In conjunction with the Curry School of Education, the University of Virginia announces the 34th year of its residential summer program for gifted and/or high ability students. Students enrolled in grades 4-10 during the 2011/2012 school year may apply to attend a twelve day session. SEP offers three summer sessions to choose from:
- Session I: June 17th - June 28th, 2012
- Session II: July 1st - July 12th, 2012
- Session III: July 15th- July 26th 2012
To begin an application to the 2012 Summer program, please click the Summer Application Process link to the right.
Academics
Students in the program spend the morning and afternoon engaged in learning experiences designed to foster critical thinking, creative thinking, and inquiry processes. Instruction is differentiated to meet the individual readiness, learning profile, and interests of each student. A variety of course offerings across fields and disciplines offer students the opportunity to engage in authentic learning experiences that model the work of experts. The teaching staff of SEP utilizes best practices to maximize potential in each student and ignite a passion for lifelong learning.
Residential Life
The residential component is an integral part of the SEP experience. Residential counselors strive to provide a comfortable and safe environment for living and learning, while meeting individual social and emotional needs. Campers are given the opportunity to build relationships with their gifted peers from different backgrounds and, most importantly, to have fun. The University dormitories are home to the campers for 12 days. Students live in suites that house eight campers and one residential counselor. Each suite is composed of four bedrooms, which allows each student to have one roommate and six other girls or boys of the same age to live with. Counselors live in a separate room within each suite to provide 24 hour supervision.
When campers are not in the classroom, they have a full day of engaging activities planned and led by our residential staff. Activities vary across a spectrum of mental to physical, individual to cooperative, self-elected to designated, as well as small group to whole group. Our typical daily schedule is as follows:
7:30 – 8:30 Breakfast
9:00 – 11:30 Morning Classes
11:30 – 12:30 Lunch
12:40 – 2:05 Special Topics
2:10 – 2:45 Large Group Activity
3:00 – 4:30 Afternoon Seminars
5:00 – 6:20 Dinner
6:30 – 7:15 Evening Activities
7:30 – 8:15 Recreation
8:30 – 9:00 Suite Time
9:00 – 10:00 Quiet Time
Special Topics are two-day long seminars taught by our counselors. They are designed to be both fun and educational, covering topics outside of the normal academic offerings. Past topics include: the science of superheroes, film-making, architecture at UVA, DJ-ing, survival skills, etc.
Large Group Activity/Evening Activities are non-athletic recreational activities, created and led by counselors. They serve as interactive and fun opportunities for all campers to work together and get to know each other.
Besides the normal daily activities, we offer many other fun and exciting experiences such as: swimming, movies, shopping, field day, mental challenge, a BBQ, and much more, all while enjoying the beautiful and historic UVA grounds. Since campers spend most of their time at SEP outside of the classroom, our counselors aim to ensure campers remain engaged and active all day long. Our residential staff is composed of creative, intelligent, supportive counselors who have a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for working with gifted children.
Residential life at SEP is where many fond memories are made.
Cost
The cost for the twelve day program is $1200 which includes tuition, room, board, materials, recreational activities and accident insurance. There is an application fee of $25. If accepted, you will see a payment link on your status page. The tuition is payable in two installments. The first, non-refundable payment will be due on May 1, and the second and final payment will be due on June 1. Financial Aid is available based on need. Applications are due no later than midnight on February 15th, 2012. For details about how to apply, please click here:
Financial Aid
Every summer SEP awards approximately $30,000 to $40,000 in financial aid to families who request it based on submission of a completed Financial Aid Form and the relative need of all those applying. Forms can be downloaded and printed here:
Please submit the completed form and attachments no later than March 1, 2012 to be considered for aid for summer. Application for aid does not affect your chances for admission.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed on a combination of test scores, a teacher recommendation, and a written response that reflects critical and creative thinking and are compared with other applications from students in the same age group and gender. Final acceptance numbers are based on dorm spaces available in each gender and age group. Applications are available beginning December 15th and will be due February 15th, 2012.
Employment Opportunities
The Summer Enrichment Program seeks teachers and counselors who are child-centered, enthusiastic, and are willing to be a part of a dynamic team. Positions are available in the junior camp (5-8 grade) and senior camp (9-11 grade). More about employment opportunities.
