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    Overview

    The St. John's College Summer Academy in Santa Fe is different: every class is driven by discussion. That means your questions and ideas play a central role. What’s more, our faculty depend on your participation to fuel the conversation. It’s a powerful, and empowering way to learn, grow, and prepare for college.

    Held in picturesque Santa Fe, New Mexico, the St. John's College Summer Academy provides an authentic, hands-on introduction to college, the liberal arts, and to St.  John's unique education.

    High school students ages 15 to 18 experience the distinctive learning community of St. John's College through an immersive, weeklong course of study. Students study compelling texts, art, and music and engage in stimulating discussions led by St. John's renowned faculty. 

    With exciting classroom activities and numerous field trips, the Summer Academy provides many opportunities to build friendships with like-minded peers both in and out of the classroom. Off-campus excursions are fun and provide a great introduction to the rich culture, history, and beauty of Northern New Mexico. 

    During the week, students attend small classes in three subject areas (seminar and lab, language, logic & rhetoric, math, or music) that are modeled on the college's Socratic teaching method. Participants are encouraged to think for themselves, to express their opinions, and to develop confidence in their intellectual abilities.

    Daily activities include workshops, study groups, and down-time for studying and hanging out with new friends. Students live in college dormitories alongside Resident Assistants--current or recently graduated St. Johns students--and eat in the campus dining hall.

    It's a busy week that is rewarding and fun! 

    Our sister campus in Annapolis, Maryland offers two weeks of exceptional Summer Academy programming--see St. John's College Summer Academy, Annapolis Pre-College to learn more.

    Cost and Session Information

    Summer Academy tuition is $1,400 per week. Tuition covers room, meals, books, activity fees, and cool St. John’s swag. An additional fee of $200.00 will be charged for weekend stays.

    A $200 deposit is required by May 1 to secure your place in the session(s) you wish to attend. The remaining tuition is due June 1. If you are attending multiple sessions a $200 deposit is needed per session you are signed up for. Online classes will require a deposit of $50/Session.

    Summer Academy 2025 dates and themes

    ANNAPOLIS

    A week with Pascal | June 22 - 27 (Annapolis)

    The Stoics |June 29 - July 4 (Annapolis)

    Nature and Law | July 6 - 11 (Annapolis)

    SANTA FE

    Technology and Transcendence | July 6 - 11 (Santa Fe)

    American Experiment | July 13 - 18 (Santa Fe)

    Shakespearean Drama and Poetry | July 20 - 25 (Santa Fe)    

    Summer Academy ONLINE ($200.00/week)

    Week 1, Monday, June 16 – Thursday, June 19th (12pm ET and 7:30pm ET)

    Week 2: Monday, June 23 – Thursday June 26th (12pm ET and 7:30pm ET)

    2025 online classes

    • Homer's, The Odyssey
    • Shakespearean plays: Julius Caesar and Antony & Cleopatra
    • James Baldwin's Short Stories & Essay
    • Charles Darwin's "The Voyage of the Beagle" (Science)

    *If you are interested in attending a session in Annapolis, MD please see the St. John's College, Summer Academy, Annapolis page.

    Testimonials(5)

    • I had a wonderful week at Summer Academy and I fully intend on returning next July. It was so great to meet people who all had at least one thing in common: The ability--or at least the desire--to have discussions without letting emotions take over. I feel like my eyes have been opened to a new way of life and learning. School doesn't have to be boring! That being said, participating in Seminar was a good reminder that, in both life and school, you get out what you put in. You have to show up, be ready, have an open mind, and give it your very best."

      - A Bolding - July 30, 2022

    • "I learned more about the liberal arts college experience, as well as what it means to study with a group of similarly passionate and highly motivated peers. If possible, I intend to return next year!"

      - HS - February 20, 2021

    • "The Summer Academy helped me get an understanding of 'college life'. It has helped me realize what I want regarding my future. These realizations are in regard to the people I want to surround myself with, where I'd like to go for college, and who I am as a scholar and an individual."

      - JP - February 20, 2018

    • "I learned to think and discuss my ideas and perspectives on the reading in a whole new way. Also, the tight knit community and high quality people made for an outstanding week both in and out of class."

      - MC - February 20, 2021

    • "I learned that others can be just as passionate about learning and nerdy and interesting as I dream of but doubted existed."

      - KQ - February 20, 2021
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