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2025 Summer Program

We are excited to announce that Orinda Academy is offering two courses for our 2025 summer program. The courses in the summer program satisfy Orinda Academy's college preparatory elective requirement and/or the Visual and Performing Art (VPA) requirement. Both of these courses are intensive and rigorous, and specifically designed with neurodiverse students in mind.

The courses in this program are open to all San Francisco Bay Area high school students and may possibly fulfill your student's VPA/college elective credit. Space is limited, so be sure to read the course descriptions and submit your interest near the bottom of this page!

Python Programming:
Introduction to Computer Science and Game Design

PRICE:
$4000 per student

INSTRUCTOR:
David H. Nguyen, PhD

CREDITS: 5 UC A-G Elective Credits

DATES:
June 16 - August 1 (No classes June 30 - July 4)

TIME: 3 hours a day, 5 days a week

SESSION ONE: 9 AM - 12 PM

SESSION TWO: 2 PM - 5 PM (depending on demand)

TOPICS:

Fundamentals of Computer Science

The Python Programming Language

Game Design via Python

Best Practices for Coding

Create YOUR OWN Video Game!

All images created by Lisa Foote

Photography Intensive:
History and Methods of Landscape, Nature, and Travel Photography

PRICE:
$4950 - $6950 per student; final price dependent on travel*

INSTRUCTOR:
Lisa Foote, BA, MFA

CREDITS: 10 UC A-G Elective Credits

DATES:
July 7 - August 8

TIME: 3.5 hours a day— 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM—5 days a week

Description:

This course is an in-depth exploration photographic and artistic concepts, and their applications of a photographer’s personal work in the natural environment. Participants will students will produce a portfolio of work by the end of the course.  

After a brief history of landscape, nature, and travel photographers, students will learn the fundamental what, why, when, and how in choosing controls on digital cameras. 

In completing various assignments, students will also understand the purpose of different lenses and photographic techniques, and learn basic digital image processing including black and white methods. 

The class will include several outings including a weeklong trip in July to Peru*, including the Amazon and Machu Picchu. Orinda Academy will provide the necessary equipment for this class, with students only needing their own SD cards (32 GB minimum) and external hard drive.

*A minimum number of students is required to travel to Peru.  If the minimum is not met, a replacement trip to the Pacific Northwest will occur.

Summer Program Interest Form

Required

Yes, I am interested inĀ the summer program at Orinda Academy and wish to attendĀ the information session via Zoom on Thursday, March 6th at 7 PM.
My student is interested in the following courses:
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