Academic Adventures


 

This summer, join academically motivated and curious students from around the country and the world on the campus of Fay School, the premiere junior boarding school in the United States.


Give boarding school a try!

Curious about what it’s like to be a boarding student? Academic Adventures is a great way to discover what boarding life is like. 

Discover a new interest - or dive deeper into your passions!

Have you ever wanted to learn more about a topic, but don't have time during the school year? Summer is the perfect time to explore your interests and develop new passions, and our courses offer something exciting for everyone. Academic Adventures is also perfect for students looking to dive deeper into a specific interest through fun and meaningful projects.

Have fun!

Our courses are designed to be fun and engaging, but during each day Academic Adventure campers also have time to enjoy our swimming pools and adventure course, and to participate in our traditional day camp activities. The weekends also offer fun activities and day trips to local attractions.

 

Program Details

Academics

Academic Adventures is a boarding and enrichment experience that provides opportunity for adolescents to make lasting friendships, build independence, and participate in learning that is hands-on, meaningful—and fun.
 
Students in Academic Adventures take three courses: Fay Forensics, a science/technology course; Vox Inventum, a humanities/language course; and Fay School’s signature Creators Class. These 60-minute classes are hands-on learning labs, where students are actively involved in fun projects that can lead to a deeper understanding of the subject area and conjure excitement about new ideas. 

Extracurriculars

Students spend a part of each day participating in traditional camp activities, which can include swimming, ropes courses, sports and games, arts and crafts, drama, and music.

Weekends

On the weekends, Academic Adventures students take off-campus trips to various New England locations, which may include adventures in nearby Boston or visits the beach or other local attractions.

Location

FaySummer’s Academic Adventures Program takes place on Fay School’s 66-acre campus in Southborough, Massachusetts, USA, 25 miles from Boston and 190 miles from New York City. During the school year, Fay serves students in Kindergarten - Grade 9, with an optional boarding program for Grades 7-9. Our 150 boarding students come from across the US and 25+ countries. As the first junior boarding school in the US, we are experts in middle school, and our well-prepared graduates go on to top secondary schools around the world. Click here to learn more about Fay School.

Facilities

Academic Adventure participants have access to all of Fay School's state-of-the-art facilities, including two pools, athletic fields, tennis courts, gyms, indoor rock climbing wall, outdoor adventure course, theater, visual arts center, and a Center for Creativity and Design. Student stay in comfortable, air-conditioned dormitories, in double or triple rooms. Dorm parents live in the dorms, providing 24-hour supervision and care. Students enjoy family-style meals in Fay’s historic dining room, where students have access to an array of nutritious options.
 

Our Team

Our team is composed of Fay School’s faculty and staff, teachers from the local community, professionals in their fields, and college students who have experience working with children.

 

Course Descriptions

Fay Forensics:  Solving Mysteries Through Science

In this hands-on STEM class, students solve an imaginary crime by conducting scientific experiments that mirror the work of modern-day forensic scientists. Students conduct investigations such as dusting for fingerprints, isolating a DNA “footprint”, using chromatology to identify different inks, or analyzing fibers to locate their source. Students learn what forensic scientists do to gather data: they interview witnesses, talk with experts, gather clues, and collect the evidence they need to solve the mystery. Students strengthen key scientific skills of observation, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, while also honing their presentation and communication skills.
 

Vox Inventum: Finding Your Voice Through Writing

Harness the power of the written word to tell your story! In this class, student writers explore writing genres from poetry and short stories to persuasive and analytical essays, as they create written pieces that reflect their individuality. Students read examples of great writing and then dive in to draft their own pieces, using a writer’s workshop format to brainstorm, draft, share, and revise their work. Students broaden their vocabulary and develop tools that they can use in future writing projects, from school assignments to college essays. As they share their presentations, they also develop public speaking skills. Final pieces will be shared in a literary anthology at the end of the session.
 

Creators Class

 All Academic Adventures students participate in Fay School’s signature Creativity and Design program, which takes place in Fay’s state-of-the-art Center for Creativity and Design, a 7,000 square foot space where students have access to sophisticated tools for making creative ideas and designs a reality, including CNC routers, laser cutters, and 3D printers. Students engage in the design thinking process of brainstorming, iterating, making, and refining as they create their own 2D and 3D projects.

2026 Dates & Rates

4-Week Program
Dates: Sunday, July 12 - Friday, August 7
Cost: $8,400

2-Week Programs
Session 1
Dates: Sunday, July 12 - Friday, July 24
Cost: $4,200

Session 2
Dates: Sunday, July 26 - Friday, August 7
Cost: $4,200

A merit scholarship of $2,000 is available for a select number of highly qualified applicants. More information is available when you apply.

 

Meet our Team

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  • Paul Abeln - Program Director

    Dr. Paul Abeln has worked at Fay since 2012 and currently serves as the Director of International Relations. In this role, he has worked with Fay students, families, and alumni, traveling on behalf of Fay to the Dominican Republic, China, and Korea, and Japan. Dr. Abeln previously served as English Department Chair, where he developed curriculum, oversaw faculty, and mentored teachers for the School’s English, Language Arts, and ELP programs from kindergarten through grade nine. He earned his Ph.D. in American and Comparative Literature from Washington University, and his bachelor’s degree from Villanova University.

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  • Mark Evans - Creators Class Instructor

    Mark holds a bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University's Peabody School of Education and a master of arts degree from the National Theatre Conservatory. He joined the Fay community in 2023, and prior to that he led innovative educational programs and classes at Catholic Memorial, Beaver Country Day, and Rising Tide Charter School. He also worked at Liberty Mutual Insurance for over 16 years, where he honed skills in marketing, product development, innovation, training, and continuous improvement. Mark is known for his infectious enthusiasm and passion for innovation, and he is on a mission to inspire students and faculty to push the boundaries of creativity and design. Mark’s goal is simple: to create a space where creativity knows no bounds, and every person’s voice can find expression through their unique talents and perspectives.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Once I have applied, what is the process for notification and registration?

    Fay Academic Adventures applicants may be asked to submit a brief essay or sit for a brief interview to assess language skills and fluency.  Upon receipt of the application, students will receive a notification itemizing specific next steps.  While admissions is handled on a rolling basis, most students will receive decisions within two weeks of applying.

  • What does a student's typical day look like during the program?

    A sample weekday schedule for Academic Adventure students is below.

    8:00 - 8:30 AM - Breakfast
    8:30 - 9:15 AM - Morning Meeting / Advisory
    9:15 - 10:15 AM - Class 1
    10:15 - 10:35 AM - Recess and Snack
    10:35 - 11:35 AM - Class 2
    11:35 - 11:50 AM - Recess and Snack
    11:50 AM - 12:50 PM - Class 3
    12:50-1:30 PM - Lunch
    1:30 - 3:30 PM - Camp activities
    3:30 - 4:15 - Swimming or Field Games
    4:15 - 5:30 PM - Dorm Time
    5:50 - 6:30 PM - Dinner
    6:30 - 8:00 PM - Evening Activities
    8:00 - 9:00 PM - Dorm and Tech Time
    9:00 - 9:30 PM - Prep for Bed
    9:30 PM - Lights out!

  • Will I have the opportunity to engage in activities outside of FaySummer’s programs while in Southborough?

    In order to maximize the camp experience, enrolled students in Academic Adventures are expected to participate fully in camp academic and extracurricular activities, which include workshops, arts, athletics, swimming, adventure courses, team-building, and sightseeing trips to Boston and other nearby destinations of note.  Outside/independent activities are not permitted.

  • Can I attend if I am not a native English speaker?

    Academic Adventures welcomes students who are ages 10 to 15 and are completely fluent in English. International students who wish to apply to Academic Adventures are required to submit a 300-word essay and may also be asked to sit for a brief Zoom interview.

    FaySummer seeks the best candidates from a variety of backgrounds to enhance the cultural diversity of our summer program. Early submission is important as space for the program is limited.  Current Fay students receive priority consideration.

    We review all applications as soon as they are submitted, and you will receive notification of your application status within two weeks. Upon acceptance of your application, we will supply you with the link to complete your registration and payment. 

  • What type of visa do students need?

    International students attending our overnight programs are able to enter the United States on a B-2 visitor visa. A visitor visa (B-2) is sufficient to participate in our program because, according to the U.S. government, a person is allowed to enroll in a recreational enrichment course of 18 hours or less. 

  • Which immunizations and exams are required to attend?

    All students must be examined by a licensed physician within the 13 months leading up to the start of Academic Adventures. All students will be required to submit, accurately completed in English and signed by a physician, a health record, a permission to treat form, a record of physical exam, and a record of immunization.

    All Academic Adventures participants must be fully immunized under U.S. Department of Public Health requirements prior to arriving on campus.

    Please contact the Fay Health Office for more information at 508-490-8228.

  • Can family members visit campus?

    If parents/guardians wish to take students off campus, they must make the appropriate arrangements with FaySummer. It is important that students become fully integrated into our programs, develop relationships with their peers and dorm parents, and also immerse themselves fully in the programs; we ask that families respect our visitation policy. We ask all students to participate in all our activities; however, we allow for visits on the following occasions:
     
    Weekdays: Monday through Thursday between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. Please call or email to arrange visits with the Director.
     
    Weekends: Students enjoy participating in our weekend activities, so please call or email the Director in advance to arrange visits and to confirm the best times when your child will be on campus from Friday afternoon through Sunday evening.

  • Is there transportation from the airport to campus?

    We can provide families with a list of our trusted concierge services so they can book transportation if needed. Please contact Sam Renshaw for more details at srenshaw@fayschool.org or 508-490-8247.

  • What are your refund policies?

    A non-refundable deposit is due upon registration. Any families deciding to cancel their registration prior to June 1, 2026 will receive a full refund minus the non-refundable deposit. There are no refunds for families that decide to cancel after the June 1, 2026 deadline. If FaySummer cancel a program for any reason, a full refund will be provided.
"I loved my Academic Adventures classes and made a lot of new friends. I loved meeting kids from around the world, and I can’t wait to see everyone next summer!" - Academic Adventures student 

"Attending Fay Academic Adventures was an incredible experience for my daughter. She came home full of excitement, sharing wonderful stories about her classes and all the new friends she had made from around the world. She treasures those memories and has been talking about how much she would love to come back to Fay again." - Academic Adventures parent

Stay Updated on FaySummer News and Events

FaySummer

Summer Camp Programs for ages 3-15
48 Main Street, Southborough, MA 01772 | 508.490.8371 | summer@fayschool.org 
Learn about Fay School

FaySummer complies with regulations of the MDPH and is licensed by the Town of Southborough Board of Health.