the office is closed, and the school physician is available as needed. Close proximity to Backus Hospital in Norwich ensures all medical needs are met.

Spiritual Life
St. Thomas More School is Catholic in philosophy. All Christian students attend Mass once a week. Like St. Thomas More School, the Summer Academic Camp welcomes and enrolls students of all faiths and creeds.

Enrollment
There are 90 openings available in the Academic Summer Camp. Young men in 7th through 12th grade are invited to attend the five week session. Our students come from across the U.S. and a full ESL program is available for international students.

Costs
Tuition, room and board for the five-week 2010 session for domestic students is $5,495.00 and $5,995.00 for international students. Tuition for those students participating in our day program is $3,000. Day and boarding fees cover, books, laundry, trips and activities. Extra expenses not covered are travel to and from the camp or the recommended weekly allowance of $10 to $15 a week.

Transportation

By car: See our directions.

Air and Rail: Transportation to and from airports and rail stations can be arranged through the business office including escorts for campers who are traveling as unaccompanied minors.

Amtrak has regularly scheduled service to New London, CT. The station is approximately 15 miles from campus.

For domestic flights, most fly into Bradley International Airport (Hartford, CT) or T. F. Green Airport (Providence, RI). International students typically use JFK International (NY).

Application
Applications are accepted until the session is full. To ensure the availability of courses, early applications are advised. Interviews and campus tours can be arranged throughout the year. The application fee is $50. An admission decision will be made within one week of the school receiving all of the completed forms and application