Summer Programs Overview

Academic Courses

Upper School Academic & Enrichment Courses

Academic Credit Courses

List of 7 items.

  • Ethics in Context

    This is an in-person joint religion and service-learning class. The class will examine the foundations of ethics, current moral issues facing our Richmond community, and work in the community to learn from a hands-on service experience. Students will examine classical ethical frameworks such as the social contract, utilitarianism, and various concepts of justice. This class will explore parts of Richmond's racial and socioeconomic history to engage current social issues facing the city. The course will consist of service days on Fridays in the Richmond community. In-person classes will meet from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and on service days (usually Fridays), we will meet from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (to meet the 15-hour year service requirement). In years past, the Friday service days were along the James River, Housing Families First, and Belmont community resources. Our hope is to duplicate these again this year. 

    $925
    Session A (June 1-June 18, closed June 19)
    9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
     ½ credit
    Rising 11 & 12
    Prerequisites: none
    Rev. Drew Johnson, St. Catherine's Upper School Religion Teacher, Upper School Service Coordinator

    This course requires a minimum of six students to run.
     

  • Health

    This in-person course completes the Health requirement for graduation from St. Catherine's. The first half of the course focuses on a broad range of topics related to mental health and wellness and addiction. Areas of study include: the teen brain, stress and anxiety, eating disorders, depression, suicidality, vaping/e-cigarettes, alcohol awareness and drug use. The ultimate goal is for students to apply what they learn in health class to the real world, using their knowledge to make healthy lifestyle choices and low-risk decisions in everyday life. The second half of the course focuses on a broad range of topics related to human sexuality and healthy relationships. Areas of study include identifying signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships, dating abuse, affirmative consent, sexual assault awareness, abstinence education, contraception, STIs, male & female reproductive systems, reproduction and teen pregnancy.

    $925
    Session A (June 1-June 18, closed June 19)
    9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
     ½ credit 
    Rising 9 & 10
    Prerequisites: none
    Kasey Gilbride,  St. Catherine's Physical Education Teacher

    This course requires a minimum of five students to run.
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  • Mathematics of Finance & Accounting

    This in-person course allows a student to demonstrate competency and interest in applied mathematics while introducing her to possible career paths in the business world.
    This class will take a field trip to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. 

    $925
    Session B (July 20-Aug 7)
    9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
     ½ credit elective
    Rising 10 - 12
    Prerequisites: Algebra II
    Brett Degnan, St. Catherine’s Upper School Math Teacher, Chair of Math Department

    This course requires a minimum of five students to run.

  • Powerful Informative Speaking

    Distilling ideas into powerful verbal communication continues to be a valued life skill. In this intensive, in-person course, students will learn how to harness their interests and write effective speeches that persuade their intended audience. Through the analysis of various speeches by public figures, students will become familiar with the power of rhetorical devices and strong imagery, while also developing an awareness of the role of voice and body in conveying a message. Students will study the various structures of speech types and learn how individuals physically interpret and transform their words into moments that can change the course of history. Students will research, write, and deliver an 8 to 10-minute speech on a topic of their choosing, utilizing rhetorical devices that enhance their message and demonstrating vocal control and effective body language. This course takes into account the NSDA competition requirements for Declamation, Informative Speaking, and Original Oratory events, offering students feedback using those judging rubrics. St. Catherine’s students considering an Intensive Studies Pathway can customize their final project for their portfolio. 

    $925
    Session B (July 20-Aug 7)
    9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
     ½ credit elective
    Rising 9-12
    Prerequisites: None
    Courtney Lewis, St. Catherine’s Director of Library Services and Innovative Research, 

    This course requires a minimum of five students to run.

  • Saints Service (non-credit)

    This is a community service week for St. Catherine’s Upper School students. The aim is to help St. Catherine’s students engage in meaningful, positive community service.  Each week will start with an orientation and overview of the service. There will be three days of service work, ranging from food pantry to environmental service. 

    $235
    June 24, 25, 26 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) 
    9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
    non-credit
    Rising 9-12
    Prerequisites: none 
    Rev. Drew Johnson, St. Catherine's Upper School Religion Teacher, Upper School Service Coordinator

    This class requires a minimum of five students to run.

  • Women in the Judeo-Christian Tradition (online)

    This online theology course will explore the role of women throughout the Christian tradition. Students will examine the role of women in the sacred texts of Judaism and Christianity and the significant women of early Christianity through the Medieval period. The course will view women through a historical, religious, and literature-based lens. Students can expect to spend 4 hours in synchronous conversation and discussion each day, with additional coursework conducted asynchronously, including reading primary source materials, commentaries, and a period-specific historical novel. This course satisfies the upper-level Religion graduation requirement. 

    Session A (June 1-June 18, closed June 19)
    9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
     ½ credit
    Rising 11 & 12
    Prerequisites: World Religions
    Elizabeth Bradbury, St. Catherine's Upper School English & History Teacher

    This course requires a minimum of five students to run.

  • World Religions

    This in-person course explores Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Native Spirituality through Ninian Smart’s seven dimensions. Through this course, students will have opportunities to learn from practitioners and have authentic experiences, exposing them to each World Tradition. Students will meet daily to discuss readings, sacred texts, and small group research projects focused on gaining a deeper understanding of the tradition while practicing critical thinking and analysis. 

    $925
    Session A (June 1-June 18, closed June 19)
    9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
     ½ credit
    Rising 9-10
    Prerequisites: None
    Abigail Whorley, St. Catherine's Middle School Religion Teacher, Religion Department Chair, and Middle School Dean of Students
    Savannah Watson, St. Catherine's Upper School History Teacher, Chair of History Department

    This course requires a minimum of seven students to run.

Academic Enrichment Courses

List of 4 items.

  • Arguing the World: Model United Nations and Public Speaking

    Calling all future diplomats and debate enthusiasts! If you enjoy learning about current events and want to boost your public speaking confidence, this camp offers the perfect introduction to the exciting world of Model UN competitions.

    With numerous competitions available in the Richmond area during the school year, this camp will equip you with essential skills to succeed. You'll learn to craft compelling opening speeches, master the art of networking and collaboration, and gain a deeper understanding of key United Nations documents that will help you win support for your ideas.

    Through interactive public speaking games and realistic simulations, you'll step into the shoes of a UN delegate and experience international diplomacy firsthand. Whether you're new to Model UN or looking to sharpen your skills, this camp will prepare you to make your voice heard on the global stage.

    July 6-10
    AM - Rising 6-10

    St. Catherine’s Director of Library Services and Innovative Research, Courtney Lewis
    St. Catherine’s Upper School English & Latin Teacher, Anne Wendling

  • Driver's Education

    We are excited to partner with RVA Driving Academy to provide Driver Education. This course will satisfy the classroom requirements for Driver Education in the state of Virginia.  The curriculum follows the state guidelines for driver safety. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory. Behind-the-wheel instruction must be scheduled and paid separately with RVA Driving Academy.
     
    Please pack a lunch and snack for this class.

    $350
    June 22-26
    9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    15 years old +

  • Self-Defense for Women - Advanced

    Building on the Introduction to Self Defense, this class empowers you with advanced defensive techniques to protect yourself against serious threats. You'll master powerful escape strategies from common assault holds using Krav Maga principles specifically adapted to leverage women's natural strengths and body mechanics, giving you the skills and confidence to defend yourself effectively in any situation.

    We all want our girls to leave high school ready to conquer the world. While many colleges are doing their best to make their campuses safer, the best way to prepare your daughter for true independence is through comprehensive self-defense training. This Self Defense class utilizes techniques based on Krav Maga, a practical self-defense system specifically adapted for women's bodies and real-world situations. Students will practice moves in a safe, supportive environment that builds both physical skills and mental confidence.

    $85
    Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., July 8, July 15
    Rising 11th grade and up, college students welcomed
    Prerequisites: Completion of Self Defense 1
    SASS Certified Instructor, St. Catherine’s Upper School Teacher, Savannah Watson

    SASS standing for Surviving Assault Standing Strong. For information about SASS.

  • Self-Defense for Women - Intro

    This class equips you with foundational self-defense skills to protect yourself and build confidence. You'll learn escape techniques from common holds, develop heightened situational awareness, and learn essential safety strategies that empower you to navigate the world with greater assurance and control.

    We all want our girls to leave high school ready to conquer the world. While many colleges are doing their best to make their campuses safer, the best way to prepare your daughter for true independence is through comprehensive self-defense training. This Self Defense class utilizes techniques based on Krav Maga, a practical self-defense system specifically adapted for women's bodies and real-world situations. Students will practice moves in a safe, supportive environment that builds both physical skills and mental confidence.

    $85
    Session Option I - Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., June 24, July 1
    Session Option II - Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., June 20, June 27
    Rising 9+
    Prerequisites: None
    SASS Certified Instructor, St. Catherine’s Upper School Teacher, Savannah Watson

    SASS standing for Surviving Assault Standing Strong. For information about SASS.

Information & FAQs

Academic For Credit Courses
St. Catherine’s offers academic credit summer courses for rising grades 9-12 students enrolled in the 2026-2027 school year. This is a great opportunity for your daughter to take courses she is interested in, without having to wait for the new school year to begin. 

 
Summer grades will be used in the calculation of a student’s GPA, recorded on the student’s transcript, and will fulfill graduation requirements. Students are required to complete one full credit of religion including World Religions in 9th or 10th grade and an additional course in 11th or 12th grade. Students are able to complete one of these courses during the summer term. The other course will be completed during the academic school year.
 
The fee for credit courses is $925.
A non-refundable deposit of $100 per course is required at registration.
Credit Course Attendance Guidelines
Course attendance is mandatory because of the condensed nature of summer courses. Each class period is considered to be one week’s worth of material. If a student misses more than two class periods for any reason, the student forfeits the course credit and will be registered for the class during the school year.
Enrichment (non-credit) Courses
We are excited to offer three upper school summer academic enrichment classes (non-credit) as well. Fees vary depending on the class.
  • Driver’s Education (Classroom)
  • Arguing the World: Model United Nations and Public Speaking
  • Self Defense for Women
  • Saints Service
Please note that spaces for all summer courses are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. 
 
For registration questions, please contact brilliantsummer@st.catherines.org. 

For questions about upper school academic policies, please contact Assistant Head of Upper School, Nicole Tapia.

For questions about the specific summer academic courses, please contact the individual instructors.
6001 Grove Avenue
Richmond, Virginia 23226
804-288-2804
Located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, St. Catherine’s School is a private, all-girls pre-K, kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school. We provide a well-rounded educational experience for girls from communities across Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and all of central Virginia. St. Catherine’s all-girls educational experience is rooted in more than a century of history and tradition. From our revolutionary past to our dynamic present, St. Catherine’s has always focused on preparing students for a boundless future.