Super Summer Program

Gifted Education Research and Resource Institute

Super Summer is a program where bright kids in kindergarten (K) through fourth grade come to enjoy challenging courses with other academically, creatively, and artistically talented youth. Day-long, interdisciplinary courses are geared at least two grade levels above each student’s current school grade. Students will attend a full-day program of challenging, hands-on activities related to a central theme. Components from all disciplines will be included at every level, so each child will gain experience in engineering, math, science, social studies, art, and language arts, while working on open ended activities that require critical and creative thinking.

High-ability children think big thoughts. They make connections across disciplines and work to understand how ideas and concepts are related to each other. Rather than exploring just one topic, such as chemistry, the students will learn how chemistry plays a role in real life. They will explore such questions as: What chemical reactions occur in our ecosystem? Are they helpful or harmful? We look forward to seeing you this summer. Just bring a lunch, snacks, and your enthusiasm for learning with you!

2023 In-Person Super Summer Program Information

When: Two, one-week sessions are offered.

Session 1:
June 12-16 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Session 2:
June 19-23 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Supervision is available for children dropped off between 7:45 and 8:30 a.m. All children should be picked up by 5:30 p.m.

Where: The program will be held on the Purdue University campus in West Lafayette.

What makes Super Summer Super?

Small Classes – class sizes are limited to 12 students for Kindergarten to 2^nd and 16 students for 3^rd – 4^th to enable our instructors to work effectively with each student.

High-Quality Teachers – Our caring teachers are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about working with GER²I students. They receive special training and ongoing support from the GER²I team to meet the special needs of high-ability children, to ensure that students get personalized attention.

Challenge – Classes provide authentic, hands-on learning experiences that encourage creative thinking, problem solving, and exploration of student interests in an environment that values creativity, diversity, and achievement.

Enjoyment – Students enjoy learning interesting content in an interactive environment. High-ability students have the opportunity to connect with other bright students who share their enthusiasm for learning in an enjoyable setting.

Community of Talents – During this part of the daily schedule, students work with staff to understand and appreciate their strengths and the strengths of others. Collaboration, communication, and thinking skills are emphasized using simulations and scenarios to help them understand how “together, we can make a difference in the world.”

Program Registration Fees are as follows:

One week, full-day program:
$330 per child
Both weeks, full-day program:
$630 per child
Family rate, two or more children from the same family:
$315 per child, per week
Purdue employee discount:
$290 per child, per session (Purdue email must be presented for verification)

Limited financial aids are provided. First come, first served.