English Language Programs

Fay International Academic Camps


 

Fay Academic Camp Japan

Fay Academic Camp Japan

Fay Academic Camp (FAC) is open to students ages 10 - 14 regardless of their level of English proficiency. It’s the perfect summer program for students who are interested in developing their English skills in an American preparatory school setting focused on critical thinking, analytical reasoning, collaboration, and creativity.

This year, our academic camp will run for ten days as a boarding program (July 21-31, 2024) and will take place near Ichinomiya at a facility fully occupied by staff and students of the program. All classes are taught by full-time members of the faculty of Fay School, and boarding supervision is provided by Fay staff, Fay alumni, and local support staff.

Please note that this program is designed for students who are current residents of Japan for whom English is a second language. We will be accepting a limited number of international applications from other countries.

Courses

Teachers from Fay School will provide a ten-day classroom and boarding experience for Japanese students that will model classrooms in the U.S. Critical thinking, analytical reasoning, writing, reading comprehension, public speaking, and collaborative problem solving will be the focus during the day, and activities and enriching programs will fill the evenings and weekends.

Activities

Language immersion also takes place during family-style lunch, mini-advisory, and afternoon/evening activities. Modeled on Fay's "club" system, these activities encourage students to pursue their interests and to try new activities for the first time.

Our Team

As the oldest junior boarding school in the United States and home to middle school students during the school year, we are experts in making the experience a positive one for young adolescents. Our team is composed of Fay School’s faculty and staff, professionals in their fields. All are trained in their areas of expertise and focused on providing learning experiences for children that will help develop language skills and provide the foundation for a meaningful life.

Academic Program

At the beginning of the session, teachers assess each student’s skill level and place them into one of three levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each day, students participate in courses designed to improve their English writing, reading, and communication skills, with a focus on critical thinking and analytical reasoning. In addition to daily coursework, students are expected to complete homework each night. This program of academics and extracurricular activities models full immersion. Throughout FAC, teachers continually assess student progress and send home program updates. Teachers also provide an end-of-program written report on student progress.

2024 Program Information

Dates: July 21-31, 2024
Ages: 10-14

Sample Course Descriptions

List of 4 items.

  • Visual Storytelling

    The Visual Storytelling class focuses on the writing process and creativity. Students discover how to turn a folktale, tall tale, myth, or family event into a visual narrative. Using a story spine, students give their tale structure. They engage in the writing process, including feedback and revisions, and then they divide the story into sections for scenes to illustrate. The final “books” demonstrate student progress comprehension of character development, setting, conflict resolution, and self-expression through illustrations and written communication.
  • Inductive and Deductive Reasoning Through Mysteries

    In this workshop, students expand their ability to think critically, reason analytically, communicate clearly, broaden vocabulary, and make predictions. Students examine the elements that make up an interesting mystery and also solve a choice mystery by asking specific questions and narrowing down the possibilities until left with the only possible answer. Finally, students engage in an examination of an unsolved art heist through auditory and visual research. Learning how to organize research in writing is a focus.
  • Short Story Analysis - Themes of Identity and Belonging

    In this course, students use short stories as source material to explore the literary themes of identity, place, and belonging. Students read the stories, analyze writing style, write their own vignettes, compare and contrast themes in short stories with their own lives, and design a creative portfolio of their work. The goals of this course are for students to develop a deeper understanding of non-literal language in text, to practice critiquing writing, and to use their creativity to communicate their own identities.
  • Geometry and Modern Art

    In this course, students will examine the works of Sol Lewitt and Yoyoi Kusama. Both artists used the study of geometry and design to create their large-scale creations. Students will connect geometry skills, design, and color to the works of each artist. They will then analyze how math and art are interconnected in more than just the work of well known artists. This course will include both writing and creating geometric representations of color. Each student group will visit the work of each artist in Tokyo.

Daily Schedule

Sunday
Program introduction
Meet faculty
Move in

Daily Program
8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Academic immersion
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Activity and design time
4:30 - 9:00 PM
Residential life activities
Community dinner

Sunday
Field trips
Community adventures
Special meals
Study time

Final Day
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Academic immersion
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Student performance of understanding
"I have been so impressed with the English language instruction, the expert teachers, and the afternoon and weekend activities. My child has a much better understanding of what it will be like to attend an American boarding school."  ~ parent of English Immersion student
 

Want to learn more? Fill out the form below to receive information.

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.