Hip Hop Dance
Grades 5-8
Love to dance? You can learn the latest new dance moves as seen on America’s Best Dance Crew or So You Think You Can Dance. This course integrates different styles of hip hop to upbeat music like Rihanna, Missy Elliot, and T-Pain. Come join us, and get your moves on!
Instructor Shannon T. Abero

Introduction to Philosophy
Grades 10-12
This two-week course will introduce you to the five principle branches of classical philosophy: logic, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and aesthetics. A brief study of the emergence of the Western philosophical tradition of philosophy in ancient Greece sets the scene for the continuing analysis of such perennial issues as the ultimate nature of reality, the relationship of language and thought, and the nature and composition of the just society. With each topic of philosophic importance, you will assess the contributions of major Western philosophers, and more importantly, provide critical analyses of your own.
Instructor Richard Nathan

Mythology in Film: From Hercules to Harry Potter
Grades 5-8
Even though you have probably seen Hercules and Harry Potter in movies, these characters are more than just entertainment. Ancient myths and popular stories from around the world explore the “Hero’s Journey.” You will be watching contemporary children’s films including Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone; The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace; and Mulan.
Instructor Nissa Hales

Photojournalism - Recording of Human History
Grades 10-12
How the photojournalist chooses to record human events can shape society’s view of an event forever. Discover the power of the “image” in news and documentary storytelling. Sharpen your basic digital photography techniques and learn how to creatively and professionally capture newsworthy events and tell the story as it occurred. Activities include lectures, news photo shoots/field trips, and a final exhibit for your family and friends.
Instructor Joanne Calitri (Faculty, Brooks Institute and professional photojournalist)

Resume Writing & Interviewing Workshop
Grades 11-12
Are you ready for your college interviews? Do you know what kinds of questions they will ask? The objective of this workshop is to make you more competitive in the college market by strengthening your skills in resume writing and interviewing techniques. We will analyze the critical factors of your resume, cover letter, and interview from the perspective of universities and colleges. This is your chance to be at your best in the college application process.
Instructor Trish McHale 

The Roots of Rock
Grades 6-12
Did you ever wonder who started Rock ‘n’ Roll? This course traces the history of contemporary rock to its many music predecessors. For example, music by Death Cab for Cutie goes back to Bob Dylan, whose music goes even further back to The Carter Family, whose music originated in the British folk tradition. Or discover how Rage Against the Machine goes back to Led Zeppelin, whose music goes back to Robert Johnson, whose music goes back to Africa. Learn the roots of the music you love and find out first-hand that music is a developing art, not a stagnant style. Rock on!
Instructor Daniel Zimmerman

SAT Math Preparation
Grades 10-12
Are you ready for the SAT? This class offers comprehensive SAT math preparation, including all recent test changes and special math strategies to help approach unfamiliar question types. All SAT math topics will be reviewed, and proven scoreraising techniques will be taught. Students will take a pretest before the start of the class to evaluate their areas of weakness and at the completion of the course will take a full-length, practice Math test. Remember, you must have completed or be enrolled in Algebra 2 before taking the SAT Exam.
Instructors Dan Ary & Cate Barrey

Study Skills
Grades 5-9
Say goodbye to homework headaches and test-taking stress! This invaluable course will teach you about goal-setting, task-management, prioritizing at home and school, effective note-taking, test-taking strategies, homework/project planning, speed reading techniques, and how to communicate with your teacher. You will also discover your learning style. Plan to join us if you are new to Laguna Blanca or just need to strengthen these skills and get a jump start for back to school.
Instructor Trish McHale

Writing Workshop
Grades 7-9
There are specific writing skills that are absolutely critical to succeed in school. If you need to develop effective word usage, correct punctuation, effective sentence construction, paragraph development, and essay writing, this is the course for you! Emphasis will be placed on organizing your prewriting, building argumentative thesis statements, developing topic sentences, incorporating cited materials and effective supportive evidence, and crafting insightful commentary. This course is particularly recommended if you are new to Laguna Blanca School or just need to strengthen these skills.
Instructor Lindsay woodard