High School Summer Program

The program curriculum includes three courses: Blueprint for Learning seminar with a learning lab focused on executive functions, a writing class, and an elective. 

We know not everyone learns in the same way. Our experienced faculty and staff will help students begin to:

• Understand themselves as learners
• Develop a writing process that uses proven techniques to generate clear writing with fewer struggles
• Integrate strategies and practices into content courses
• Focus on improving executive functioning skills
• Foster self-advocacy and strengthen self confidence

Student in the social pragmatic track will have PEERS® group instruction (Tuesday and Thursday) including:

• Week 1 Characteristics of Good Friendship & Trading Information
• Week 2 Topics: Two-Way Conversations & Electronic Communication
• Week 3 Topic: Choosing Appropriate Friends

The social pragmatic track also includes 1:1 social coaching to support students in applying the skills from these lessons.  During social coaching sessions, students practice the steps and rules of the PEERS® sessions, identify short- and long-term social goals, and strategize social engagement during the program. Individual social coaching takes place throughout the week.

NOTE: Students must be between 16 and 18 years of age, have completed their sophomore year of high school, and be returning to high school in the fall. Applicants are not required to have a diagnosed learning disability to apply to the high school summer program.

Financial Aid is available and awarded upon acceptance. Financial aid applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage parents to submit an application for financial aid early.

“Landmark College’s High School Summer Program has made a positive and palpable difference in my daughter’s self-esteem. The daughter we picked up from the program had become noticeably more mature in a mere three weeks’ time. It was one of her best learning experiences ever, and has helped both academically and emotionally to prepare her for college.”

“Our son had an amazing experience at Landmark! It was a great boost to his self-esteem and his learning skills.”

“We were very pleasantly surprised at the shift in attitude, self-confidence, and pride.”

“The social interaction available to our son was terrific for him. It gave him a glimpse of what college could be like.”

“The program was a perfect fit for my daughter. We would have liked a longer program to develop her writing skills, as well as her reading comprehension skills. After high school, we may send her back to Landmark College’s Transition to College program before beginning college.”

“The social skills and the pre-college experience were invaluable!”

“I can’t say enough good things about the program! My son is so much more confident now. He loved it so much, he’s applied to attend Landmark College next fall.”

“The greatest benefit from the program was in meeting other kids who are like him—he is maintaining these friendships and feels a lot less ‘different.’”

“We noticed significant growth and maturity in our daughter!”

“I think the program was terrific. It’s just too soon in the school year to see whether our son will show any benefit at this point. Given his particular issues, I’m not surprised. I didn’t expect a dramatic result from a 3-week program. That said, we’re sold on Landmark College—and he is, too. We’re hopeful he’ll be able to attend as a full-time student next fall.”

“My daughter had an absolutely positive experience. She made new friends that she is still in contact with. It helped her to see that many people have learning disabilities like her. Our high school has a very strong support services department, so I don’t think there was a whole lot more for her to learn about her disability—although she was able to complete a very well-written college essay at Landmark College.”

“Mutual respect between students was visible and warm. Teachers are really kind and considerate, they care and get to know each student.”

“I liked making friends and being in a college environment.”

“I got to try fun and exciting activities with my friends and did stuff that helped me become more independent and self-advocative.”

“I enjoyed getting a chance to practice independent living and prepare for college life.”

“I didn’t think that I would make friends so easily!”

“Landmark College is a very nurturing place.”

Blueprint for Learning Seminar: is course is designed to introduce students to the science and the art of learning. The course will cover areas such as executive functioning, metacognition, perception, growth mindset, memory, and attention. Through interactive and hands-on activities and projects, students will learn skills and strategies required in all learning environments. The skills of active reading, note-taking, test taking, and summary writing will be introduced and practiced with content about becoming a more self-aware, informed and proactive learner. Students will consider their own strengths, challenges, learning styles, and educational history as they create a model for effective learning to be applied to their next school experience.. The course activities and lessons are designed particularly for our high school students with daily lessons about how we all learn differently but can practice the Landmark College study skills method in a way that is engaging and individualized. 

Writing Classes (Students will select one):

Writing and Research: For students who are comfortable with the basics of writing essays, this course introduces students to the process and practices expected in college-level writing. Students will learn how to structure and develop research papers with in-text citations and lists of sources. 

Writing with Confidence: For many students, producing writing on a deadline is a challenge. By including creative approaches to writing, students can develop strategies and approaches to increase their success. This course is designed for individuals who find it difficult to generate effective writing in an academic setting despite their efforts to do so. High interest topics and creative assignments will engage students and encourage them to find meaningful connections to their writing. Students should expect to produce writing in most class sessions.

Writing the College Essay: Writing that is clear, authentic, concise, and persuasive is a general requirement for academic success at the college level, and it is what colleges look for in application essays. Using prompts typically found on college applications, students will formulate, draft, and edit an essay that can be used as a model for their own college application essay.

Blueprint for Learning Lab: On Tuesdays and Thursdays this lab will orient students to the elements of executive functioning, goal setting, and self-assessment outlined in the Blueprint for Learning Seminar. Students will practice and receive guided support for executive functioning skills such as homework completion, digital communication, and managing time.

2025 elective topics included:

Digital & Visual Storytelling: What stories do you want to tell?  Students will explore the techniques and possibilities of visual media as a tool for communication and storytelling. Using a smartphone, DSLR, or other image capture device, students will learn to make still photographs and videos within a multimedia context to create fictional and non-fictional short stories. Applications from the Adobe Creative Suite will be used to edit, organize, and output stories in engaging and interactive ways online. 

Vermont Field Ecology: Learn about local wildlife, plants, and ecosystems, along with other basic concepts of ecology. Take field trips to local areas, such as streams, ponds, wetlands, forests, and meadows to study ecosystems and to practice scientific observation and data collection. Students will keep a field notebook, design forestry studies, conduct water chemistry tests, and sample ponds and streams for macroinvertebrates. Organisms will be observed using microscopes back in the lab. Students will be expected to hike over varying terrain and be outside for most classes.

Introduction to Drawing and Painting: This course is an introduction to drawing and painting with an overview of elements, principles, materials, mark making, and brush strokes. Students will experiment with different techniques to design art on paper and canvas. Explore risk-taking in a safe environment, and practice giving and receiving supportive feedback. This is an opportunity to take a visual journey to develop, grow, and become more competent and confident when creating art. There will be a final showing for students to display their work.

The Creative Writing Workshop: Do you enjoy writing and have a story to tell? Even if you have never tried before, but think it might be fun, this class could be for you. We will start by reading and studying form and techniques across many genres and mediums. Then we will dive into our own writing. You are welcome to bring in projects you are already working on and continue to work on them or write something new in a new genre. Students will have the opportunity to have their writing read, critiqued, and workshopped by the whole class in a safe and respectful environment.

Sports and Culture in our World: Join us as we examine the role sports play in our society past and present. Using materials from a variety of sources, students will examine the relationships sports have to individuals and social organizations. The course will cover current issues in sports, such as the nature of competition, performance enhancement, violence, gender issues, and multi-million-dollar contracts. Students will learn to think comparatively about cultures, sports, and about themselves as people, players, and spectators.

Introduction to Film Studies: Students will learn the language of film: how and why shots are composed to create a response, the imagery and visual references that drive narrative, the role of sound and music, and much more. Discussions will include pre-production, production, and post-production elements and introduce film history and thematic elements of different genres. We will explore classic and contemporary films, and some texts that have been adapted into film, with opportunities for student input on our film selection process.

The Science of Wellness & Mindfulness : This course explores the research-backed practices and psychological mechanisms behind mindfulness techniques, examining how they can be used to cultivate mental and physical well-being, including stress reduction, improve focus, emotional regulation, and overall happiness. It will introduce the neuroscience behind these benefits and provide students with opportunities to practice various mindfulness exercises. Students will have a chance to reflect on their own goals and experiences.

Welcome to Theatre: This course will teach student how to harness their artistic voices and turn their ideas into performances. The students will work as an acting company functioning in various roles: actor, writer, and stagehand. Join in as we experience theatre through improvisation, movement, vocals and collaboration. As a group we will define areas of interest to create short scenes and characters. We will add and refine material as needed for a showing of work to be determined by the students at the end of the course.

Algebra II Preparation: This course is intended for higher level math students preparing to take Algebra II this fall. Specific content includes the study of algebraic functions, their graphs, and trigonometric basics. Building on a strong foundation of mathematical knowledge, this class is designed to develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills, helping them to prepare for Algebra II.

Pre-Calculus Preparation: This course is intended for higher level math students preparing to take pre-calculus this fall. Students will review and be introduced to the concepts necessary for a smooth transition into pre-calculus.

Academic Prep:

Offered Monday and Wednesday evenings. Providing a time for students to work with instructors to complete assignments and prepare for the next day’s class. 

The Residence Halls:

Student's rooms are double occupancy. The halls are wing-based, and students will be separated based on gender. Residence halls are staffed by professional Resident Directors (RDs) and Resident Assistants (RAs). This team helps students to bridge the gap between their classroom experiences and the rest of their day and evening as well as engage in the community and ensure a secure living and learning experience. 

The Dining Hall:

Students will enjoy meals together in our dining hall, which offers a wide variety of choices, including an array of hot and cold entrees, soup, pizza, a sandwich and salad bar, and extensive vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Weekend Activities:

We work to make sure students have plenty of fun !

Saturdays and Sundays provide an opportunity for students to participate in supervised, group programs. These are more than fun experiences—they also teach students how to handle themselves in larger groups and provide opportunities for greater independence. Students will enjoy activities including an on-campus carnival day featuring fun games and activities like a giant slip-n-slide, and possibly even a visit from the Kona Ice Truck, as well as an ever-popular Student Talent Show.

Afternoon Activities:

Afternoon activities provide a balance to the day and run every weekday afternoon beginning at 3 p.m. Students will sign up daily for each activity. Some of the activity options offered in the past include: basketball, running, art, soap-making, ukulele lessons, theater, music, soccer, rock wall, Dungeons & Dragons, and yoga.

Below is a the high school summer program daily weekday schedule: