Scholars Academy

For Albany Academy students only

Math for Credit: Algebra
Math for Credit: Geometry
Math for Credit: Pre-Calculus
Dates: June 15 - July 24 (6 weeks)  |  8 - 11 a.m.

The Upper School will announce which math courses will be offered in May 2026. Check back at a later date for more information.

Finance Foundations: Money Skills for Life
Grades 9-12  | June 29-July 2 | 9 a.m. –12 p.m. | Fee: $200
Grades 9-12  | July 27- July 31 | 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Fee: $245
Instructor: Alison Stewart

Real‑life money skills every teen needs—starting now.

This hands‑on, practical program gives teens the financial confidence they need for the everyday decisions they’re already beginning to face: earning their first paycheck, managing spending, saving for big goals, buying a first car, using banking apps safely, and understanding how money really works in the real world.

Designed especially for high school students, this fast‑paced week builds real financial independence through simulations, role‑play challenges, and real‑life problem‑solving. Teens learn not just what to do with money, but why it matters—and how smart choices today set them up for freedom and success in the future. Students dive into:

• Spending, saving, and building a workable personal budget
• How to read a paystub and understand taxes
• Smart shopping, comparison pricing, and avoiding impulse spending
• Everyday banking, debit cards, mobile banking, and financial safety
• Understanding credit, interest, loans, and how debt works
• Planning for big purchases—like a car—and additional expenses involved (gas, insurance, maintenance, etc.)
• Basics of investing and long‑term saving (depth of study optional)
• Realistic college cost planning and avoiding student loan pitfalls (age‑appropriate, optional)

By the end of the week, every student walks away with a personalized money plan, real budgeting tools, and the confidence to make smart financial decisions now—and as they step into jobs, independence, and life beyond high school.

About the Instructor

Alison Stewart recently retired from a career teaching at The Lawrenceville School (NJ).  Whether Spanish, ESL, or humanities, Alison thrives on engaging students with a creative, high energy approach. At its best, learning should be fun as well as functional!  

Grades 6-8
July 13-17
1–4 p.m.
Fee: $245
Instructor: SPARK Business Academy*

Think you can build a championship team? Here’s your chance to prove it!

Designed for sports lovers, aspiring general managers, future team owners, and budding ESPN analysts, this hands‑on program pulls back the curtain on the business side of sports. Campers step into real decision‑maker roles as they participate in mock drafts across multiple sports, evaluate player talent, build rosters, and debate real‑world sports topics using strategy, data, and informed opinion.

Throughout the session, campers explore how teams are built, from drafting and trades to salary considerations, leadership roles, and long‑term planning. Group discussions, team challenges, and analyst‑style debates encourage campers to defend their choices, collaborate with peers, and think critically about what makes a winning organization on and off the field. The program emphasizes communication, strategic thinking, teamwork, and problem‑solving while tapping into campers’ passion for sports.

This class is ideal for students who love talking sports, enjoy friendly debate, and are curious about what happens behind the scenes long before game day.

Grades K-4 | June 15-18* | 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Fee: $375
Grades K-2 | Aug 10-14 | 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Fee: $465
Instructor: Ms. Vicky Yu, Albany Academy Lower School Faculty
*Albany Academy is closed on June 19th

Pack your bags and have your passport ready! In this vibrant weeklong cultural enrichment program, our Lower School students will journey across the continent of Asia. Travelers will be guided to explore the rich traditions, languages, art forms, and daily life of countries such as China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and more.

Each day highlights a different culture through hands ‑on activities that bring Asia’s stories to life. Students will learn simple Mandarin vocabulary and phrases from Ms. Yu, who is fluent and passionate about sharing her language. Campers will enjoy traditional songs and music, practice fun dance movements, and create beautiful crafts inspired by Asian art and design. Along the way, they’ll discover fascinating customs, try new creative projects, and even sample foods and flavors from across the region.

This lively, immersive camp emphasizes curiosity, cultural understanding, and joyful exploration. Students will leave the week with new knowledge, new skills, and a new appreciation for the people and traditions of Asia, plus plenty of keepsakes from their travels!

About the Instructor

Mrs. Yu joined Albany Academy in 2021 as a Teaching Assistant. She holds a degree in Library and Information Science from SUNY. Prior to her current role, she served as a librarian at an international school. Mrs. Yu also brings extensive experience teaching at the Albany Community Chinese School for many years.

Grades 2-4  | July 20-24 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Fee: $245
Instructor: SPARK Business Academy* 
Fee: $245

Step into the boardroom and take charge! 
In Junior CEOs, students become the leaders of some of the world’s most famous companies as they explore what it takes to run a business. Working together as executive teams, young entrepreneurs dive into real‑world case studies from companies like Coca‑Cola, McDonald’s, Under Armour, Nike, Tesla, Uber, and more.

Through hands‑on challenges and creative problem‑solving, students practice making strategic decisions, presenting their ideas, and thinking like future innovators. Whether they’re designing a new product, solving a marketing dilemma, or brainstorming ways to make a business more environmentally friendly, campers build confidence, teamwork, and a CEO‑level mindset. It’s leadership, creativity, and big‑picture thinking – all rolled into one exciting adventure in business!

Grades 9-12  | July 13-July 17 | 9 a.m. –12 p.m. 
Grades 9-12  | August 3-August 7 | 9 a.m. –12 p.m.
Instructor: Alison Stewart
Fee: $245

Spark big ideas. Find your voice.

Students step into the spotlight as fearless speakers, bold thinkers, and creative storytellers. This fast‑paced, high‑energy class is all about helping middle schoolers discover what inspires them and then turning those passions into WOW‑worthy TED‑style talks.

Students will dive into topics they care about, research their ideas, and learn the secrets behind unforgettable presentations. Through games, challenges, hands‑on workshops, and lots of encouraging practice, they’ll build the confidence to stand tall, speak clearly, and spark curiosity in everyone who listens. Along the way, students will:

• Become fearless speakers as they practice posture, presence, and powerful delivery
• Command the room with techniques for body language, voice projection, and audience connection
• Spark imagination through creative storytelling and personal voice
• Grow as researchers by exploring topics that genuinely excite them
• Think like innovators as they turn ideas into compelling narratives
• Collaborate and build confidence through peer feedback and supportive group activities
• Create a TED‑style talk that showcases their unique interest, idea, or passion

The session wraps up with our “Ignite Showcase”, where students are recorded as they take the stage and deliver their final talks, celebrating their courage, creativity, and growth. Perfect for any student who wants to level up their communication skills, explore their interests, or simply try something exciting and new. This class lights a spark… and helps it shine.

About the Instructor

Alison Stewart recently retired from a career teaching at The Lawrenceville School (NJ).  Whether Spanish, ESL, or humanities, Alison thrives on engaging students with a creative, high energy approach. At its best, learning should be fun as well as functional!  

Grades 2-4
August 10 - August 14
1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Instructor: SPARK Business Academy*
Fee: $245

Where big ideas meet tasty treats! 

In this engaging half-day program, students step into the role of young entrepreneurs as they imagine, design, and launch their very own food truck business. Campers select a food truck theme, create a brand identity, and design menus while learning how to estimate expenses, set prices, and project profits.

Along the way, students develop a simplified business plan that introduces core concepts such as budgeting, marketing strategy, and capital needs in an age-appropriate, hands-on way. Through creative problem-solving, collaboration, and real-world math skills, this program offers a fun and “tasty” introduction to entrepreneurship—building confidence, financial literacy, and business savvy in an exciting, project-based environment.