Do summer programs at Mid-Peninsula High School offer college credit?

Not quite college credit, but students can earn high school credit through certain summer courses. Here’s how it works: if a student takes four classes in one approved subject area like English, World Studies, Biology, or Environmental Science, they can earn a semester’s worth of high school credit. It’s a great option for those looking to stay on track, catch up, or even get ahead before fall. Just make sure the courses are labeled “for credit” when signing up. Not every class qualifies, so it’s worth double-checking. Think of it as productive summer learning that still leaves room for ice cream and sleeping in.

Can non–Mid-Peninsula students join the summer programs?

Yes, absolutely. You don’t have to be a Mid-Peninsula student to take part in the summer fun. The program is open to all rising 9th through 12th graders who are ready to learn something new, explore cool topics, or earn a little academic credit while they’re at it. Whether you're local, new to the area, or just looking for a fresh summer experience, you're welcome to sign up. Classes are small and supportive, and everyone’s treated like part of the crew. It’s a great way to meet new people, learn something useful, and still enjoy your summer break without sacrificing all your beach time.

Can middle schoolers join the summer program?

The short answer is no. Mid-Peninsula’s summer program is designed for rising 9th through 12th graders only. The courses are built around high school-level material, and the pace is geared toward students who are already in or about to start high school. While middle schoolers might be curious, the content is probably a bit too advanced at this stage. The good news is that once students finish 8th grade, they’re eligible to jump in the following summer. Until then, there are plenty of other great programs out there for middle schoolers who want to keep learning, creating, and exploring over the break.

What if the student gets sick and can’t attend for a few days?

Life happens, especially in summer. If your student is taking a class for credit, they can miss up to two days without any issues. But if they’re out for more than that, they won’t be able to earn credit for the course. For students taking classes just for enrichment or prep, it’s no big deal. A missed day here or there won’t affect anything. Still, it’s a good idea to plan ahead if there’s a vacation or camp on the calendar. That way, your student can learn something new and still make it to that long weekend at the lake.

DragonWeek at Mid-Peninsula High School: Where Curiosity Takes Center Stage

At Mid-Peninsula High School, learning doesn’t stick to a script. Every spring, DragonWeek flips the academic calendar on its head and invites students to press pause, take a deep breath, and jump into something completely different. Want to hike through Joshua Tree? You can. Want to tour Vienna with your history class? Yup. Want to make a belt in a blacksmithing workshop? That too. This is real-world learning that doesn’t come with a grade but does come with memories, messy hands, and maybe even a few blisters.

Experiential Learning Opportunities That Go Beyond the Classroom

DragonWeek is all about turning curiosity into action. Sure, textbooks are great, but have you ever traced human rights movements through San Francisco’s Castro District or learned about disability activism at the public library? In the History of Human Rights in the Bay Area course, students explore marginalized communities not by reading about them but by visiting the very places that shaped them.

Meanwhile, students enrolled in The Art of Cooking don’t just chop and stir for fun. They get schooled in knife skills by a French chef, tour a farm-to-table kitchen, and figure out how to grocery shop like a champ without blowing a budget. There’s even a segment on global cuisines, so your palate gets a passport too.

Hands-On Programs That Inspire Creativity and Adventure

If your idea of school involves hiking boots and stargazing, Joshua Tree Hiking & Camping is your kind of classroom. Students spend the week hiking up to eight miles a day, boulder-hopping by sunlight, and gazing at star-filled skies by night. Phones are off. Minds are on.

Not into desert life? No problem. Maybe you’d rather fly to Chicago and explore modern art and architecture, or stay on campus and master clay-throwing, leather-stitching, and yes, even blacksmithing in Throw, Pound, Cut, Stitch. That’s right, actual blacksmithing. You haven’t lived until you’ve pounded steel into something awesome.

DragonWeek isn’t just a school tradition. It’s a celebration of doing, making, discovering, and adventuring. Mid-Pen doesn’t believe in cookie-cutter learning, and DragonWeek proves it every single year.

Need a Hand? Cardinal Education Can Strengthen Your Admission!

Interested in the many amazing opportunities at Mid-Peninsula High School? The independent admissions consultants at Cardinal Education can offer expert guidance on private school admissions, helping students apply to top private schools like Mid-Peninsula High School. With academic coaching, test prep, and private school admissions support, we ensure students present themselves as top candidates!

For expert insights on maximizing your child’s chances at Mid-Peninsula High School, contact us today and let our experts guide you through the process.

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Exploring Summer Programs at Mid-Peninsula High School

Find Your People at Mid-Peninsula High School: Best Clubs and Events

Frequently Asked Questions

Do summer programs at Mid-Peninsula High School offer college credit?
Not quite college credit, but students can earn high school credit through certain summer courses. Here’s how it works: if a student takes four classes in one approved subject area like English, World Studies, Biology, or Environmental Science, they can earn a semester’s worth of high school credit. It’s a great option for those looking to stay on track, catch up, or even get ahead before fall. Just make sure the courses are labeled “for credit” when signing up. Not every class qualifies, so it’s worth double-checking. Think of it as productive summer learning that still leaves room for ice cream and sleeping in.
Can non–Mid-Peninsula students join the summer programs?
Yes, absolutely. You don’t have to be a Mid-Peninsula student to take part in the summer fun. The program is open to all rising 9th through 12th graders who are ready to learn something new, explore cool topics, or earn a little academic credit while they’re at it. Whether you’re local, new to the area, or just looking for a fresh summer experience, you’re welcome to sign up. Classes are small and supportive, and everyone’s treated like part of the crew. It’s a great way to meet new people, learn something useful, and still enjoy your summer break without sacrificing all your beach time.
Can middle schoolers join the summer program?
The short answer is no. Mid-Peninsula’s summer program is designed for rising 9th through 12th graders only. The courses are built around high school-level material, and the pace is geared toward students who are already in or about to start high school. While middle schoolers might be curious, the content is probably a bit too advanced at this stage. The good news is that once students finish 8th grade, they’re eligible to jump in the following summer. Until then, there are plenty of other great programs out there for middle schoolers who want to keep learning, creating, and exploring over the break.
What if the student gets sick and can’t attend for a few days?
Life happens, especially in summer. If your student is taking a class for credit, they can miss up to two days without any issues. But if they’re out for more than that, they won’t be able to earn credit for the course. For students taking classes just for enrichment or prep, it’s no big deal. A missed day here or there won’t affect anything. Still, it’s a good idea to plan ahead if there’s a vacation or camp on the calendar. That way, your student can learn something new and still make it to that long weekend at the lake.