Summer Programs Overview

Back to School Camps

Get Ready for the New School Year

Registration Opens March 2, 2026

Back to School camps are offered to new and returning St. Catherine’s students with the goal of helping ease the transition back to school. These classes focus on students becoming familiar and comfortable in school spaces, socializing with peers, easing the anticipation of a new grade level, and reviewing material from the prior grade.  Students are not required to attend Back to School classes, they and will not be behind if they do not attend. Each camp is taught by current St. Catherine's faculty.

List of 12 items.

  • Jump into Jr. Kindergarten

    Jump into JK is designed to help your child transition smoothly into junior kindergarten. This welcoming camp provides new St. Catherine’s students the perfect opportunity to experience our classroom culture, connect with future classmates, and explore campus—all through a fun, play-based schedule that sets the stage for a confident start to the school year.
     
    August 3-7
    AM - Rising JK
    *New, incoming* St. Catherine’s JK students only
    Instructors: Eliza Taylor, Joanna Prohn


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  • Kickstart Kindergarten

    Kickstart Kindergarten is the perfect introduction for new St. Catherine's students! Girls will explore, learn, and have fun while meeting future classmates, experiencing our classroom culture, and discovering campus. Through engaging games and activities, they'll build confidence and excitement for their kindergarten journey at St. Catherine's.
     
    August 3-7
    AM - Rising Kindergarten
    *New, incoming* St. Catherine's students only
    Instructors: Marshall Deane, Meg Zehmer, Kaylee Carballo
     
  • Fly into First Grade

    Get ready for first grade with confidence! This week-long camp gives new and returning students the chance to connect with St. Catherine's teachers, meet future classmates, and preview the rhythms of the school year. Through fun, engaging activities, girls will review academic skills while developing the social and emotional foundations they need to thrive on day one and beyond.
     
    August 3-7
    AM - Rising 1st graders
    Instructor: Jimmy Tullner
     
    PM - Rising 1st graders
    Instructor: Erin Chalifoux


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  • Slide into Second Grade 

    Get ready to zip into an exhilarating new year! We've crafted an exciting schedule to help both new and returning students glide effortlessly into their second-grade adventure. You'll be soaring through math, reading, and study skills, making every lesson a thrilling ride! Let’s make this year a fantastic journey together!

    August 3-7
    AM & PM - Rising 2nd graders
    Instructor: Sarah Wilbur


  • Thrive in Third Grade

    Join Mr. Tullner in The Learning Jungle to show off your math, reading, and writing skills as we get ready to start third grade! You'll find new friends, lively learning games, building toys, fun stories, helpful apps, and challenging brain-teasers. 
     
    August 3-7
    PM - Rising 3rd graders
    Instructor: James Tullner


  • Flourish in Fourth

    Congratulations, your daughter is now an honorary “Fourthie!” During this preparatory week, she will learn about her new leadership responsibilities and club opportunities, review math and reading skills, and meet new students. 
     
    August 3-7
    PM - Rising 4th graders
    New and returning St. Catherine's girls only
    Instructor: Sloan Hiscock


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  • Hip Hop

    Ready to Bust a Move?

    Learn the foundations of hip-hop dance and discover your groove! Campers will work on signature movement styles—popping, locking, breaking, and more—while dancing to fun, upbeat music that keeps the energy high all week long.

    Whether you're a first-time dancer or already have some moves, you'll build skills, gain confidence, and have a blast learning choreography with your crew. The week culminates in a high-energy performance on Friday where you'll showcase everything you've learned for other campers!

    So grab your sneakers, bring your best energy, and get ready to pop, lock, and rock it all week long! All levels welcome.

    $235
    August 3-7
    AM - Rising 1-4
    Brilliant Summer Dance Instructor, Kinsley Stevenson
  • Jumping Beans

    Hop, skip, and jump to Jumping Beans! Let's wiggle, stretch, move our bodies, and play games. It's like a big adventure that helps us grow stronger and more confident. We'll learn to balance, jump, and do all sorts of cool moves together! So, let's get ready to bounce and giggle at Jumping Beans.

    August 3-7
    PM - Rising JK-K
    Little Scholars
  • Panda Pals

    Each day of Panda Pals Chinese Camp is packed with hands-on activities designed to make learning Mandarin exciting for elementary students. Campers will:

    • Learn everyday Mandarin words and phrases through games, songs, and role-play
    • Practice writing Chinese characters with calligraphy brushes and fun art projects
    • Explore Chinese culture by making fried rice, trying traditional paper-cutting, and celebrating a mini Dragon Boat Festival
    • Play outdoor language games like Chinese Number Bingo, Color Tag, and Mandarin Simon Says
    • Enjoy stories, folktales, and puppet shows that bring Chinese traditions to life
    • Work together on a group performance to showcase their new language skills for families at the end of camp
    • Take a field trip to the Virginia Museum of Fine Art to visit the China collection.

    Panda Pals Chinese Camp combines language learning with cultural exploration, crafts, music, movement, and food. This immersive and playful approach sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and makes Mandarin memorable for young learners.

    This camp uses food ingredients in projects and activities. It is not nut-free or allergen-free. Please contact us if you have questions about specific allergens.


    August 3-7
    PM - Rising K-4 - St. Catherine’s students only

    St. Catherine’s Lower School Mandarin Chinese Teacher, Kefu Dorion
  • Saints Strings (Gr. 3-4)

    Calling 3rd & 4th grade current St. Catherine's strings students! Join us to brush up on violin, viola or cello skills. This is an engaging week of reviewing the fundamentals, building stronger technique, learning new songs and having fun with their instrument. Each student brings their own instrument to the camp.

    August 3-7
    AM - Rising 3rd & 4th graders
    Instructor: Loretta McCray, Lower School Strings Teacher
  • Make Way for Middle School (Grade 5-6)

    Welcome to Middle School—let the adventure begin! This camp is all about getting comfortable and confident as you step into this exciting new chapter. St. Catherine’s students will explore campus, meet faculty, and discover the routine and schedule of Middle School life through fun, interactive activities. Want the full experience? Pair it with Engage with Middle School Math and English [rising 5-6, AM] for an action-packed full day! 

    $300
    August 3-7
    PM - Rising 5-6

    Michelle Johnston, St. Catherine's Middle School Learning Support and Counselor
     
  • Engage in Middle School English & Math (Grade 5-6)

    Get a head start on the school year with this power-packed camp! St. Catherine’s students will sharpen their reading, writing, and grammar skills while reinforcing essential math concepts—all in a fun, supportive environment. Want the ultimate back-to-school boost? Pair it with Make Way for Middle School for a full-day adventure that sets you up for success!

    $300
    August 3-7
    AM - Rising 5-6
     
    Jay Bechtel, St. Catherine's Middle School Critical and Creative Thinking Skills Teacher 
    Sharon Hancock, St. Catherine's Middle School Math Teacher
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.