Electives are short-form classes for young scholars, artists, and scientists. Limited to just five students each, Electives are designed to capture the same intellectual energy and intimacy as a round-table class at a liberal arts college.
We’ve asked some of our most experienced and passionate instructors to build classes around their areas of interest: things like playwriting, medical science, mythology, and film studies. It is our goal that each class should foster deep thinking, engage our stuck-at-home student body, and challenge students far-beyond typical academic standards.
Summer Class Offerings
The Philosophy of Now
Exploring Our Virtual Galaxy
Writing The Personal Narrative
Grades
9, 10, 11, and 12
8, 9, and 10
9, 10, and 11
Schedule
MON / WEDs from 7/
TUES/THURS 8/3-8/19
TUE / THUR from 7/
Price
$350
$350
$350
Learn more about our upcoming ELECTIVES and enroll below.
The Philosophy of Now
After a year of astonishing challenges, philosophy has never been more relevant. What can we learn from great philosophers and thinkers to help us navigate our present thoughts and feelings?
This discussion-based class offers high school students a chance to share insights and formulate serious thoughts related, but not limited to, the radical transformations all our lives underwent in the wake of Covid-19. As part of this seminar, students will read selections from classical and modern philosophy and debate core questions using critical thinking skills. This critical discourse will culminate in a short written treatise, an original response to a work of classical philosophy. The Philosophy of Now aims to personally inspire and intellectually challenge.
Course Syllabus Coming Soon
For Grades: 9, 10, 11, and 12
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8/3, 8/5, 8/10, 8/12, 8/16, 8/19
Time: 2-3:30PM
Price: $350
Matthew is a writer, director, and educator. His plays have been produced in New York City and beyond; he has written three short novels and one book of poetry. Matthew has been teaching at City Smarts since 2018.
Exploring Our Virtual Galaxy
Students will embark on a journey to explore the Milky Way Galaxy using online simulators. The goal of this elective is to give students a better understanding of their home galaxy by taking “virtual field trips” to distant solar systems. We will travel to remote locations such as the Crab Nebula and even create our own Galaxy Simulations by the final week.
There will be discussions about life, extraterrestrial intelligence, astrobiology, astrophysics and gravity. Students will also lead group and solo expeditions to remote locations in the galaxy to discover new stars, planets, and systems. Download Course Syllabus
For Grades: 8, 9, and 10
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8/3, 8/5, 8/10, 8/12, 8/16, 8/19
Time: 3:30 – 5:00 PM
Price: $350
Manpreet is a distinguished graduate of NYU, where he majored in engineering. He has been teaching for more than 5 years and dreaming about the galaxy his whole life.
Writing The Personal Narrative
What makes our stories unique? Considering what has shaped their lives and personal stories, students in this course will think and write critically on a journey of self exploration. With instructor guidance, students will read personal narratives for inspiration and to consider structure, as well as craft their own personal narrative from start to finish. Peer discussion and feedback will offer valuable insight into the writing process. This course is also designed to help students build essential skills for the college admissions process.
For Grades: 8, 9, and 10
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8/3, 8/5, 8/10, 8/12, 8/16, 8/19
Time: 4-5:30PM
Price: $350
DISCUSSION BASED LEARNING
In-person electives give students a welcome opportunity to learn through discussion. Electives help foster communication skills, social interaction, and independence.
BITE-SIZED SEMINARS
4 weeks. 6 hours. We have calibrated our elective courses to allow for growth and discovery without overwhelming students.
Clinic capped at 5 students
In order to maintain individual instruction time and encourage peer-learning, we have capped our classes at 5 students.
ACHIEVING MILESTONES
Each Elective is defined by a milestone, a measurable yet fun objective that students strive to achieve. This approach gives electives sense of mission and purpose, without focusing on grading individual performance.
