Date: June 17 to July 26, 2024 (Note: The class does not meet the week of July 1)

Meets: Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 2 PM

Grade: Rising 8th-10th graders

Cost: $4,045 early bird pricing; $4,230 after March 31

Lunch is included.

Instructor: Gretchen Koles

Course Description: This UC-approved course consists of a rigorous study of Euclidean Geometry. It is appropriate for students who have a strong background in Algebra I and who are looking to accelerate a year in math by completing Geometry over the summer and going on to Algebra II for the next school year. After learning the fundamental concepts of point, line and plane, students investigate properties of intersecting and parallel lines, congruent and similar triangles, quadrilaterals, other polygons and circles. Area and volume of plane and space figures are covered in depth. Formal proofs are stressed, while coordinate geometry is also used in proving theorems. The course emphasizes the development of analytical skills. Algebra is reviewed and reinforced throughout the course. Summer Geometry is a challenging and fast-paced course that is only appropriate for strong and motivated students of mathematics. We will cover the entire geometry curriculum in just five weeks, so the instructor recommends making sure potential students will be able to handle this pace, and that they have no other major commitments for the six weeks of class.

*Branson students must have approval from the math department to enroll. Current students should speak with their classroom teacher. Incoming freshmen should email Gayatri Ramesh, Math Department Chair, at gayatri_ramesh [at] branson.org. Non-Branson students need to have at least an A- in their last math course in order to enroll.

Instructor Biography:

Gretchen Koles has had a lifelong passion for mathematics, and has been teaching math for 30+ years. She designed this course to offer the opportunity for students to be able to dedicate themselves to appreciating the beauty and rising to the challenges of Geometry for a summer, and to accelerate a year in math and go on Algebra II in the fall. While she loves teaching math during the regular school year at Branson, there's something very special about the immersing oneself in a summer course like this. Gretchen supports and encourages each student to be successful, and creates an environment where students can work hard during the school day, and yet also have plenty of time outside of school to enjoy some relaxing summer time.