FAQ
Who will be teaching my child?
Our teachers have a variety of backgrounds, from current and retired public and private school teachers, to university professors and advanced graduate students. All of our teachers have extensive experience working with children, and are well-versed in their respective subjects.
The UW campus is huge – should I be worried that my child will get lost?
Summer Challenge students are supervised at all times by teachers and/or teaching assistants. We even have extra chaperones for any field trips, so the chances of a child being lost are very small. There is a cell phone in every classroom, so the teachers can stay in contact with the Robinson Center when necessary.
It was interesting to receive the comments from the teachers that our son became more engaged as the class progressed. I think this is in large part due to the challenge of the content and the skill of the teachers in keeping the kids engaged.
In this environment he has found the subject matter interesting, and he needs to pay attention to be able to fully participate. His comment at the end of the class is “Why can’t I take classes like that during the school year?”
– Summer Challenge Parent
Can my child receive school credit for Summer Challenge?
Summer Challenge courses are not designed to replace a regular school course. Most classes are multi-disciplinary and pull from many different school subjects, along with some subjects not taught in most schools.
It’s summer. Shouldn’t my child be having fun?
Summer Challenge classes are fun! The vast majority of students have a great time at Summer Challenge. The classes are designed to include a lot of activities and projects, and some of the classes take fantastic field trips.
I work full time. How can I arrange to pick up my child at 2:20?
Students may participate in our on-campus after-class program after 2:20, but must be picked up no later than 4:30pm. Registration for this program is $150 (non-refundable). Space may be limited. We do not recommend that Summer Challenge students take the bus to campus on their own, unless they are already comfortable taking Metro.
What if my child has a medical condition or severe allergies?
We will do our best to accommodate your child’s needs. Parents will complete a detailed medical form so that teachers and Robinson Center staff will be aware of any relevant medical issues. You can also contact the teacher directly if you have further concerns.
Will my child have homework?
Summer Challenge students will not have extensive homework assignments. However, you should expect, depending on the class, occasional homework assignments.