All Summer EDGE Academic Programs

View our 2025 course and workshop offerings. Register Now!

High School Courses Session 1: Half Credit

Art I: Composition/Drawing

Grades: 10–12
Time: 9 AM–12:30 PM
Session 1: June 16–June 27
Credit: Half-Credit
Phase: Accelerated
Anticipated Instructor: Kristin Morrison
Cost: $650

Register Now
Students will explore forms of visual communication using traditional drawing media in this foundation course. Training improves observational skills, media, and compositional proficiency to give students the tools to effectively express their concepts in art and design. Projects apply the creative process of critical inquiry, research, experimentation, and reflection. Students develop their ability to critically evaluate their work and the work of others through individual and group critiques.

Computer Science Principles

Grades: 10–12
Time: 9 AM–12:30 PM
Session 1: June 16–June 27
Credit: Half-Credit
Phase: Accelerated
Cost: $650

Register Now
Computer Science Principles introduces computer programming to students who have no prior knowledge of programming. This course covers everything students need to know to begin creating their own simple computer programs. This course is open to all students regardless of their previous level of experience.

Modern Global History

Grades: 11
Time: 9 AM–12:30 PM
Session 1: June 16–June 27
Credit: Half-Credit
Phase: Accelerated
Anticipated Instructor: Steve Fera
Cost: $650

Modern Global History examines the consequences of the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of three major international themes: Globalization, the question of Human Rights, and the impact of and reactions to the role of the West, particularly the United States, in the post-Cold War environment. The collapse of the Soviet Union is marked as a key turning point in world history. This course uses a thematic approach to content delivery and relies heavily on inquiry and analysis of primary and secondary source documents. Learning from a variety of perspectives is a major focus of this course.

U.S. Sports History & Culture

Grades: 12
Time: 9 AM–12:30 PM
Session: June 2–June 13, Half Credit (Session 1) and June 23–June 27 (Session 2 – Independent Study/Virtual)
Credit: Half-Credit
Phase: Honors
Anticipated Instructor: Kevin Walker
Cost: $800

Register Now
All students in research courses engage in an iterative research process. Students consider research framing and questions, thesis development, source analysis and evaluation, and research organization. The research process also prioritizes revision, peer-editing, and presentation to an authentic audience. United States History Through Culture utilizes history, sociology, anthropology, and political science in an examination of formal and informal athletic competition and its role in illuminating and expanding students’ understanding of United States history through sports topics. Beginning with a comparative study of how sports are positioned by societies and governments, the course initially focuses on the role of athletic competition in democratic and undemocratic societies. The course then studies how athletics and sports journalism intersect with flashpoints in United States history, including equality and civil rights movements, migration and urbanization, labor relations, globalization, and the changing nature of media.

High School Courses Session 2: Half Credit

Introduction to the Devout Life

Grades: 12
Time: 9 AM–12:30 PM
Session 2: July 7–July 18
Credit: Half-Credit
Phase: Honors
Anticipated Instructor: Bill Grebe
Prerequisites: This course is designed for rising seniors. This course is open to students in College Prep, Accelerated, and Honors Religious Studies courses who have completed Morality & Social Justice.
Cost: $650

Named after the classic spiritual guide of our patron, St. Francis de Sales, this required senior course is designed to challenge the students with questions of vocation and Christian living. In light of Gospel values, the student is presented with the vocational possibilities open to him in today’s world. He is assisted in discerning and naming his own gifts and accepting his weaknesses as he is called to respond generously and lovingly to God’s call. The student will be guided to examine personal identity, relationship, intimacy, generativity, and love as components of all vocations.

Prerequisites: This course is designed for rising seniors. This course is open to students in College Prep, Accelerated, and Honors Religious Studies courses who have completed Morality & Social Justice. Due to the intensive nature of the summer session, the course will receive HN credit.

U.S. Government & Civics (Virtual)

Grades: 11
Time: 9 AM–12:30 PM
Session 2: July 7–July 18
Credit: Half-Credit
Phase: Honors
Anticipated Instructor: Kevin Walker
Prerequisites: This course is designed for rising juniors. This course is open to students in College Prep, Accelerated, and Honors Social Studies courses who have obtained teacher approval. Due to the intensive nature of the summer session, the course will follow the Honors curriculum.
Cost: $650

This course is a survey overview of the formal and informal structure and processes of the U.S. Government, with a special emphasis on how students can participate in government and enact change. The course aims to prepare students to play an active and informed role in civic society. Topics covered include the principles of government; the founding and creation of the U.S. government; federalism; political parties; the electoral process; mass media; interest groups; voting rights; the legislative, executive, and judicial branches; civil liberties and civil rights; foreign policy and national defense. *This is an online course. All classes will be held virtually via Zoom.*

High School Courses Session: Full Credit

Geometry

Grades: 9–12
Time: 9 AM–12:30 PM
Dates: June 16–July 25 (Course will break for two weeks from June 30 - July 11 and resume instruction on July 14)
Credit: Full-Credit
Phase: Honors
Anticipated Instructor: Shannon Murray
Prerequisites: Successful Completion of Honors Algebra I with a grade of "B" or above.
Cost: $1,300

Register Now
The first three-quarters of this course will be a rigorous and thorough excursion into the plane and solid Euclidean geometry, including an examination of geometry as an axiomatic system and the role of a variety of types of formal mathematical proof. The first quarter will deal with mathematical logic and rules of inference, angles and triangles, congruency, geometric inequalities of the triangle, and perpendicularity. The second quarter will cover parallelisms, quadrilaterals and their properties, the Pythagorean Theorem, and similarity. The third quarter will be devoted to the study of circles and spheres, arcs and sectors, areas and volumes, and coordinate geometry techniques. Formal and informal proof techniques will be utilized throughout the geometry content. The geometry portion of the course terminates after three quarters so that the fourth quarter of the summer session can be devoted to topics from Algebra 2, including the basic properties and operations of radicals, an introduction to fractional exponents, completing the square to find the center and radius of a circle, operations with rational expressions, and determining the domain of a rational expression.

Note*: After completing Session 1 (June 16 - 27), this course will break for two weeks (June 30 - July 11) and resume instruction on July 14, continuing through to July 25. Over the extended break, students will utilize the experience they gained working with technology to complete a number of geometric constructions. They will then use the construction techniques to find the orthocenter, circumcenter, and centroid within various types of triangles. These constructions will yield an unexpected relationship that exists between these points. Once they have established the relationship, they will then conduct further research regarding this discovery.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Honors Algebra I with a grade of “B” or above.

Morality and Social Justice: Session 1 Hybrid • Session 2 Virtual*

Grades: 11
Time: 9 AM–12:30 PM
Dates: June 16–July 18 *Courses will break for the July 4th holiday
Credit: Full-Credit
Phase: Accelerated
Anticipated Instructor: Michael Finocchiaro
Prerequisites: This course is open to students in College Prep, Accelerated, and Honors Religious Studies courses who have completed Sacred Scripture and obtained teacher approval.
Cost: $1,300

Living a moral life is a key component of living a Christian life. This course will describe the Catholic approach to morality and social justice within the context of the student’s building of a committed relationship with Jesus Christ and a deeper response to God’s call to become a holy people. After considering issues dealing with personal moral decision-making, this course will focus on the Church’s teaching that working for justice is an integral part of living the Gospel message and cooperating in building the Kingdom of God. Students will be challenged to live a justice-centered lifestyle that promotes the common good. This course will also rely on the wealth of Biblical and ecclesial teachings, which identify the Church as a driving force in social reform. Each student will be encouraged to incorporate the principles of both social justice and morality into their daily lives as is consonant with Salesian spirituality. In this manner, all students will be exhorted to become morally and socially responsible persons living Jesus according to the Roman Catholic tradition.

Prerequisites: This course is open to students in College Prep, Accelerated, and Honors Religious Studies courses who have completed Sacred Scripture and obtained teacher approval. Due to the intensive nature of the summer session, the course will receive AC credit.

*This is a hybrid course. Students will have the option to attend class on campus at Salesianum or virtually via Zoom.*

Pre-Calculus

Grades: 10–12
Time: 9 AM–12:30 PM
Dates: June 17–July 18 (Courses will break for the July 4th holiday)
Credit: Full-Credit
Phase: Accelerated
Anticipated Instructor: Dan Kegelman
Prerequisites: Successful Completion of Accelerated Algebra II with a grade of "B" or above.
Cost: $1,300

The Pre-Calculus course is intended to provide solid preparation for the student who intends to continue his study of mathematics at the college level. This full-year course includes a thorough study of trigonometry plus coverage of topics essential to the study of Calculus, namely: polynomial, rational, logarithmic, exponential, and inverse functions; graphical analysis, curve sketching, trigonometry, and the circular functions, polar coordinates, trigonometric form of complex numbers, an introduction to limits, counting theory (combinations and permutations), and, time permitting, an introduction to the derivative.

Prerequisites: Successful Completion of Accelerated Algebra II with a grade of "B" or above.

Sacred Scripture

Grades: 10
Time: 9 AM–12:30 PM
Dates: June 16–July 18 (Courses will break for the July 4th holiday)
Credit: Full-Credit
Phase: Accelerated
Anticipated Instructor: Ellen Hildenbrand
Cost: $1,300

Sacred Scripture introduces what the Bible is, how it came to be written, and how to read it within its context and within our own. Students are introduced to biblical study methods and the Roman Catholic interpretational tradition. In their study of the Old Testament, students will encounter the story of Israel as God’s chosen people, which is the basis of the Jewish tradition and the starting point of salvation history in the Christian tradition. While studying the Christian Scriptures, students will focus on the historical person of Jesus of Nazareth as well as the faith experiences of the Apostles that led them to proclaim Jesus as the Christ and Son of God. Students will consider the stories of Christ and the early Church in their historical contexts and consider how the stories operate in our lives today.

Workshops

Freshman Workshop

Grades: 9
Time: 9 AM-12 PM
Date: July 21–August 1
Anticipated Instructor: TBD-Math, Mark Quinn-Reading & Writing, Dave Freeberry-Salesian Gentlemen
Cost: $550.00

Math & Problem-Solving
These sessions will build the foundation necessary for successful study of Algebra. Students will study topics focused on increasing their number sense and conceptual understanding of pre-algebra concepts. Students will become familiar with the properties of mathematics; order of operations; the language of algebra; solving one-step and two-step equations; solving inequalities; adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing rational numbers and integers; working with fractions, decimals and percentages; and ratios.

Reading & Writing
These sessions will strengthen the writing skills necessary for interdisciplinary success at the high school level. Students will work collaboratively to enhance their understanding of the components of effective argumentation through close examination of the stages of the writing process. Participants will strategically brainstorm, develop theses, build text-based claims, and outline long-form arguments. Strategies for active reading, approaches to giving & receiving peer feedback, and strategies for oral communication will also be addressed.

Transforming Into a Salesian Gentleman: Preparing to Enter High School
These sessions will help with the transition from middle school to high school by exploring various modules to assist incoming freshmen, focusing on executive functioning skills. Topics such as learning styles, growth mindset, managing stress, organization, time management, and study skills will be covered. We will also provide a brief overview of our mission and how we approach religion at Salesianum through our Salesian identity.

SAT Prep

Grades: 9–12
Time: 9 AM-12 PM
Dates: July 21–July 25
Anticipated Instructors: Dan Kegelman (Math) & Joe O'Brien (Reading, Writing & Language)
Cost: $550

Register Now
Enrolled students will take both Math and Reading, Writing, & Language sections. Students may take a Summer EDGE course for credit and the SAT prep courses in the same summer. SAT Prep Workshop does not correlate with academic credit.

Middle School Workshops

Biology and Wildlife Ecology: Data Collection Techniques

Grades: 6–8
Time: 9 AM-12 PM
Dates: July 14–July 18
Anticipated Instructor: Gina Judy
Cost: $300

Register Now
In this course, we will dive into the exciting world of data collection techniques for the fields of biology and wildlife ecology. Get ready to explore the scientific world as you become equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to collect accurate data both in the lab and in the field. Whether you're an aspiring biologist, wildlife enthusiast, or simply curious about the natural world, this course is perfect for you. You'll have the opportunity to observe wildlife up close, identify species, and practice data collection techniques in real-life scenarios.This course serves as a stepping stone for those considering pursuing further studies in fields such as wildlife conservation, ecology, and environmental science. Let's uncover the secrets of the natural world together!

Coding

Grades: 6–8
Time: 9 AM-12 PM
Dates: June 23–July 27
Anticipated Instructor: Connor Harrington
Cost: $300

Register Now
Coding Workshop is an exciting game development bootcamp designed to build strong coding fundamentals and to quickly get campers making fun, polished video games. Using MakeCode Arcade as our development environment, we will speedrun through technologies and techniques used during the first four video game console generations and beyond. Campers will finish off the week having completed fully functioning 2D games that can be sent home for further development and play.

Crossword Puzzle Workshop

Grades: 6–8
Time: 9 AM-12 PM
Dates: July 7–July 11
Anticipated Instructor: Joe O'Brien
Cost: $300

Register Now
The Crossword Puzzle Workshop introduces students to the skills and strategies needed to solve—and even construct—crossword puzzles. Along the way, participants will strengthen vocabulary, boost critical thinking, and sharpen pattern recognition—valuable tools for reading comprehension, problem-solving, and test-taking. This course will build confidence with wordplay and logic, making this workshop a fun and engaging way to develop skills that apply far beyond puzzles.

Culinary Camp

Grades: 6–8
Time: 9 AM-12 PM
Dates: July 14–July 18
Anticipated Instructor: Janelle Lacey and Robyn Correale
Cost: $500

Register Now
Culinary Camp is designed for young chefs who want hands-on instruction learning basic culinary skills. Campers will not only learn to prepare dishes, but will also come to understand the importance of proper food handling. Camp will be taught by a Registered Dietitian from CulinArt and the Culinary Club Moderator from Salesianum. Kitchen safety, knife skills, kid-friendly recipes, nutrition, baking fundamentals and visits from individuals working in the food business are all being served up in this immersive camp experience. This camp may inspire the next elite chef, dietitian, grower or successful business person!

Geomorphology: Building, Modeling, and Understanding the Great Rivers of the World

Grades: 6–8
Time: 9 AM-12 PM
Dates: July 7–11
Anticipated Instructor: John Helmick
Cost: $300

Register Now
The Earth is incredibly dynamic. But our time here only gives us a glimpse into the powerful forces at play on the surface of our planet. What if we could model those forces, speed them up, and see firsthand how our landscape is shaped? In this session, we'll have a chance to do just that. You'll be part carpenter, part plumber, and part geologist as we split our time between constructing a stream table together and learning about the variables that dictate the behavior of the rivers and streams that shape everything we see—from the Grand Canyon to the Brandywine Valley.

Nailing the High School Placement Test: Session 1

Grades: 6–8
Time: 9 AM-12 PM
Dates: June 16–June 20
Anticipated Instructor: Megan Geraghty
Cost: $300

Register Now
Many private high schools require students to complete a High School Placement Test (HSPT) for acceptance and placement to determine scholarship eligibility. These schools include but are not limited to Salesianum, Padua, Tower Hill, Tatnall, Wilmington Friends, Sanford, Ursuline Academy, Caravel Academy, and more. Prepare your Middle School student to be successful on the entrance exam! Salesianum School Summer Edge is offering a Test Prep Course. The goal is to provide middle school students with the skills needed to improve their scores. We provide a thorough review of test content, test-taking strategies, and test timing for the exam along with essay prompts. Students will receive several practice tests, as well. The Summer Edge HSPT Test Prep Course will be administered over the course of a 15-hour week. Help your student to feel confident in their high school entrance exams!

Nailing the High School Placement Test: Session 2

Grades: 6–8
Time: 9 AM-12 PM
Dates: July 14–July 18
Anticipated Instructor: Megan Geraghty
Cost: $300

Grades: 6–8
Time: 9 AM-12 PM
Dates: July 21–August 1
Anticipated Instructor: Ali Mazrui
Cost: $300

The Summer Science Spree is a two-week camp built to generate excitement and preparation for high school science courses. Campers spend the first week engaging in interactive projects and demonstrations centered around Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as well as gaining exposure to science in the community. During the second week, campers undertake a science project to address their own scientific curiosities and present results to adults and peers.

Back