ACADEMY

A camp for academically talented and highly-motivated students who love to learn, for students completing grades 5-8

Thanks for another successful year at ACADEMY 2023! Check back for updates on ACADEMY 2024.

SOU Academy FB Cover 2023 1

Thank you to all participants for a fantastic ACADEMY 2023!

How do I Apply for ACADEMY?

Our ACADEMY 2023 camp has concluded. Check back next season for updates on ACADEMY 2024 applications!

ACADEMY students need one recommendation form from a teacher or school administrator. NEW students who are applying to ACADEMY for the first time will need a second recommendation which can be from an adult non-family member who has an educational relationship with the student (ie. another teacher, 4H leader, Scout leader, Coach, Pastor, Music Instructor, etc.)

ACADEMY Junior Counselor students need one recommendation from a teacher or school administrator.

Who is ACADEMY for?

ACADEMY is a camp experience tailored to the needs of academically talented and highly motivated students who love to learn. Participation is open to students who have completed grades 5-8 to explore a broad range of classes, cultural events, and recreational activities. ACADEMY provides an opportunity for intellectually curious youth who want to be around like-minded students and deepen their love of learning.

ACADEMY students exhibit the ability to quickly explore topics in great depth and often require stimulation beyond that which is provided by the regular school system. In addition to having a 3.4 GPA or equivalent, students should demonstrate above-average measured intelligence, proven leadership ability, special talents, exceptional ability in the visual and performing arts, and/or unusual creative or productive thinking.

Click here for Junior Counselor information and Senior Counselor information.

What is ACADEMY?

ACADEMY is in its 42nd year! ACADEMY is a week-long residential camp and has long been recognized as an outstanding educational opportunity for students in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Students that are accepted into the program join us on campus to be challenged by creative and imaginative instructors, peers, and activities. Students have the opportunity to attend engaging classes in topics such as: Mock Trial, Japanese Art and Culture, Creative Coding, Fencing, Chemistry, Ancient Civilizations, and more. An annual theme that cultivates leadership skills and civic engagement underpins the week's activities. Students also attend evening workshops, recreation activities, and a performance at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Staff carefully supervise and mentor the 10-12 person living groups.

When is ACADEMY?

ACADEMY occurs annually, usually during the last full week of June. What better way to kick off summer than with ACADEMY? The week begins with check-in on Sunday evening with classes occurring Monday through Friday. The traditional daily schedule includes classes on a wide variety of topics, workshops built around the year's theme, and creative recreational and cultural activities. ACADEMY concludes with a closing ceremony and check-out on Saturday morning.

Already Accepted for ACADEMY?

Upon notification of acceptance, students are prompted to complete the ACADEMY acceptance paper work and provide tuition payment. Note that tuition payments are not required until notification of acceptance.

Tuition for ACADEMY

ACADEMY is a self-supporting program funded through student tuition. For 2023, regular student tuition was $950. Tuition for Junior Counselors was $675. The tuition covers housing and meals for the week as well as all instruction, activities, and supervision. Read more about tuition assistance on our FAQ page.