In CSI Houston, students will use techniques that real criminologists use to solve their toughest cases, including DNA gel electrophoresis devices to create DNA fingerprints, gunshot residue tests to detect which suspect(s) may have handled a firearm, chromotography, blood-typing analysis, and pH soil tests to help narrow the search and crack the case! More info

Students will learn a choreographed hip-hop routine which they will perform at the end of each session. Students will also have multiple opportunities to create their own choreography and teach the steps to their fellow dancers. This choreography will be added to the routine. Dance experience is helpful, but not necessary. More info

The goal of "Debate It!” is to expose students to basic communication skills and get them interested in pursuing this knowledge on their middle school campuses. Students get many opportunities to give speeches, debate, think on their feet, learn about global issues, and become better communicators that will help them start the new school year with stronger confidence and a more defined sense of purpose. More info

It’s durable. It’s colorful, but most importantly. . .It’s fashionable! Truth be told, it’s the accessory that no middle-school student can do without. What is it? DUCT TAPE. Yes, DUCT TAPE! In this innovative class, students will be able to combine their creativity and craftiness to make a variety of Duct Tape creations. More info

Ever wonder who the very first mummy was? Or how they were preserved in tombs for centuries? And what it must have felt like to be King Tut himself? Come unearth your curiosities for the ancient Egyptian civilization with a hands-on approach to these mysterious and amazing Pharaohs. Explore the mummification process firsthand; create Egyptian jewelry; and examine King Tut’s treasures for yourself. More info

Being a top athlete takes more than just lifting and running. Young athletes will learn the ins and outs of living a healthy, fit lifestyle. Cooking sessions, hands-on technology training, stress management techniques, and interactive lessons on nutrition will create a fun and safe learning environment for these aspiring Olympians. Of course, exercising will also occur! More info

Does your son spend much of his time indoors during the summer? Need an activity to help him get back in touch with nature and stay active in an outdoor environment? Boys can get into REEL sports while learning basic skills and increasing their physical fitness and concentration! More info

Do you have the urge to spontaneously break out in song as you walk the halls of your school? Do you secretly (or not) watch reruns of GLEE to master the weekly dance routines or musical performances? Do you have an inner Finn, Rachel, or Mercedes YEARNING to be free? Then this club is for you! Come have a blast singing karaoke, learning simple dance routines and creating your own performance outfit. Final class will be a live performance. More info

Students learn all the basics of Adobe Photoshop - Using images and artwork, they will learn how to use the best tools for common Photoshop jobs including silhouetting, exposure correction, retouching, layering, and creating image composites. No experience necessary! More info

Help your children stay active in a fun, outdoor environment while learning some basic skills and increasing their physical fitness and concentration. Activities include “Rocket Science” (launching homemade rockets), “Everything Discs” (disc golf and ultimate Frisbee), and “Archery”! More info

Sure, everyone has heard the names of the Greek Gods and Goddesses, Zeus, Hera, Athena and Hades, to name a few. But who were these hallowed higher heroes of Mount Olympus? Come and meet the wise but wily king, the jealous wife, the beloved daughter, and the feared and sometimes hated scoundrel. That's right, come and explore the Greek Gods and Goddesses this summer! More info

Doesn't every student want to spend less time studying and more time doing things they enjoy? Our study skills class can make that dream a reality. Participants will learn how to use their school planners effectively, plan ahead to maximize study time, take organized notes and prepare for exams, writing assignments and major projects without cramming the night before. A MUST HAVE CLASS for kids in Middle School! More info

Every student, from the shutterbug to the camera-shy will enjoy this class, which will focus on everything photography. Like real-life photographers, students will go outside the classroom and ‘on location’ in search of the perfect subjects for a variety of assignments. Students will learn how to download and edit pics, enhance the final result using Photoshop, and will have the option to create a photo book from their collection of photos from the week as a keepsake. More info

In our modern world, life is often stressful for kids. Yoga can be a great way to slow down and find more balance in life. The Karma Kids class is a fun introduction to the basics of yoga---the background, poses, and philosophy. You don’t have to be flexible to enjoy this class, just interested in learning! In addition, we’ll explore creative visualization, aromatherapy, and simple meditation techniques---all valuable ways to relax and refocus when life gets hectic. More info

It's a fact- more and more middle schools and virtually ALL high schools are requiring students to submit highly polished, typed documents. And, while this generation can out-text us thumbs down, Google anything under the sun in a split second, and play online internet games with other kids around the world, most of them are not quite so adept at double spacing, inserting page numbers, and applying the dreaded hanging indent. There is hope, however! In this hands-on class, students will learn keyboarding and word processing skills essential for success in school, in college, and eventually, the workplace. *This class is also a great idea for students who struggle with handwriting skills and/or dysgraphia. More info

How many classes teach you not only to DANCE salsa, but to MAKE salsa?!?! Enjoy the summer with a little salsa and spice! The rhythms of a nation speak loud - add some culture to life through the study of dance, music, and food. From spicy Latin tunes to shimmying belly dance, students will practice the customs and traditions of countries like Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Panama, Mexico and Guatemala, to name a few. More info

Ahh, the joys of summer. . .sand between your toes, a tall glass of frosty lemonade, the TI-83 Plus scientific calculator. . . Let’s face it – math is probably not many kids’ favorite subject, but research shows that students who practice skills over the summer break have greater success when school starts again. Counteract brain drain and have your child doing long division, fractions, geometry and more single-handedly with our Number Crunch classes! The Junior Course is intended for incoming 6th graders and the Senior class amped up for 7th graders! More info

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Are you supposed to spell this problem or solve it? With all those letters, numbers and symbols, Algebra can seem more like alphabet soup! Even students with strong fundamental math skills may struggle with all the abstract concepts, formulas and equations Algebra throws their way. We will break Algebraic concepts down into more meaningful and manageable chunks, helping even the most math-phobic students connect Algebra to the real world. More info

Help keep your middle-schooler’s language skills strong with Raising the Bar’s summer Spanish program. Our curriculum and materials are geared specifically to teen interests, level and particular needs. Instead of filling out worksheets and reading textbooks, students will have the opportunity to practice their Spanish conversation and listening skills in real-life situations. More info

In our beginner class, kids learn about basic nutrition, cooking techniques, spices and utensils, while cooking (and eating) delicious, simple, and best of all, healthy recipes. Beginner recipes include kolaches, quesadillas, basic marinara sauce and ice cream. More info

Ahhh…Lip balms...bath salts...body scrubs...lotion...A day at the salon? Nope! A day in Spa Science! In this fun and fascinating class, students will use natural ingredients and learn the science of aromatherapy while creating bath oils, salt scrubs, foaming baths, body lotions and more. Perfect for gift-giving, or to keep on hand for an at home spa experience. More info

Enter the mystical world of the Middle Ages and explore all aspects of castle life - design your own coat of arms and shield, study and learn defense strategies and battlements, and build your very own fortification. But the great era was not just about battles and barbarity; students will also explore the finer arts of the times, including calligraphy, tapestries, music, and clothing. More info

Ready to learn what’s it’s like to work with animals every day? Come join our Vet Tech, Jr. class to learn about birds, reptiles, cats and dogs! Topics cover learning about animal communication, what vets look for during a physical exam, pet diseases and prevention, animal anatomy, caring for our animals in our community, careers in veterinary science, and diagnosing real-life problems like the professionals do! Vet Techs and animals provided each day! More info

Calling all future writers, poets, and language aficionados! If your child loves to write or simply loves the sound of words on a page, this is the creative writing class for them. In this student-centered, safe environment, children will be encouraged to express themselves on the page and support each other as growing, experimenting young writers. They will explore a variety of genres: free verse poetry, short stories, journalism writing, art-inspired pieces, and structured poems to name a few. More info

Students will review grammar basics using a multi-sensory approach that involves all aspects of learning: visual, auditory and kinesthetic. In other words, this ain’t your grandma’s grammar lesson! We’ll discuss the fundamentals of strong writing, as well as experiment with different styles. Best of all, we will provide frequent personal feedback for each young writer in order to address individual strengths and weaknesses. So, whether your student can’t get started writing, (or can’t put his pen down), this class is ideal for students who love—or loathe—writing. More info

Growing up female in today’s world can be challenging. The guidelines are somewhat murky – on the one hand, girls need to learn the skills to be strong, independent thinkers; on the other hand, they need the respect to be open to others’ thoughts and ideas. Our girls will one day be bank presidents, politicians, doctors, and CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. It is imperative that they have the social tools they will need to help them along the way. The goal of this class is to gain insight into what it means to respect both yourself and others, while being a lady at all times. Girls will learn etiquette, manners, self respect, sisterhood, proper nutrition and overall health, appropriate dress and makeup tips, as well as effective communication skills. More info

This class will help boys refine their social skills and identify/improve their interpersonal communication styles. We will offer tips and tricks on how to deal effectively with others who may have different (and difficult!) personalities to ensure positive interactions no matter what. Boys will learn basic tool know-how, how to sew a button, and even how to drum up a few healthy snacks from what’s left in the fridge. Lastly, we will also cover more traditional etiquette tenets such as dining in public, and what NOT to do outside the comfort of your own home. More info