High School Courses and Workshops
Overview
Palos Verdes Peninsula Summer School (PVPSS) is thrilled to continue serving the educational community! Students entering grades 9-12 have the opportunity to enroll in our summer high school courses for advancement, as well as support workshops (see dates/times in the Daily Schedule section of the Summer High School Information tab). PVPSS offers both onsite and online classes, all of which meet the UC/CSU and NCAA college entrance requirements through our WASC accredited program. We have an incredible staff and outstanding atmosphere. With that being said, please review the information below to decide if PVPSS is the best option for you.
The program moves at a fast pace, as full-year courses are completed in only six weeks, and onsite history classes are finished in only four weeks. Students must demonstrate self-discipline to be successful, and it is very important to stay on track because each school day covers almost two weeks of material. Therefore, teachers cannot provide extensions on assignments/exams for any reason, including illness. Also, students should only enroll in an honors class if they excel in that area and plan to do two to six hours of homework per night.
Please note that although our online program is asynchronous (no attendance), students must submit assignments and take exams on all school days. Students can work ahead on the assignments, but they must still take exams and check for teacher updates on each school day. Virtual support is also available upon request.
Please also note that PVPSS is a non-profit private entity which does not follow the same policies/regulations as a public school. Due to the fast pace of the program, with only 12 school days in each semester (6 school days for onsite history classes), staff members are unable to provide any additional services that may be in place through the home District, such as extra time to submit assignments. However, families are always welcome to share helpful information with the instructors.
Please go to the Summer High School Informational Video tab for a full overview of the program in under 10 minutes!
SUMMER 2025 courses and workshops (JUNE 16 – July 24)
* Onsite history courses are completed by July 10, but students still have until July 24 to submit any missing assignments
*Onsite classes take place on the Peninsula High School campus, and online courses are asynchronous (no attendance)
*View the Summer High School Information tab for details on the format and schedule of our programs
*Students may take an online course and onsite workshop concurrently
*Grade level refers to the student’s grade in fall of 2025
| Course | Description | Prerequisites |
Location/Teacher |
| World History |
This course provides a basic understanding of world history, geography, and culture. Content will cover political thought in the development of law, religion, philosophy, and culture, while also emphasizing the influence of ancient civilization on modern society. *Please note that Onsite World History can now be completed in only four weeks (see the Summer High School Information tab for details). |
Grades 10-12 |
Onsite – P206 or Online |
| US History |
This course analyzes American political, social, and economic behavior during major periods in history. There is a focus on the multiple factors that affect continuity, outstanding contributions of individual Americans, change in ethnic composition of American society, the movement toward equal rights for racial minorities and women, and the expanding role of the Federal government in addressing critical issues. *Please note that Onsite US History can now be completed in only four weeks (see the Summer High School Information tab for details). |
Grades 11-12 |
Onsite – P204 or Online |
| American Government |
This semester course provides perspective on politics and government in the United States. It compares systems of government in the world today, and analyzes the changing interpretations of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and current state of the government branches. The course also promotes familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up the American and comparative political system. *Please note that Onsite Government/Economics can now be completed in only four weeks (see the Summer High School Information tab for details). Onsite American Government and Economics must be taken together, but students may enroll in one or the other through our online program. |
Grade 12 |
Onsite – P102 or Online
|
| Economics |
This course involves the study of microeconomics and macroeconomics to help students become responsible/effective decision makers. It provides an understanding of supply and demand, scarcity, the role of the marketplace, competition, and consumer choice. The course also covers inflation, unemployment, measures of national wealth, the economic role of the government, international trade/finance, personal economic decision making, investments, budget, job choice, and consumer information. *Please note that Onsite Government/Economics can now be completed in only four weeks (see the Summer High School Information tab for details). Onsite American Government and Economics must be taken together, but students may enroll in one or the other through our online program. |
Grade 12 |
Onsite – P102 or Online
|
| Course | Description | Prerequisites |
Location/Teacher |
| Geometry | This course provides an understanding of the concept of proof in geometric constructs and construct formal logical arguments. Students will study geometric constructions using compass and straight edge; properties of parallel and perpendicular lines, transformations, triangles and other polygons, similarity, basic trigonometry, circles and three dimensional shapes. Algebraic techniques are applied in the solution of problems for both two and three dimensional figures. | Grades 9-12 Completion of Algebra 1 |
Onsite – H30 |
| Geometry Honors | This course provides an in-depth understanding of the concept of proof in geometric constructs and construct formal logical arguments. Students will study geometric constructions, properties of parallel and perpendicular lines, transformations, polygons, similarity, basic trigonometry, circles, and three-dimensional shapes. Algebraic techniques are applied in the solution of problems for two and three dimensional figures. Students should only enroll in an honors class if they excel in that area and plan to do two to five hours of homework per night. | Grades 9-12 B or above in Algebra 1 H |
Onsite – S44 Or Onsite – H15
|
| Course | Description | Prerequisites |
Location/Teacher |
| Biology | The lessons in this course include cell biology, basic chemistry, plant growth and Development, genetics, evolution, natural selection, reproduction, physiology, and ecology. Tuition plus $60 lab materials fee. | Grades 9 – 12 |
Onsite – S30 |
| Biology Honors | This course prepares students for Advanced Placement Biology (Biology 2 AP), with a focus on laboratory investigations. The lessons include biochemistry, energy, fermentation, structure/function of the cell, genetics, origin of life, evolution, ecology, human physiology, classification, and plant physiology. Students should only enroll in an honors class if they excel in that area and plan to do two to five hours of homework per night. Tuition plus $60 lab materials fee. | Grades 9 – 12 Completion of Algebra 1 |
Onsite |
| Chemistry | The lessons in this course include atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, matter/energy conversion, stoichiometry, gases, acids, bases, solutions, chemical thermodynamics, rates of reactions, chemical equilibrium, nuclear processes, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. Experiments, mathematical calculations, and models are used to attain an understanding of the concepts. Tuition plus $60 lab materials fee. | Grades 9 – 12 Completion of Algebra 1 |
Onsite – P208 |
| Chemistry Honors | This course prepares students for Advanced Placement Chemistry, with more of an emphasis on depth and problem-solving than seen in Chemistry. Experiments, mathematical calculations and models are used to attain an understanding of the concepts. Students should only enroll in an honors class if they excel in that area and plan to do two to five hours of homework per night. Tuition plus $60 lab materials fee. | Grades 9 – 12 Completion of Geometry |
Onsite – H40 |
| Course | Description | Prerequisites |
Location/Teacher |
| Digital Photography | This course teacher students how to take well-composed photographs, while also discussing the history and evolution of film and photography. Emphasis will be placed on topics such as handling skills, compositional guidelines, utilization of light, and lens capabilities. Students will use advanced techniques to create images while going through the photographic process (contrast control, cropping, etc.) | Grades 9-12 |
Online |
| Drawing & Painting | This course explores aesthetic perceptions and develops skills for using visual arts media effectively. These skills will enhance the ability to interpret and communicate ideas, feeling, and values. Tuition plus $60 materials fee. | Grades 9-12 |
Onsite – S12 |
| Course | Description | Prerequisites |
Location/Teacher |
|
College Application Prep |
This three-week (one semester) workshop assists rising seniors in producing excellent college applications. Students focus on creating a balanced college list and writing outstanding college essays. The workshop runs for two hours each school day and there is also a great deal of virtual support provided. CAP is not a graded course for credit, and it can be taken concurrently with any online class. | Grade 12 |
Onsite – P220 Baranick/Hall/Blazevic Or Onsite – Room TBD Stapleton/Mindicino/Olson |
| Summer Algebra 1 & 2 Prep | This three-week (one semester) workshop helps students to prepare for Algebra 1 or 2 in the upcoming school year. This is an outstanding opportunity to learn the basic concepts and set yourself up for success in Algebra 1 or 2. The workshop runs for two hours each school day, and the teacher is available for support outside of those classroom hours. SAP is not a graded course for credit, and it can be taken concurrently with any online class. | Grades 9 -12 |
Onsite – S43 |