Summer Chemistry Prep Course

About the Course

Accelerate your learning this summer by exploring an overview of key concepts in chemistry. This two-week program introduces Pre-College students entering grades 9–12 to core concepts taught in high school and early college chemistry courses, making them familiar and easier to approach.

The course develops students' confidence and interest through engaging laboratories, collaborative problem solving, hands-on activities, guided practice sessions, and by exploring applications to daily life. Advanced learners can also extend their skills into select chemistry topics.

This is an in-person, commuter day program hosted at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. Students attend each weekday morning of their two-week session; there is no overnight housing. Sessions run during summer break, as STEM academic preparation for the fall academic year.

Open to all students from public and private schools, as well as homeschool communities. The course builds a chemistry foundation for high school coursework and for future science, health care, or engineering majors at colleges such as UMass Amherst and Smith College.

Should You Take This Course?

Chemistry is how the natural world builds and renews itself! As such, it holds the key to our future.

• Are you apprehensive about taking chemistry? This course will develop your familiarity and confidence, so that you will enjoy and succeed at chemistry.
• Are you interested in pursuing a career that requires a grounding in science? Chemistry is the “central” science that creates connections, bridging concepts between the STEM disciplines.
• Are you seeking to enter a health care profession? Or Pre-veterinary medicine? Chemistry provides the basis for understanding how all the systems of living organisms function and survive.
• Are you intrigued by the physical and material aspects of chemistry? You will learn about the properties and interactions of matter. With this knowledge you will begin to understand innovations in physical and material science.

Session Details

Your Instructor

Dr. Deborah Carlisle

PhD Science Education · MS Biochemistry and Biological Science

More than 25 years of experience teaching chemistry at the high school and college level. Taught all levels (AP through introductory) at Phillips Academy in Andover, MA. Taught Chemistry 111 General Chemistry for Science and Engineering majors at UMass Amherst.

Co-author of A Natural Approach to Chemistry.

Currently teaches at Williams College.

Course Information

Topics will include: the chemical formula, stoichiometry, chemical bonding, spectrophotometry, thermochemistry, molecular geometry, intermolecular forces and polarity, acids and bases, titration, and electrochemistry.

Ready to Enroll?

Space is limited to 18 students per session. The $800 tuition is due two weeks before your session begins and includes a $100 non-refundable deposit. Payment and cancellation details are below.

Questions? Email carlislechemprep@gmail.com

Payment & Cancellation