Summer Programs FAQ
How to Apply
- Submit an Interest Form
- You will receive an email within 24 hours with instructions on next steps on how to:
- Create your Student Application Portal Account
- Upload Required Documents, Obtain Recommendations, and Pay Application Fee, as noted on the Application Checklist in the Portal
The Financial Aid Application is available for Middle and High School Academic Program students only. The priority deadline is February 12, 2021. Students may still submit Choate Summer Programs Financial Aid Application and Upload IRS documents with their application.
General FAQ
General FAQ
- What are the dates for the sessions?
- How much do Summer Programs Online cost?
- What are the application deadlines?
- Will I need specific equipment or software to participate?
- Will I get to interact live with classmates and teachers?
- How do admitted students enroll?
- How do I make a tuition payment?
- Can I apply to and enroll in more than one program?
- I have questions not listed here. Who do I contact?
- How do I access the Summer Parent Portal?
- How do I access my classes?
What are the dates for the sessions?
Middle & High School Academic
Session I (3 weeks) | June 28-July 16, 2021 |
Session II (3 weeks) | July 19-August 6, 2021 |
Both Sessions I and II (6 weeks) | June 28-August 6, 2021 |
Young Artists
Session I (2 weeks) | June 5-July 16, 2021 |
Session II (2 weeks) | July 19-July 30, 2021 |
Teacher Training Institute
Session I (3 weeks) | June 28-July 16, 2021 |
Session II (3 weeks) | July 19-August 6, 2021 |
Both Sessions I and II (6 weeks) | June 28-August 6, 2021 |
How much do Summer Programs Online cost?
Middle & High School Academic
Course/Program Type | Length | Schedule | Cost |
3-week course | 1 hour/day | 5 days/week | $975 |
3-week course or workshop | 2 hours/day | 5 days/week | $1950 |
6-week course | 1 hour/day | 5 days/week | $1950 |
6-week ELL course | 1 hour/day | 5 days/week | $1950 |
6-week ELL Program (choose any 3 ELL classes) |
3 hours/day (1 hour/class) |
5 days/week | $5850 |
6-week Immersion Geometry | 4 hours/day | 5 days/week | $7800 |
6-week JFK ‘35 Institute In Government (3 required classes) |
3 hours/day (1 hour/class) |
5 days/week | $5850 |
In addition, there is a non-refundable, $100 application fee.
Young Artists
Course/Program Type | Length | Schedule | Cost |
Visual Arts Laboratory | 2 hours/day, Blocks 3 & 4 | 5 days/week | $350 + supplies |
Rising Visionaries | 2 hours/day, Blocks 3 & 4 | 5 days/week | $350 + supplies |
Junior Visionaries (grades K-1) | 5 pre-recorded lessons | n/a | $15 per class/$12 per class with 5+ classes |
Junior Visionaries (grades 2-4) | 1 hour/day | n/a | $85 per class series/$150 for 2-class series |
teacher training institute
Course/Program Type | Length | Schedule | Cost |
Session I 3-week workshops | 2 ½ hours/day, Blocks 3 & 4 | 5 days/week | $500 for workshop. $1500 full track. |
Full Session I & II with Teaching Practicum | 2 ½ hours/day, Session I Blocks 3 & 4 Session II based on mentor pairing |
5 days/week | $3000 |
We have a variety of courses and programs to choose from, each offered at different times throughout the day. Here is a breakdown of what each offering costs:
- 3-week course | 1 hour per day | 5 days per week | $975
- 3-week course or workshop | 2 hours per day | 5 days per week | $1950
- 6-week course | 1 hour per day | 5 days per week | $1950
- 6-week ELL course | 1 hour per day | 5 days per week | $1950
- 6-week ELL Program | choose any 3 ELL classes | 3 hours per day (one hour for each class) | 5 days per week | $5850
- 6-week Immersion Geometry | 4 hours per day | 5 days per week | $7800
- 6-week JFK ‘35 Institute In Government | 3 required classes | 3 hours per day (one hour for each class | 5 days per week | $5850
In addition, there is a non-refundable, $100 application fee.
What are the application deadlines?
Application deadlines (All programs except Summer Music Festival & Young Artists)
Session I:
Application deadline is June 11
Enrollment deadline is June 14
Session II:
Application deadline is July 6
Enrollment deadline is July 7
Existing participant enrollment deadline is July 14
Young Artists
Junior Visionaries: June 12
Rising Visionaries and Visual Arts Lab Session I: June 22
Rising Visionaries and Visual Arts Lab Session II: July 6
Summer Music Festival Deadlines
Application deadline is July 12
Enrollment deadline is July 13
Existing participant enrollment deadline is July 20
Will I need specific equipment or software to participate?
To participate in Choate Summer Programs Online, participants need an internet connection and a device that supports live video and audio communications. The minimum requirement for a device is a computer, iPad, or Chromebook equipped with a web camera as well as speakers and microphone/headphone.
We provide access to the following programs: Microsoft Office 365, Zoom, and Canvas.
Some courses may have more specific technical requirements and will need additional applications* provided by Choate, as detailed in the relevant course descriptions.
It is important for participants to have reliable internet access and to be mindful of data charges if planning to participate via devices that are not on Wi-Fi.
*Immersion Geometry - An iPad with Notability is required.
*3D Animation - A computer with a minimum of 8GB of RAM is required.
*Invention & Design Lab and Robotics - An Arduino robot starter kit is required.
Will I get to interact live with classmates and teachers?
Yes! Our Summer Programs Online offer real-time, synchronous courses*. You'll have the opportunity to meet students and participants from around the world and learn from teachers devoted to enhancing your education.
*The Young Artists Program includes Junior Visionaries track of Young Artists Program includes pre-recorded videos and is not live.
How do admitted students enroll?
How do I make a tuition payment?
Payments and Registering for Courses and Programs
Please note that tuition payments, along with a signed Enrollment Agreement and Statement of Expectations, must be fulfilled at the time of course registration. Enrollment in classes is on a rolling basis and classes fill up quickly.
*For the Young Artists, we offer a 10% sibling discount for Rising Visionaries and Visual Arts Lab classes.
Tuition Refunds
Upon registering, students, families, and adult participants will be prompted to read and sign an Enrollment Agreement. If an enrolled student or adult participant wishes to withdraw from our program or any individual course, 50% of the tuition payment(s) will be refunded if the request is made prior to June 15, 2021. Please save and refer to the 2021 Enrollment Agreement in the Course Registration Form for details regarding the refund policy.
Can I apply to and enroll in more than one program?
Yes! You can apply and enroll in more than one age-appropriate program as long as the class blocks do not overlap.
If you received your Summer Programs admission acceptance and wish to apply to an additional program, please contact the Choate Summer Programs Office at (203) 697-2365 or choatesummer@choate.edu.
I have questions not listed here. Who do I contact?
The Choate Summer Programs Office is glad to help.
Contact us at choatesummer@choate.edu or (203) 697-2365.
For Young Artists questions, contact Carol Jones, Young Artists Program Director, at cjones@choate.edu
How do I access the Summer Parent Portal?
Summer Parent Portal
Once a student is enrolled, parents will be notified of a password to access the Summer Parent Portal on our website. This is where you can find important additional information about our program, including virtual events, dates to remember, and program highlights.
The Summer Parent Portal is available to parents of students in Young Artists, Middle and High School Academic Programs, and Summer Music Festival.
How do I access my classes?
FAQ by Program
FAQ by Program
- Middle & High School Academic
- Young Artists
- Teacher Training Institute
- Summer Music Festival
- Experience Choate: Adult Courses
Middle & High School Academic
Application FAQ
- What information do I need to send with my application?
- I was accepted to Summer Programs 2020. Is the process different?
- Do I need to send my application documents if I already sent them for general admission?
- How can I get financial aid?
- I'm an international student. Do I have to send English Proficiency Scores?
- What is the application deadline?
- How and when do I make a tuition payment?
What information do I need to send with my application?
Transcripts
School transcripts must show the applicant’s final grades from the previous academic year (if applicable), along with this year’s courses and all available grades. If the transcript is written in a language other than English, it should be translated and signed by a school official, then uploaded as part of the school recommendation form.
Letters of Recommendation
The School Recommendation form should be filled out by a school guidance counselor, registrar, or another school official. The Teacher Recommendation form should be filled out by an academic classroom teacher of English, Math, Science, History, or World Languages. Some programs require a specific type of academic teacher (see the Application Checklist in the Application Portal for details). A Supplemental Recommendation is optional.
Personal Statement
All applicants must include a personal statement as part of the application or upload it in the Application Portal (including previous participants, current Choate students, and applicants for the academic year). This year’s prompt is:
On your own, write a 250-350-word essay in English that will help us know you better. Be sure to answer at least two of the following questions in your essay:
- What two or three things are most important for us to know about you as we review your application?
- What opportunities have you had working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings?
- In what ways do you hope to contribute to and benefit from being part of our Choate Summer Programs community?
- How has the pandemic impacted your education?
Graded Essays
If noted on the Application Checklist in the Application Portal, applicants should upload an essay written for school, preferably for an English, History, or Humanities class, that has been graded by their teacher and includes the teacher’s comments or an attached grading rubric.
Current Choate Academic Year Students
Choate students applying for Summer Programs are only required to submit an application and include a Personal Statement as part of the application or upload it in the Application Portal. If also applying for Financial Aid, the Summer Programs Financial Aid application and supporting IRS documentation need to be uploaded to the Application Portal as well.
I was accepted to Summer Programs 2020. Is the process different?
Students who were admitted for Summer 2020 are only required to submit:
- An application & application fee
- Personal Statement
- School Official Recommendation
- Transcript (with Current Grades)
You do not need to submit Teacher Recommendations or upload additional information. If applying for financial aid, you must submit the Summer Programs Financial Aid application and supporting IRS documentation.
Do I need to send my application documents if I already sent them for general admission?
Choate Academic Year Applicants
If the applicant has applied to Choate for the academic year, please note that we can obtain the required transcript and recommendation documents from the Admission Office. However, a Personal Statement still needs to be included as part of the application or uploaded to the Application Portal and, if applicable, both the Summer Programs Financial Aid application and supporting IRS documentation.
How can I get financial aid?
The Summer Programs Financial Aid application is available for Middle and High School Academic Program students only. The priority deadline is February 12, 2021. Students may still submit Choate Summer Programs Financial Aid Application and Upload IRS documents with their application. Financial aid does not cover test prep courses.
Current Choate students who receive aid during the academic year and academic year applicants who have applied for financial aid with the Choate Admission Office still need to complete the Summer Programs Financial Aid application and upload supporting IRS documentation. This information is not shared between the two offices.
Please note: because of limited funds, financial aid is primarily available to U.S. residents filing IRS income tax returns
I'm an international student. Do I have to send English Proficiency Scores?
TOEFL & Duolingo Scores
English Language Proficiency Scores: TOEFL, TOEFL Junior, Duolingo
For applicants who attend schools where English is not the primary language of instruction or for whom English is not their first language, the TOEFL, TOEFL Junior, or Duolingo Test in English is recommended for English Language Learner (ELL) courses and required for all other courses and programs.
For everything other than ELL, a TOEFL score of 80 or above, Duolingo score of 105 or above, or TOEFL Junior score within Level 5 is required.
If an applicant does not have a TOEFL or Duolingo score but would still like to be considered for admission, our Directors will review transcripts and supporting documents and make a recommendation on which program and course placement would be most appropriate. A Graded Essay written in English for school can be submitted to help supplement the information on which a decision will be made.
TOEFL, TOEFL Junior, and Duolingo scores can be uploaded through the Application Portal.
Previous Choate Summer Programs attendees are welcome to upload new TOEFL, TOEFL Jr, or Duolingo scores as part of their application, but are not required to.
What is the application deadline?
Admission Decisions
Once an applicant's file is complete, we will review the file and provide a decision in the Application Portal. Accepted students will receive a course registration link within their acceptance letter. We admit on a rolling basis, so be sure to apply early as classes fill up quickly.
Financial Aid Decisions
Financial Aid decisions will be made soon after the February 12, 2021 priority deadline. Applicants whose admission and financial aid applications are both complete will be notified of their decision in the Application Portal. Accepted students will receive a course registration link within their acceptance letter.
waitlisted Students
Students who are offered a place on the Waitlist will receive a link to the Waitlist Reply Form in their decision letter. Those who choose to remain on the Waitlist will be notified of any opportunities to enroll as spaces become available.
How and when do I make a tuition payment?
Payments and Registering for Classes/Courses
Please note that a signed Enrollment Agreement, Statement of Expectations, and Tuition payments for Choate Summer Programs must be fulfilled at the time of course registration. Enrollment in classes is on a rolling basis and classes fill up quickly.
Tuition Refunds
Upon registering for classes, students and families will be prompted to read and sign an Enrollment Agreement. If an enrolled student wishes to withdraw from our program or any individual course, 50% of the tuition payment(s) will be refunded if the request is made prior to June 15, 2021. Please save and refer to the 2021 Enrollment Agreement in the Course Registration Form for details regarding the refund policy.
Program and Course FAQ
- What are the grade levels for the Summer Academic Programs?
- What is the difference between Session I and Session II?
- What is the average class size?
- Do courses and programs fill?
- What are Academic Bridge Courses?
- Are classes synchronous or asynchronous?
- Will I get to interact live with classmates and teachers?
- What is the Attendance Policy?
- How will grades work and when do we receive grade reports?
- Are students recognized or awarded for outstanding participation?
- How do I access the Summer Student Portal?
- Can I enroll in multiple Academic Programs?
- Can I add a class after I'm already enrolled?
- What equipment or software is required for Invention and Design Lab (IDL), Beginner Robotics, and Intermediate Robotics?
What are the grade levels for the Summer Academic Programs?
What is the difference between Session I and Session II?
Most of our 3-week courses and programs repeat from Session I to Session II, so students usually enroll in their chosen course or program for one of the two sessions.
There are some 3-week courses that do not repeat and are unique to the session they are offered in. (For example, SSAT Extension is only offered in Session II.)
What is the average class size?
Do courses and programs fill?
Courses and Programs fill as students enroll. The number of seats remaining in each course or program is indicated on the Course Enrollment Form which admitted students use when registering for classes.
Updated course information will be available on the Middle and High School Academic Program page.
What are Academic Bridge Courses?
Are classes synchronous or asynchronous?
All Middle and High School Academic Program courses are scheduled to meet synchronously 5 days a week. The following expectations are important to keep in mind regarding synchronous classes and asynchronous assignments.
In preparation for synchronous classes, students will be assigned asynchronous work (homework being a part of it) which they are expected to have completed and submitted by class time.
Middle School Programs
In general, the guideline for coursework for middle school courses is 30 minutes per night for 1-hour classes (3 weeks/6 weeks) and 60 minutes per night for 2-hour classes (3 weeks/6 weeks).
High School Programs
In general, the guideline for coursework for high school courses is 40 minutes per night for 1-hour classes (3 weeks/6 weeks) and 80 minutes per night for 2-hour classes (3 weeks/6 weeks).
For students enrolled in Immersion Geometry, (an intensive course that meets 4 hours a day), the guideline for course work is 120-150 minutes per night.
Matriculating and current Choate students who sign up for courses that are eligible for Choate diploma credit or which have the potential to satisfy academic year prerequisites may be assigned additional work. This extra requirement ensures that any course taken for the purpose of credit or placement closely reflects the academic year version of these courses.
Will I get to interact live with classmates and teachers?
Yes! Our Summer Programs Online offer real-time, synchronous courses. You'll have the opportunity to meet students and participants from around the world and learn from teachers devoted to enhancing your education. In addition, our Student Activities Directors host a number of fun online events throughout the summer for students enrolled in our High School and Middle School Academic Program, and our Dean of Students sponsors several interactive opportunities for students and families.
What is the Attendance Policy?
Students are required to attend all classes and meet other commitments such as individual appointments with teachers or members of the Summer Programs Office.
Teachers are asked to report all absences and tardies, and the Deans Office keeps track of class attendance.
Though students are not required to participate in Student Activities and Community Building events, they are encouraged to take good advantage of the full array of fun and informative optional programming provided each summer.
How will grades work and when do we receive grade reports?
H = Honors
HP = High Pass
P = Pass
LP = Low Pass
F = Fail
Note: Students in Immersion Geometry receive a traditional letter grade which will be included on the Summer Transcript for current and matriculating Choate students.
Students who are enrolled only in Session I courses and programs will receive reports the week of July 26, 2021.
Students who are enrolled in either 6-week courses and programs or both Session I and Session II 3-week courses and programs will receive reports during the week of August 16, 2021.
Are students recognized or awarded for outstanding participation?
Choate Summer Programs honors students exhibiting exemplary integrity, respect, and compassion through the awarding of a Citizenship Award.
The award honors students who foster social relationships and a love of learning which inspire peers and teachers, and whose contributions serve as a model for others while enriching the experience of everyone involved with Choate Summer Programs.
How do I access the Summer Student Portal?
Summer Student Portal
Once a student is enrolled and has been assigned a Choate Summer email account, the student will have access to the Summer Student Portal which contains the Student Handbook, virtual events, virtual activities, dates to remember, school resources, and program highlights.
Can I enroll in multiple Academic Programs?
Can I add a class after I'm already enrolled?
Yes! If you are already enrolled in a class, course, or workshop in the High School and Middle School Academic Program, you can sign back into the Course Registration Form, choose an available class, and make your payment. You can add other programs by contacting our office at (203) 697-2365 or choatesummer@choate.edu
What equipment or software is required for Invention and Design Lab (IDL), Beginner Robotics, and Intermediate Robotics?
Each student will need to purchase an Arduino robot starter kit prior to the start of the program. Information on ordering the kit will be provided by the Summer Programs Robotics faculty. No other advanced materials are needed, but a list of recommended supplies will be sent out prior to the start of the course (scissors, glue, tape, rubber bands, scrap cardboard, popsicle sticks, etc).
Young Artists
Are supplies included?
Do I need to download or purchase software?
Will there be a show?
Grades K-4
Though we do not anticipate having a show for our K-4 group, we will encourage students to share their work with us so we can celebrate their achievements!
Grades 5-8
Students in our older age group will be asked to upload videos and pictures of their work so we can put together a compilation of what everyone has achieved in the program. Though not a live event, a link to the compilation of student work will be shared with parents and students.
Teacher Training Institute
- What is the Teacher Training Institute (TTI)?
- Who should participate in TTI?
- Do you have financial aid or subsidized tuition?
- What is the time commitment?
- What is the application deadline?
- Would my participation guarantee me a teaching job at Choate Rosemary Hall?
What is the Teacher Training Institute (TTI)?
The Teacher Training Institute is a unique professional development opportunity for new and aspiring teachers. With the shift to online and hybrid teaching, and novel models brought about by the pandemic, new needs and challenges have emerged as a result of a changing landscape. That is why we, at Choate Summer Programs, have redesigned our longstanding Teaching Intern (TI) Program to offer teachers the tools and skills they need to navigate the new reality and advance their careers.
The TTI program is presented in online mode which makes it flexible enough to allow participants to join from any part of the United States and around the world from the comfort of their homes. Course materials are designed to fit the requirements of teachers, and will be accessed through Canvas.
Who should participate in TTI?
The TTI is designed to meet teachers where they are on their career path. It is perfect for new and aspiring teachers from any educational background as it offers them the foundations to hit the ground running. It will also help teachers leverage their knowledge and pedagogical practices to reimagine learning and empower students.
This program is primarily geared towards educators who teach upper elementary, middle, and secondary school students.
Do you have financial aid or subsidized tuition?
What is the time commitment?
The TTI workshops will meet synchronously Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. EDT to 12:30 p.m. EDT and be led by veteran instructors via Zoom. Workshops meet synchronously for two hours on a daily basis, Monday to Friday with a thirty-minute break in between.
Participants in TTI will be asked to complete some asynchronous course work as part of the Professional Development portion of the program. Note that all TTI participants will be given a Choate email address with which to access Canvas and Zoom.
Participants will also have two hours of coursework to complete asynchronously at their own pace on a daily basis, Monday to Friday, which offers enough flexibility for those who have other commitments. That will total twenty hours of synchronous and twenty hours of asynchronous work weekly. There are no weekend commitments.
What is the application deadline?
Would my participation guarantee me a teaching job at Choate Rosemary Hall?
Summer Music Festival
Experience Choate: Adult Courses
If you have any questions about the program, please contact the Choate Summer Programs Office at (203) 697-2365 or choatesummer@choate.edu. Thank you.